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Hi, i'm 2 months pregnant and a solo parent i want to work but no company here in our country accept pregnant women...i am a degree holder, i've been working before as an accounting clerk and then a call center agent..where do can i ask help...thanks and more power..
This is a awesome article.. I truly respect this... Thank You SO much!!
I am director of the Dominican Network of youth living with HIV / AIDS, we are working for safe motherhood from the perspective of young people living with HIV / AIDS (JVVS), where from our institution for sexual rights advocate responsible breeding, this has led to a change in the sexual reproductive health law, but the most important of them know the decision makers who are there, we have the same rights to sexual and reproductive life
We have achieved
We have developed an advocacy plan to have the following results:
Awareness of health personnel.
The significant reduction in vertical transmission
Gender equity
Dominican authorities see us as rights agent.
And will continue to advocate for JVVS ls because nothing for young people without young
Check the videos from the 4th UNAOC forum. Jeffry Sachs on youth:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xn12q3_interview-jeffrey-sachs-at-the-4th-unaoc-forum_news#rel-page-under-2
The youth needs to face the reality of hiv, we need easier ways and steps to find out information on HIV, was browsing the other day and came across a great website filled with information on HIV and AIDS , here is the sites address go and check it out: www.hivaidsguide.com
I wish you all the best in all your efforts. I am a an Egyptian currently in the USA and would love to help in any way I can.
SEE THE 23 PLURAL+ 2011 AWARDED VIDEOS:
http://www.unaoc.org/pluralplus/winning-videos/plural-2011/
CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORGANIZE A PUBLIC SCREENING.
THANKS!
Hi... This is a fairly interesting topic, and if I may, I would just like to express some of the things that are happening in some schools through the experience of friends and relatives alike...
There are schools and catholic universities that do not expel unmarried pregnant students and there are those that do. However, I believe that these things are taken on a case to case basis. For example, Catholic schools may require the female student to wed her partner in exchange for continuing school that semester, especially if the student/s involved are open to such arrangements -- with parental consent, of course. If in any case that the student is not amenable to this condition, then another option is set that requires the student to go on leave for such time -- go to classes while her "tummy" still doesn't show, and when it does start to show, take a leave for the rest of the semester and come back after giving birth.
Many of the Catholic schools now follow some sort of arrangement just like that mentioned above, and I praise these schools for the understanding they give to the student, as there is still a "Christianity" in their actions towards the person involved. However, I also agree that those schools who do not even give a single consideration to these kids be condemned, as they really are doing more harm that helping the student by denying her the capacity to provide a better life for her and her child...
There are and should be limitations and standards set - YES, of course - but it should not mean that we can just start discriminating against other women - especially with the kind of generation that we have now. Women in this case is only half - even a fourth of the problem. It always takes two to tango, so what of their partners? Shouldn't they carry the burden together? And what of the academic system? The parents? There will always be some sort of liability to all parties involved and affected, but in this battle, it is the soon-to-be mother and her child that is left to suffer - which should not be the case...
Its real, we are living in a time that Social Media plays important role on our lives. With this we are lunching a campaign to promote contraceptive education and awareness while promoting Family Planning among young people using social media in Nigeria. Details will follow later.
[...] un altro post sul sito Conversations for a better world, Ahmed parla delle conseguenze della rivoluzione del 25 gennaio sull'HIV/AIDS. Spiega che il [...]
Thanks for sharing this crisp read. 2015 is not to far and social media is not to away. In last few years we have connected social media benefit with all possible cause. Let it be national disaster like japan earth quack or Political turmoil like Jasmin revolution. Undoubtedly social media has given power to mass and this can be leverage for Millennium development goal as well.Its best fund rising tool and Social awareness medium for digital society. Only questions which arise in my mind is How many people in remote African or poor countries owns mobile or have access for internet.All those who are tweeting about malaria already literate enough to understand Malaria . How can we connect them with social media ? How can we develop self sustainable social media strategy .
[...] another blog post for the site Conversations for a Better World, Ahmed writes about what has happened to the issue of HIV/AIDS after the January 25 Revolution. He describes how the new government decided to stop certain programs that aimed to educate and [...]
I would like to learn more on how best we can engane the youth more and more
We the youth always have a power to say within our self. But someone needs to induce the mind of the young people. Thats the way the media acts with its role.Now see the impact of social media and how its reflects the opinions of youth from different parts of the world .Thanks for hosting such a wonderful contest which helped us to raise our voice
Yes, media makes a difference. Because most of what we know, most of our perceptions, most of our knowledge, is actually filtered through media representations of the world. What we understand as the truth, is, most of the times, a media construction, a representation. But media needs distribution, needs to be seen. And that's the + of PLURAL+. It's not just a festival, it's a platform for the distribution of youth voices on these relevant and very pressing issues.
i recently had some discussions with a group of young women on issues concerning family planning and the use of contraceptives, to my surprise 50% do not use contraceptives.They insist that information and accessibility is a major problem and all agreed that they were all at risk for unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
i believe strongly that credible information from all sources-family, friends, Mass media,schools, churches and health centers(Doctors/health workers should do more than just writing down prescriptions but should include more counselling).young people should be informed on the use of contraceptions. they are afraid to talk about sex but they want to have sex therefore they need accurate information on the use of contraceptions.
for the women of Nigeria where i come from,there is need for information on the importance of family planning, if women access education, plan their families the economy will benefit. MDGs achieved.
One basic fact remains that illiteracy in Nigeria is a major challenge.young people need to be informed on issues regarding sexual and reproductive health and know their rights;they have the right to walk into a health center and demand for contraception without fear but filled with the knowledge that they are on the right path to preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
a lack of information is a major problem, Myths and misconceptions concerning the use of contraceptions also play a big part.young people are afraid to talk about sex and yet many of them want to have sex.
let us work towards giving credible and accurate information on the use of contraceptions to young people in view that both sexes need to work together for them to succeed.
Thanks for putting your article together. We reference and link to it in this story on worldandmedia.com:
http://www.worldandmedia.com/somalia/media-inattention-towards-horn-of-africa-crisis-qinconceivableq-and-qwrongq-2209.html
WHY YOUNG PEOPLE IN GREEN AND WHITE ARE NOT LIVING THEIR LIVES… NO CONTRACEPTIVES…
“I had a dream to be the best that I can at anything I want to be….I couldn’t because I became a mother at 15 years. I never wanted the baby. Now, I have to cope with the demands of being a mother without going to school. That is not the life I wanted”…..*Anne
“I thought it was cool to have as many girlfriends as I wanted. Nobody ever told me what to do to keep them from getting pregnant. Today I’m living with HIV and I also have a child. I get all the blame. That’s not the life I wanted”….*Bayo
“I envy women who have gone to school….they have cars and wear nice dresses…I can’t because I got married at the age of 13 years and now I have 6 children at 25 years…..Now I want a better life.. How do I get it?”…..*Surraya
These voices echo those of Nigerian Youths who don’t have access to basic reproductive health choices today. They were never told what contraceptives were all about, where to get them, how to get them and how to use them….Then the big question; Why are they denied the right to decide freely and responsibly when to start having sexual relationships, having children and the number they want? The answers are not far-fetched and it is important we bring them to fore today on World Contraception Day.
Although Nigeria has about 31% of its 150 million people between 10-24 years, political commitments to protect their sexual and reproductive wellbeing are not tangible. The National Adolescent Health Policy was developed in 1995 followed closely by the National Adolescent Reproductive Health Strategic Framework in 1999 to provide technical guidelines that will facilitate translation of the policy into actionable plans. Ironically, the National Health bill which will create an auspicious atmosphere to actualize these policy and action plan is still gridlocked in executive bureaucracy. Mirroring poor legislative protection of protect young people’s right to contraceptive education and service provision.
Financial indifference to reproductive health services is congruent with existing lack of political will since these policies and action plans are yet to be matched with investments. Presently, public health expenditure in Nigeria is below 2% of the GDP giving a picture of how poorly financed reproductive health services are at the moment. Worsening the scenario is dwindling donor funds dedicated to sexual and reproductive health particularly family planning in the past decade. Consequently, they are very few facilities on ground to deliver basic contraceptive services and inadequate mechanisms to sustain reproductive health supplies (particularly contraceptives) in most parts of the country. Over the years, government hasn’t scale up on the 9 youth friendly reproductive health centers in the country being provided by Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria. With too few youth friendly services, young people have to travel far distances to get contraceptives.
Another germane issue denying young people access to comprehensive contraceptive care is the critical shortage of health workers. Africa has only 3% of the world’s doctors, nurses and midwives. Reaching adolescent at the grassroots will require health care task sharing with well trained and motivated community health extension workers to educate and mobilize young people to accept contraceptives. This is particularly important in hard to reach areas with very few skilled professional health workers. In turn they should be supported by qualified doctors and midwives domiciled in health facilities to help achieve universal access to contraceptives. But with very few health workers across all cadres coupled with existing inequities in their distributions the outlook for Nigerian Youths is gloomy in this regard. Moreover, personal assumptions, cultural and religious ideologies prevent health workers from being friendly to youths when they come forward to ask for contraceptives. Young people are not at ease coming to health facilities and discussing their life’s circumstances/choice with such health workers.
Religious, cultural and social norms maintain a recondite view of sexuality. Youths who are outspoken about their sexuality are stigmatized and labeled “amoral or promiscuous”. To conform to these perceived standards of morality, young people restrain from discussing and sharing information on contraceptives. Parents and adults equally shy away from providing life skills mentoring for young people on sexual and reproductive health issues. Pro-Life stance by some religious organizations openly prohibits the use of contraceptives including condoms. Didactic “Abstinence only” educational programs are promoted without equipping young people with adequate information and alternatives to make sexual and reproductive health choices. For instance, Zip Up, an abstinence promoting advert targeted at youths ran on Nigerian TV and radios for years without giving young people enough education on how to maintain abstinence, financial autonomy and alternative avenues to exert their creative energy. Worse still, other forms of contraceptives and basic information on Sexually Transmitted Infections were not promoted on the same scale. This is substantiated by the fact that at the time this advert was running only 57% of Nigeria’s young people had adequate information on how HIV spreads and the rate of adolescent pregnancy didn’t reduce.
Other prevailing issues that militate against young people’s access to contraceptives in Nigeria include child marriage, transactional sex, gender based violence and stigmatization of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered. About 16% of adolescents in Nigeria are married. Child marriage is permitted by most cultures in Nigeria and young people are forced into marriage for economic reasons. Early marriage perpetuates the inability of women to make autonomous reproductive health decisions as it limits access to schooling, social networks, financial independence and other resources a woman needs to exercise her sexual and reproductive rights. Young Nigerian women living slightly above or below the poverty line are forced into transactional sex daily to improve their economic circumstances and meet their daily needs. Such transactional sexual relationships deny women the right to negotiate safe sex. A cloak of silence has been placed on gender based violence despite advocacy by human rights groups on the pervasive nature of the problem in the Nigeria. Policymakers, health professionals and donors are yet to effectively integrate gender based violence into family planning programs in Nigeria, making it difficult for survivors to get basic information and access these services. Vulnerable groups like people who have sex with same sex are left out in the design and implementation of most contraceptive services for religious, cultural or political reasons, denying them access to contraceptive education and services.
At this point where we have only 4 years left to achieve the millennium development goals and the World’s population hits 7 billion, we need to make concerted efforts to ensure that issues which affect young people and deny them the rights to achieve their full potential and live fulfilled lives are addressed using evidence based and multidisciplinary approaches. Our government should assert their leadership and ownership of adolescent reproductive health care by establishing more Youth Friendly Centers manned by well trained and youth friendly health workers to deliver contraceptive guidance to young people. Nigerians need to dispel religious and cultural barriers that hold young people at ransom when it comes to contraceptive choice. Steps should be taken to make sure that young people get all the information they need on contraceptives before sexual debut. Measures should be taken to protect young people from early marriage, gender based violence and stigmatization.
EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE IN GREEN AND WHITE TO LIVE THEIR LIVES, KNOW THEIR RIGHTS AND LEARN ABOUT CONTRACEPTIVES.
*not their real name
Lack of information and the perception/attitude of adults are the key obstacles to young people's access and use of cotraceptives.
This can be changed by giving proper and prompt infornation to young people and sensitising of the adults ( the stakeholders)
Definately, young people have a right to contarceptive information and services
[...] Get Involved: ADD YOUR OWN PERSEPCTIVES AT THE CONVERSATIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD BLOG SERIES ← A North Carolinian Honors World Contraception Day About the 2011 Conference The 2011 International Conference on Family Planning will examine cutting edge research and programs that are helping to advance the health and wealth of families and nations worldwide. Follow the conference * Subscribe to our email list to receive updates. [...]
We will share our ideas. Counting on your support
Thanks for sharing Mischa, thats really a 'smart' way to advocate.
This is a good initiative,and I will be there.
Great insight. Unfortunately famine is not the only misery in this part of the world. The Horn of Africa has been devastated by wars and destruction for years and it has taken place right in front of our eyes. This constant state of war and destruction of lands has only exacerbated the problem of famine in an area already deprived of simple natural resources such as water. Their problems are our problems and will ultimately hurt us in one way or the other. Our societies pride themselves on the ability to coordinate preventive measures in order to contain potential future damage. Why not in this case? Are we just shortsighted?
It's much easier to unrdesntad when you put it that way!
dear everybody;
in our society, there is not just the problem of reprodutive health but there is a lot of other problems like drugs , the unconscious women, the emigration, more and more young problem's so we have to program for all that and we have to passe trainings to be strong in front of this problems, not just a two training in peer education, we need experiences, we need help to work more than that, we have to work in reality not passed 25 personnes in a training and after this we find just 2 prsonnes in hard works.
thank you for your attention
In kenya unemployment is a pressing issue thus leading the youths to go into drug abuse.
[...] This post was Twitted by esietukeme [...]
I believe that reproductive health is still a very severe and importnat problem for the youth, espacially on abotion among the youth in China. The number of the abortion is huge every year and this problem effect their health and development. So, it is urgent need to take some effective measures to address the problem in future.
This is very true, the famine in Africa has not been as present in the media as similar events in the past. Reading your article made me think of 'bystander apathy' (a psychological theory relating to understanding why people don't help others in distress). If we were to apply this theory we could suggest that the timing of this was unfortunate as it coincided with other global and maybe more personal or 'closer' issues. Due to this it took an initial back seat in the media, the media ignored it, we then ignored it which made the media ignore it more and so it spiraled. It made me wonder if people have almost been over exposed to the plight of Africans, especially when they are being presented in a helpless manner. Particularly whilst they themselves maybe feeling helpless during this global recession. Looking at helplessness is very difficult especially when you yourself feel helpless. I also wonder if pervious attempts in the past have seemed to fail and the situation in Africa doesn't seem to improve perhaps this makes people less likely to put the same effort in again. I really don't know. We live in a village and we do a yearly fund raising event. I suggested, last year, that we raised the money for an African charity, it was ruled out under the argument that the group wanted to help people in our own country before helping others.....are there more problems at home now or are we more aware of them? I don't know, but it is unthinkable and desperately worrying that so little is being done.
Totally agree with this analysis. Please take 2 minutes to see our short video on the topic and the positive efforts underway to end this practice: http://www.ghfn.org/_webapp_4100194/Teens_fight_for_child_brides
I would like world leaders to know that youths are the leaders of tomorrw.Hence,they should treat us with respect instead of using us as tools to accomplish their selfish political ambitious.On the other part,Youths should stay focus to their dreams and remain Proactive.Let stand in one voice to erradicate War,hunger,Hiv/Aids,Drugs and substance abuse and all deviant behavious that remain to be -a thorn in the flesh in our community.Peace!!;-) -Shali (Kenya)
If I could change one thing about my community, I would want to educate more young people on how to live purely and free themselves from destructive behavior that leads to teenage pregnancy, diseases, out-of-wedlock child-bearing, infidelity in marriage, divorce, and overall a desensitized outlook on the purpose of sex to bond married spouses and create babies.
I was there as well and while I wasn't interviewed, if I could change one thing about my community, I would end abortion. I think that abortion is the horrible killing of innocent life and it needs to end.
Dear Shahzad, Great work you have done.....Im also proud to be the part of orange family....Keep it up.....
Regina I'm curious about the football being used for gender equality. It's not a sport that many women would think to play. Girls are supposed to cheerleaders, however men can be too. Do you think it's the idea that it's a more physical, violent, aggressive sport? And is this the same mentality keeping women off the fronts in war zones?
Well, I would say that I personally find it fascinating to live in an era of increased amount of youth formations engaged in fruitful discourse and conveying visibility on issues facing young people across the world; I mean it is something that can never be looked down upon. Having said that, we need to ask ourselves a question as to what exactly is the outcome of these talks? What information is being filtered from the Corridors of world bodies like the UN, IMF, World Bank and so on.... to the remote outskirts of countries like Uganda, Somalia, Chad, Sudan, e.t.c
What do you say to a child solder in a country like Liberia, a young girl who has suffered may years on unpleasant childhood.... at the hands of a country torn apart by Civil war and does not even know what it entails to be a young person?
I mean you don’t need to look far but take a look at some of the reports that the UN publishes on my Why sub-Saharan Africa economic growth performed so poorly since the early 1970s. You will then realise that our leaders cannot claim not to know what must be done to develop a modern economy for young people to thrive in. This will be an environment where young people can be able to adopting new ideas, innovations and technologies etc.
Now the question boils down to what I’ve come to call the impediments to the economics of development. These are some of the factors that are at the heart of this crisis:
•Domestic policy issues (e.g. Poor governance, institutional capacity, corruption, rent seeking, etc)
•External-Policy: Exchange rate and trade regimes which are in favour of developed countries
Phrased more blatantly, I will put it to you Nomvula that Douglass North was right when he said “Institutions are not necessarily or even usually created to be socially efficient: rather they or at least the formal rules, are created to serve the interests of those with bargaining power to create new rules”. Rules created at the most unfortunate dismay of young people.
NOW THE QUESTION IS, WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE IS THE ROLE AFFORDED TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND THE CREATION OF NEW RULES FOR THEM TO THRIVE IN?
I strongly believe the concern and ideas of young people shouls be put into account in every aspect of development.
Bashir! You raised the voice of millions of Pakistanis fighting for humanity. This is great piece of writing and shows the pain you have against inhumanities in our country.. God Bless!
TO DAY IS MY FIRST TIME OF FACEBOOK
Couldn't have said it better Lisa, thanks for sharing!
Hey Aram!
Thanks for sharing. I think we need to also be very specific about what interventions we're advocating for. The majority of harm reduction interventions are targeted at that "stereotypical" youth drug user, homeless and disenfranchised. While these interventions are life saving and under-funded by themselves do to stigma against harm reduction services (i.e. needle exchange, opiate substitution therapy, etc.), maybe of them ignore the other realities of youth. There are very few interventions that are funded beyond the scope of HIV prevention, and Hep C is just starting to be a priority to governments as the epidemic begins to outrun HIV in certain communities. As well, sexual health interventions do not talk about the complexities of working with youth who use drugs; issues of consent, negotiating condom use, and boundaries are different. The reality is youth who use drugs are very cognoscente of what services they need, but very few people think to ask. Thanks for bridging this topic during the 10 Days of Action. I think that the HIV/AIDS global community still has a long way to go before we can recognize that condom campaigns are not enough.
Excellent article to read. IT becomes more and more interesting to read with each word and finally when it came to the term "energy"... it was like a strong current inside of me. We can review your activity in the organisation from the point of view of physics and quantum mechanics and we see that it's not just a waste of time, but a concentration of necessary electromagnetic energetic fields in one organisation and using it eventually to help, as it was written, to try to help others, and without no doubt it will be a success, I don't know how great it will be, but a positive outcome is guaranteed. So, Let There Be Light!
very interesting article Sandra, I liked it :) And the most important thing is that it reflects the situation in Georgia really very well.
thanks :)
Impresionante el mensaje. Sin mebargo, me gustaría y desearía:
que los/as tomadores de desición sean más proactivos
que hagan verdaderamente un mundo más prospero para nosotros los jóvenes, pero sin retórica
que sus acciones no nos confundan de lo imaginario con lo real
que nos vean como lo que somos jòvenes capaces de desarrollar el mundo.
Thanks Zohaib,that a Great step ahead in pakistan.let me find you on facebook and am sure we will learn much from one another have a great day.
Mr. Babatunde,
Thank you for your support and sharing your thought with us.
I, as a young person and member of UNFPA Youth Panel , welcome the opportunity this century brings to us: getting connected easily with our peers around the globe to share our cultures, traditions, views and dreams. It's amazing to be part of this huge interconnected family.
Yes, I am one in 7 billion people but I strongly believe I can make significant difference in lives of youth. Several years ago, when I become a peer educator, there were only few people talking about Reproductive Health and Rights in Georgia. Today, with great support from UNFPA, we have reached more than 36, 000 young people through Information-Education sessions at summer camps in various regions of Georgia. We have spread the messages about SRH, HIV Prevention, Gender and GBV issues all over the country.
As a peer educator, I meet a lot of youth and I see the change: young people are becoming more and more open, interested and willing to advocate for their health and rights, promote sexual behavior among peers. This fact gives me great feeling of accomplishment but at the same time, I realize how much more needs to be done. There are so many youth that lack an opportunity to get connected to their peers and participate in building their own future.
Last year, peer educators network of Georgia came together to establish Georgian Youth Development and Education Association (GYDEA) through great support of UNFPA. Now we are communicating to other youth as peers - united in one organization. After reading your message, we are more than sure that support to our activities will extend and we will reach youth not only in Georgia but in other parts of the world.
Thank you
Aleksandra
Y-PEER Georgia
Thank you for the artical. Yes it is time for the youth to claim their stake to this planet. The powers tat have lead us to the current state of affairs must be addressed with true justice by the people. The current world government have miserably failed their people. All around the world. I trust in the near future the youth will demand better forms of democracy. The youth will demand their governments be accountable for their decisions with laws that severly punish corruption. They demand transparency openess and unteathered access to all government information in real time. We demand that their be no more secrets within government. Any government withholding information from the general public must be viewed as treasonous, and against the interests of national security. The only way to ensure the people can make informed decisions is with openness in government. Till western democracy is reformed or streamlined freedom will continue to be an illusion. I have formulated a form of democracy that would truly represent it's people. The democracy that I invission
demand
ow it superb for the youth of world and Pakistan youth real enjoying it
I believe that migrant receiving nation needs to be economically and socially prepared before letting newcomers in. So called southern or developing nations can't provide immigrants with proper services and create conditions for this vulnerable group to successfully integrate into the local society.
This is not just an opinion of mine, but observed reality of modern Kazakhstan and migration issue in there. With the huge land (9th largest in the world) and tiny little (comparatively) population successful policy was crucial. But it turned out that not only legal base needs to be prepared for success, social and ECONOMICAL conditions turned out to be way more important. So what happened after government servants introduced a policy motivating ethnic Kazakhs to move back to their native lands? Legally (getting resident status and related) it was easy, but economically those people with their backgrounds were not demanded by employers and even with governmental support (which is ridiculously small) those people were left to deal with their problems on their own. Corruption in governmental bodies is also a big deal - "If u want to be part of good welfare program - PAY"
Socially there is also a bias towards immigrants, they are seen as criminals or useless part of the population supported by regular taxpayers.
Again, stating my core idea - migrant receiving nation has to be prepared and overthink all possible negative outcomes before letting in immigrants, sometimes cons can significantly overweight all the pros. So I guess it is receiving environment that could make migrants "evil".
Best regards,
Madina
Thanks for the efforts.In kenya the situation is the same as your country .So how can we reach to one another for exchage of ideas,information and resources as Y-peers to help a good number of young people globaly,to make a real change in the world? capacity building thro' government institutions and NGOs and other stakeholders would be very efffective anyway.
Hello,
First sorry for my bad english,
I'm looking for a movie that I saw when I was young, I can't remember the title.
I was searching on the web and I read your very interting post, so I thought maybe you could help me.
The story is about a young girl (poor) in a village, her mother is dead, and her father drink a lot.
she's hired at the landlady house to work, one day she asks the landlady to teach her indian dance.
The old landlady's grandson comes in the house, he's running for some kind of election and he abused the young girl who gets pregnant.
she hides and keep the baby.
That's all I remember, but I really want to see it again, so if you know which movie I am talking about could you help me please?
Thanx a lot.
The BATHALUNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL located at # 26 Congressional Rd.,Batasan Hills,Quezon City,Philippines asking your help and donation for our Poor Children here in the Philippines , they asking Books, School Supply , shoes for the Boys and Girls , Feedings , school Uniform for boys and girls , also Second Hand School Bus ,for your cash donation please Deposit at LAND BANK Philippines,
Account Number.......1691-1349-93
Account Name ........BATHALUNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL INC.
LAND BANK Address....Commonwealth Ave.,Batasan Hills,
Quezon City,Philippines
Tel. # (02 ) 431-8398 / Mobile # ( 63 ) 9173514135
Thanks,
Dr. Hermie Bathaluna
TO : BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION
FROM : DR.HERMIE BATHALUNA,# 26 Congressional Road,Batasan Hills,Quezon City,Philippines ( 63 ) 917-3514135
E-mail Address
Subject : Royal Leaders Meeting
Date : May 29,2011
MISSION :
1. To initiate a movement for a Righteous Form of Government to govern us in the next generation of righteous people.
2. To inculcate moral values to all the members to be a future righteous leaders to lead a righteous form of Government which is different from other form of government.
VISION :
1. To bring all people and all nations closer to God and have fear in the Lord who has created us.
GOALS :
1. To totally transform all leaders of all nations to govern their constituents in the righteous way, to attend peace and order in the entire world.
BENEFITS :
For Royal Leaders / Managers
a)Appointment duly approved by the Royal Ambassadors
b)Salary / wages : Php 1000. a day
Functions :
1. Invite 50 persons to undergo On the Job Training ( O.J.T. ) with ages ranging from 18 to 80 years old.
2. Php. 346,000.00 initial budget for the O.J.T.
a ) Free breakfast
b ) Merienda
c ) lunch
3. Php. 150.00 fare back & forth
4. Laptop - purchase
5. Open for all O.F.W.
For more Information :
Ask Dr.Hermie Bathaluna
mobile # 917-3514135
E-mail Add
In Christ,
Dr.Hermie Bathaluna
CIUDAD PROMISED LAND COOPERATIVE - Philippines , Located at # 26 Congressional Rd.Batasan Hills,Quezon City, Philippines with Contact # ( 63 ) 917-3514135 or ( 02 ) 431-8398 .
In this connection we have at present a cooperative,CIUDAD Promised Land Cooperative, which we derived from Exodus 33.1-3.
Our purposes of the Cooperative are :
1-To build Computer Institute in every Community
2-Housing for the low-income group- the less fortunate people in our community.
111-Livelihood project to raise the living standard of our people.
1V-To take care of the young generation to give them education.
V-To protect women and children from abuses.
V1-To help the elderly and Senior Citizen.
Since your concerned as stated in your Bill & Melinda Foundation I being chosen as your friend benefactor hereby solemnly swear to the Almighty to accomplish what you are instructing one to do of the funds you are entrusting to me.
Needless, to say may I reiterate that we are always praying for your helping to recovery all the illness people in the world.
Cogratulations Ricardo for your hard work during the HLM on AIDS this year at the UN. Youth are very important to make good change concerning AIDS. All governments are called upon to respect and encouragement to facilitate us doing our best to get AIDS to zero new imfection and zero discrimination. Keep up that good work Ricardo! You are really inspiring continuity of working at country'level.
Norway like many other countries has done alot to intergrate immigrants and help them be constuctive in their new adopted country.
However this applies to legal immigrants only,so my question is how can such countries faily deal with what they call ilegal immigrants?
Good Effort!
As crazy as I would have once thought this comment to be, Jimbo is absolutely right. This pill has catalized a level of permissiveness in our society which has made it so our teenagers now think it's their God given right to have sex and if they happen to procreate in the process than so be it. Paul VI saw Sodom and Gomorrah coming and he was absolutely right. We have sexually active teens running rampant in our society and they learned it from us. Shame on us all.
there is need to stop domestic violence,the governments and non government parastatals have played a big role but still women need to come up, open up so that we break the silence
This article provides a thoughtful and synthesized analysis of the opinion that the government is responsible for providing sexual education to youth, though it in the spirit of dialogue, I wish to engage a few key points in its rationale.
First, I agree that it falls upon the government to protect its citizen’s rights, but what constitutes its rights? A healthy society looks to the government to protect the basic human rights “directly,” such as food for the hungry, clothing for the naked, shelter for the homeless. So then some ask, how about sexuality? It is natural and good for any youth to want to understand their sexuality, how it can be an appropriate expression of their true inner dignity, but these lessons cannot be found in textbooks, movies, or by the trial & error method. No, instead, they are revealed at the appropriate time in one’s life when their sexuality can be an honest expression of a life-long union with another. Sexuality communicates an everlasting commitment of fidelity to the other. This is why someone feels shame when sexuality is expressed to a friend, partner, or anyone outside of marriage.
Those who no longer feel shame have not conquered their sexuality…rather, it’s the opposite – they’ve become enslaved (addicted). Why is it a problem to no longer feel shame? Because then, a person can neither experience the beauty of sexuality when expressed correctly. Inappropriate expression of sexuality is like a poison that kills both the negative feelings and positive treasures…what’s left is nothing and the person is left always unfulfilled and unable to receive what would fulfill them.
Sexuality is not crucial to making life decisions. The choice for how to express it in a way to bring the most lasting happiness is clear: to one’s spouse after marriage. Many joyful people vow to remain chaste their entire lives, again showing that one can be totally free and happy while not expressing their sexuality…how do they do it? They realize sexuality is not an appetite, but discover its true meaning and then freely choose to abstain, witnessing to the world that sexuality is not the ultimate fulfillment we seek.
Understanding sexuality can never be comprehensive – as soon as it does, a person begins to view it as a way to grasp for pleasure while using the other person. Sexuality is meant to be a gift, and one that can only be honestly communicated when each person vows to love the other for their entire life, thus only in marriage.
Finally, the role of government is not to be a slave of its people’s wishes if they are against the values of the country or what would be beneficial to the common good and the good of each individual person. Even if the majority of a country wants comprehensive sexual education, it’s the government’s role to support the institution that was made to help youth understand it over time…the family.
So the questions then become – how can youth grow more aware of sexuality as a gift to be appropriately expressed and how do they look to their families for answers and growth? How does government empower and support the family to fulfill these roles?
Activismo 3.0: ¿qué depara el futuro para el activismo de los jóvenes?
Pienso que es uno de los más grande recto donde los mas importan es partir de los logrado en materia de juventud, sigue siendo de gran barrera la falta de creencia y oportunidades que las y los jóvenes necesitamos, esto limitan nuestros trabajos y permiten que nuestros grande objetivos no sean alcanzado, uno de los más notables son los ODM si se hubiese creído realmente en la juventud los resultado fueran otros más alentadores.
Esta travesía necesitas más oportunidades sin limitaciones
Att. Félix reyes
Director general
Red nacional de jóvenes viviendo con VIH/SIDA
Republica dominica
I went through your facebook page but I didnt get an idea what ToTs are ( and i'm sorry for this )
I live in Karachi , and I would really like it if you could brief me as to how can I be a part of it. Thanks.
HIV/AIDS is without a doubt a real problem in Haiti. I question though the effectiveness CSE will have on preventing its spread. A person's understanding of their sexuality is bound to their faith and moral identity. CSE divorces itself from faith assuming sexuality is appetite to be satisfied, and therefore encourages youth to treat it as such. Because sexuality and faith & morals cannot be separated, the only proper place for a child to learn about sexuality is through the teachings within their family.
Thanks for your response. I'm in my mid-twenties, living in the United States, living in Boston and finished graduate studies from MIT a few years back. The science behind the breast-cancer inducing risks for oral contraceptives are much different from Aspirin, though. Oral contraceptives cause a woman to have dramatically higher levels of estrogens and progestins (hormones) causing more rapid growth of breast cells that can become carcinogenic and lead to tumors. A study by WHO showed that women receiving a progestin hormonal contraceptive for 2 years before age 25 had a 190% increased risk of developing breast cancer...so what this is saying is that since right now, 1 in 8 women have breast cancer during their lifetime, over 1 in 3 women in the category just described will have breast cancer during their lives. Wouldn't you agree that is an effect worth serious consideration?
The video shows that oral contraception does not cause body hair growth or weight-gain. How about the research that proves a significant increase in breast cancer, especially for those taking the pill before their first pregnancy, and the presence of abortificients in the pill, changing the uterine lining and preventing an embryo from attaching? Aren't these the real reasons why young people avoid contraceptives? I think so.
Great work man. A much-needed voice from KPK
i am a Nepali student &youth activist. i have recently completed my masters in Population Studies . i am interested in these issues. My country is also one of the sending country. Meny Nepali youth are in Gulf as semi-(un)skilled labourer. Abroad study migration of urban adolescent is in peak. 21% of GDP is shared by remmittance. i really like this article. hope i will get chance to read this type of article again and again.
What an excellent post. I studied some years ago in the Department of Radio Television and Film of the University of Texas @ Austin where a good deal of similar research was being done on Brazilian telenovelas and and reproductive health/demography. Brazil is the most populous country of Latin America having a population of more than 180 million. Its fertility rate has declined significantly in the last 15 years and now stands at 2.3 children per woman. In rural areas, larger family sizes are still found in rural and impoverished regions of the country, and teenage pregnancy remains a issue...In Brazil everyone watches telenovelas, especially the most popular ones that follow the evening news. 88% of households own a color television set so the vast majority of households, rich and poor own a TV. Telenovelas air from Monday to Saturday and are of short duration ( a few months rather than years like American soap operas). Scripts are developed and novelas aired within a short period of time 10-14 days if not less, so what you see on TV can very much reflect what is happening in the socio-political realm of the time - and makes for interesting viewing (for subtext etc). TV Globo is one of the largest TV producers in the world. In Brazil it reaches more than 60% of the viewing public and their novelas are exported all over the world. I recently observed a couple living in a village with a population of 2 in rural town in The FYRo Macedonia captivated by a dubbed Brazilian telenovela....There have been many experiences of successful collaboration between Globo and the integration of SRHR issues through the medium of telenovelas. A recent example is Paginas de Vida (Pages of Life). Read more at http://www.grist.org/article/2010-09-25-soap-operas-spread-messages-about-reproductive-health-population
I've also included a related academic article by Hornik and McAnany ( on Mass Media and Demographic Behaviour) http://www.unm.edu/~werder/Documents/553readings/Reading23.pdf
Youth needs to be part of decision making and we shouldnt talk about youth but with youth. Youth is a very diverse group and we should really know who are the most vulnerable among them, as there are better off youth as well. Youth are different in every region that is why we also need to know youth specifics of every region
From a personal perspective these issues are important because I am a mother of 2 who are not yet considered "youth" but will soon be of that age. It important that we speak of the risks that young people face and the opportunities that may be available to them, as we all want the best for our children. This conference has been a great platoform for this type of dialogue
The most important thing that we can do for youth is to improve their access to the right information and to create an enabling environment so that people can exercise their rights - in terms of rights to information to services etc. The government needs to help create such an enabling environment to amend policy frameworks as needed and improve the extent and quality of youth health services while creating a space for youth participation.
I think this Youth Conference has great potential of bringing all the ideas into implementation especially by the representation of young people and high-level government officials in the same place. It is not only crucial but also effective to realize the needs of the young in a society and giving them the opportunity to share it with their peers and implementing institutions.
yah so truee... thank you for supporting my idea. what we need is to work on it.. its our responsibility to aware people about this..
being a citizen of karachi! i am agree with you in many cases i have seen these controvorcy here alsoo!the people should aware of it ......
The second day of the Conference...
The presentation of Tigran Yepoyan was really impressive. It gave some insight of how to persuade decision-makers that SRH Ed. is really important and not very cost-consuming.
If government will agree, that Sexual Ed is REALLY needed, then the process will continue more effectively. I think, many decision - makers are not still aware what is meant by Sexual Education and this is why some of them are not supportive.
Also, I liked how Daniel Kalajdjieski highlighted that it is very extreme to put traditions and religion against human rights.
I so agree that human rights need to come prior to traditions.
I ACTUALLY was extremely pleased to discover this particular web-site.I want to to thank you for your time for this excellent read!! I ACTUALLY absolutely having fun with any little bit of this and I've you bookmarked to check out fresh information you post.
Accroding to the list of the issues which are on the agenda - the Regional Youth Conference might be very effective. The dicsussions which took place during the conference among the participants in work gruops may be very usefull for further recommendations and future developed programms. Youth - as a social group has certan problems which can be soved only by general efforts.
I think its a great occassion for youth organizations to meet with UNFPA and international stakeholders of EECA countries. Its great to share ideas on how to strengthen cooperation around youth issues and especially on health issues and youth. The importance of investing in youth capacities and young people is really a strong of this meeting thus far.
This has been a great opportnutty to be, as a young person, here and to influence the whole process. I hope that by the end of the meeting we will have useful recommendations and results that can change realities of young people at the national level and I urge on the third day when the government officials come they will take the recommendations seriously and implement them in the countries. Also I think UN agencies and other international organziations should put more pressure on governments fulfill their obligations to young people.
I think we are getting energised and getting into a productive mood - even arguing among economcsts and public health specialists and members of civil society. At the end it is good that we are reaching consensus because the issue of young people is a really complex issue and only working in harmony can we work for and with youth and get results.
One thing that I observed at the EECA Youth Conference whicg started just today is that people are really listening at this conference and they are even taking notes when young people speak and I really feel that something important will come out of this conference. Its also important that our working groups include both young people and adults because it is a partnership and we always talk about that but this is a REAL example of that - that together we develop recommendations. I am very excited.
thank you guys...
Good Article !!! There's no doubt that Prevention is better than cure. However, we should also equally keep in mind that "Treatment as a part of Prevention" in context of HIV and AIDS while investing towards the epidemic.
When we are talking about early prevention education , we also tend to miss the part of honest and fact based drug education. The already existed curriculum or way of teaching in academic institution only offers that "DRUGS ARE BAD" " SAY NO TO DRUGS" which is not working. Evidence shows that countries Like Ukraine shows that young people have started injecting drugs at the age of 12 years old.Now, you can imagine ??
Prevention effort will work effectively with a meaningful engagement of Key Affected Population such as People living with HIV, SWs , People who use drugs, MSM , TG at all level.
We "youth" should come out of the Traditional Prevention approach and bring the new perspectives on the table.
The voices that have gathered thus far on this blog are so inspiring. How great to hear about the situation of youth in Shuto Orizari – a Roma community in my own country – from a community leader within that very same community. I really loved the way she described the Roma temperament especially when they are young as “full of energy and we would like to use that energy.” This is very true of all youth. Collectively we must find a way to tap the potential of youth and give youth access to education , employment and recreational opportunities so that they can become full participants in the societies that they live in.
[...] Pakistan: Reproductive health and rights in Pakistan – a health or a social issue? [...]
Nothing more well said that young people have to be focused in their studies and paving the way for their futures. The only thing that really should matter them is SCHOOL and nothing else. It is so sad to know that they are more concerned about leaving the country looking for a better life abroad. Decision makers should consider more policies to retain their youngsters, giving them more educational choices instead of ignoring or involving them more in their own societies.
Well Done Bashir
This is just to support Raquel said that young people in Macedonia are in need for more extracurricular activities. Also it is very important to have such activities because it is increasing the active citizen participation of the young people. It is one of the conclusions of the research that one local NGO in Macedonia (Youth Educational Forum) has conducted.
Devron,
Sharing sometimes is extremely difficult; but at the same time liberating. Your story is touching and at the same time very courageous. Please know that there are some people in a small country town in Texas that will always love and care about you. Thanks for who you are and what you are doing.
Tom
i am a climate campaigner based in zimbabwe,thanks for the site.
We are losing this world we love,every year just gets hotter and catastrophies just keep increasing by their numbers,we are pleading to the rich countries such as China and U.S to please step up their game to stop this disasters as they are both 2 of the major contributors to environmental pollution,other countries will definitely follow
I am looking for a place to tell my story.
[...] young people who make changes in their communities without having any basic resources. Before the Youth Conference in Istanbul will start, I decided to collect those stories from young people, so I know how young people alone [...]
These interviews really highlight some key issues young people are facing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Its great to hear young people's voices, participation is so important for young people to influence their own future. The Istanbul youth conference is an important moment in this region in this International Year of Youth.
Beautiful story!
UNFPA is doing great job helping young people who need it the most to feel the sense of meaning and accomplishment. It is very important that young people are able to focus their energies to help others!
Vulnerable youth needs protection! It is easy for them to get in trouble if they do not have a place to go after school, or a role model to guide them into taking part in positive and useful activities.
Through support and understanding, youth organizations help to create a better world for the future generation of adults.
this is very true. every relationship is meant to get the best of us,if this can only come from THIS PERSON-then its proper to follow it. let not this physical boundaries be an obstacle to our happiness
I really find the statistics about Ukraine young people, majority of which think that it is important to get sexual health education, but at the same time half of them find it not interesting.
It pushed me into thoughts about my own country. I do believe that one day we will have comprehensive SRHR education integrated into school curricula. But I see potential challenges that teachers and teenagers might face: how you educate is important.
It will take some time to create interactive and interesting for young people materials, books, lesson plans. Teachers need to be thoroughly trained and prepared, as well as to be confident and believe in what they are doing.
Also, I though, that the earlier sexual education starts at school the better it is for teenagers to absorb accurate information, before they learn myths and misleading info from the inaccurate resources.
I like your blog, Aysel. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Aida,
Your story was touching yet has power of giving courage and determination to all young people who feel that they can't do anything in this world.. Even I has lot many issues that I have faced till now in my life but yet I try to give meaning to each day . I have always believed that we should not worry about number of people, we want to help , its about making a difference in atleast someone's life...Thanks for sharing your beautiful life and inspiring once again..
YPEER FOCAL POINT
I really appreciate you for the efforts you did, well i have no much idea about the other countries while if i am talking about Pakistan, the youth do not know about the precaution and prevention about HCV/HIV/STI and Aids till A-level, the age on a young student in A-level is normally 18 years, while we should know about all this in the year of 13 or 14, its because the education about above topics is not included in the education.
I found the persons in these videos so very moving. The young women interviewed in Struga in The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, noted that the most important thing that youth can do for themselves is to stay in school. So very true ! Others noted that youth should become active in youth networks and organizations. Youth are generally asking for more support – for better recreational activities (dance and sport) and are very concerned about their future job prospects. It is great to hear such diverse perspectives represented. I look forward to hearing more voices through posts and blogging during the upcoming regional youth conference “Investing in Youth-Path to Accelerated Development” taking place from 9-11 May in Istanbul. Join the Conversation !
It is so inspiring to see that, despite all the challenges and problems, young people in Macedonia have opportunity to choose freedom! They are unwilling to live the life that their parents did and now they have a possibility to make all their dreams come true, see the world and even change their country. The first and the most important step they need to make is education. Most of them realise that!
These videos were very eye-opening. It's very interesting that the common message in all of them is the plea for decision-makers and those in power to LISTEN to the voices of young people. Each of them asks for opportunities - to be able to realize their potential and human rights. This is a theme that seems to be echoed by youth across the region and around the world today.
Greetings from Bandhan!
Still there is no response from you regarding the global fund. Project has come but community with the community is not happening. Staffs are getting salary on the time but still there is no decision has come that we are getting project and where still do not know anything. We came to know that at last week of March we will come to know then after we came to know that we will get result in the middle of April but still there is no response from you and WBSAPCS too.
NACO and WBSAPCS is playing with the life of Transgenders and Hijras last many-many years and still they are playing with us and I do not understand that why others are not taking any step against these people? We are fade up with the duplicity and dirty politics. I remember that WBSAPCS and NACO always told us that they will not work with the individual organization, we have to come under that Network and they forced us many-many times. Now we have ATHB network then why NACO and WBSAPCS is not working with us?
UNDP and UNAIDS is taking staff of some people who do not raise voice of TG/Hijra. They have taken one person from the community and he is taking his own members of his own organization and UNAIDS is telling everywhere that they are working with the TG/Hijra community in India especially in West Bengal but the reality is completely different. They are only helping their own organization who has very good relation with each and they all misusing of money in the name of community in West Bengal and those organization are doing nothing for the community. There are many Transgenders are leaving house and becoming Hijra. They are going for castration. Many of them are bound to go for the Launda dance to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. I have no project and cant give job to anybody so, my own members are becoming Hijra and going for the Launda Dance which all are document. We are unable to give them any kind of services so, they scattered here and there because of their livelihood. They are much violence but who will listen to them? They all are waited a lot but no any project has come for the TG/Hijra in West Bengal and working with/for our community. When it has been decieded that MSM, TG and Hijra are different then why MSM are interfering in the TG/Hijras matter? Why they will get project of TG/Hijra to MANAS Bangla? When we asked earlier that give us project at that time NACO and WBSAPCS said that we have to come under the MANAS Bangla then why not NACO and WBSAPCS is saying that for TG/Hijra project every organization should come under the ATHB? Why they are silent and not saying anything? All are corrupted so, nobody is saying anything to NACO, WBSAPCS, UNDP and UNAIDS.
Meanwhile Manas Bangla is working in all our outreach areas & claiming them to be their own. Our organization is suffering a loss of both human resource & work. Many of our members are lured to join Manas Bangla for work whereas we could not provide them any. We have informed everything to PSU & WBSAPCS. They have informed us that no organization will be supported individually & that we have to work within the network. But due to the animosity Bandhan is always denied entry or any role to play. Each of our valid statement against the role of Manas Bangla has actually gone against us. Plus which was the other organization thrown out along with Bandhan got their DIC in Kadapara for having good relation with PSU. For the last 5 yrs we are left in the woods. In this grave situation how long we can we survive?
At this juncture we want an individual DIC & project if our work standard matches your requirements. A single person heads the work in offices like PSU & WBSAPS year after year. This has lead to biased decision making & the objective is lost in the bargain. At this crisis period we are not even empanelled under WBSACS. The network partners are empanelled under WBSAPCS in spite of being in a network. So they are going to be doubly benefited. What kind of game is this? This is a clear cut case of discrimination & biasness. After NACP-III these organizations would be getting support, skill development which they have accessed through the network & Bandhan is not even entitled to that.
Still your staffs are saying that Global fund is coming and this fund will come and work with the grass root of people but no project has come still and staffs of Global fund are continuously getting salary. Why discrimination with our community only especially with us.
I have registered RTI also regarding all this related to NACO and WBSAPCS. RTI Number is DHLTH/H/2011/00195. I am going for Hunger Strike and happy too that my ATHB family member is also with me in this movement. You all are sleeping and doing nothing with us. I hope you also must be feeling that how NACO and WBSAPCS plays duplicity and give project to only those organizations who has very good relation with them. They must be benefiting after giving project to those organizations.
Only Agencies and Organization get project who has very good relation with the them who is sitting in the higher chair in Delhi and playing with the TG/Hijra community. If you see MANAS Bangla misusedmoney many times and recent if you see where written document s also there and Secretary and Treasurer also accepted that Rs.4,30,000 had been stolen by someone with their duplicate signature and still the guilty person not been recovered and Finance department is saying that in that cheque Secretary and Treasurers sign were there. Koshish, Kolkata Rista and Jalpaiguri Uttarapan left MANAS Bangla because of this duplicity and dirty politics and they also informed NACO and WBSAPCS and everyone but no any step had been taken by them. Dont you think involvement of NACO and WBSAPCS are there?
Lots of evaluation is going on in West Bengal but if you see lots of our members had been asked to leave job MANAS Bangla. We faced lots of discrimination from you all rather than so called civil society.
This is the reason that we felt that time has come for the movement rather than the writing mails only. Now enough is enough, in the name of HIV you all abused/misused our name everywhere but not again. We died already because of all this but not any more.
Last 10 years we faced a lot and heard lots of promise from all. Now we are going for the Hunger Strike which is on 1st May onwards and I hope others will also join because it is the movement against corruption also.
Regards
Ranjit Sinha
It is very moving and inspiring to hear the voices of all the young people, but the young women in Macedonia were particularly thought-provoking in the way they raise human rights issues and - in that context - their inability to influence the socio-cultural-economic context. Their intuitive awareness of generational power issues, the dynamics between poverty and rights, and their overwhelming desires for education are all messages we need to unpack and address very seriously.
i have a brother who is an HIV positive....he is having a difficulty on finding work now...uhuhuhuh..... ..pls help.....
In South Africa, within KZN province there is a region called Zululand region where the epidemic of Domestic Violance is rising at a high speed. In paticuller the children rape and bitting of women,this happens because of the lack of knowladge from rural dwellers about how can they talk about it. It is our most need to have all support including ideas of mobilising rural communities and community radio stations to have programs that will educate people to talk about this epidemic.
Dear Bhumika Ji,
I like your thought towards the women violence in Nepal particularly in transportations and other areas.
The Govt. is not working properly for all these things that always happening in some sector.
I'm very much thankful for your valuable video message after watching it.
Susil K. Ghimire
Nepalbani Network (Radio Network)
Tel: 4102801
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[...] what would it be? Take an active part in the Youth Conference in Istanbul, 9-11 of May, 2011. Blog, tweet, post, or speak up like these young video bloggers. Tell us how you are changing the world [...]
Greetings from Bandhan!
Lots of mails had been sent to you, WBSAPCS and NACO but no response from you all. Lots of politics had been played with us and you know everything and last 10 years we all are fighting for rights but still only assurance from you but nothing is happening. Earlier we applied for the Empanelment and at that time I had been told that I am late and this year when Jat Visited had been done but still there is no response from you. How long me and my community will wait where you are continuously supporting MSM people rather than Transgenders in Kolkata/Westbengal. Faced lots of problems and which is also going on but you people are sitting silently and not responding. It may be nothing for you sitting in the Government Sector but very difficult for us because last 10 years we have given our full time and we are not in that age also where we can go and work.
Now you started thinking about Transgenders in different district not in kolkata. For your kind information in Kolkata specially ATHBs member which are working in Kolkata their members and in their locality they not at all take services from MANAS Bangla then WHY WHY WHY you are not at all thinking of Transgenders in Kolkata?
Last many years only MSM people were benefited by you but no Transgenders at all. MANAS Bangla created many organizations and you are thinking to give them TI project in different district why? How long you all will discriminate us in this way? Why MSM people or MANAS Bangla are your favourite? You are helping and supportive for MSM in every where but not Transgenders or Transgenders group at all.
We are fadeup with WBSAPCS and NACO. I Ranjit Sinha is declaring here that I am going for Hunger Strike from 1st May at 10am onwards after celebrating the Transgenderss Day (30th April) which I promised to celebrate with/for my community against WBSAPCS and NACO. In Bandhan there is no members left because MSM TI continuously giving them placement and I raised voice many times but lots of politics played with me but nothing had been done by WBSAPCS and NACO at all, so I will sit alone and wishing others will also come and join. On 1st May, Labour Day I will start movement for our livelihood also. Why MANAS Bangla will be support by the WBSAPCS all the time? Why their own created organizations will get support from WBSAPCS all the time? I know MSM are favorites for you people and some staffs are corrupted in your institution and you know all this very well and which had been accepted by you in the meeting.
I am letting know this mail to ATHB also and requesting my network partners if they want then they can also come and sit with me for Hunger Strike(Beside Swastha Bhavan). Now enough is enough, time has come for the movement widely and raise our voice this corruption and corrupted people. I am expecting ATHBs support here because no one left in Bandhan because MSM are double benefited by WBSAPCS and in Global Fund too.
SO THIS HUNGER STRIKE AND AGITATION IS JUST BECAUSE DUPLICITY OF NACO AND WBSAPCS THAT THEY ARE PLAYING WITH THE LIFE OF TRANSGENDER/HIJRA THROUGH HIV/AIDS IN WEST BENGAL AND GIVING ONLY AND ONLY SUPPORT TO MSM PEOPLE FOR THIER PERSONAL RELATION /INTEREST AND BENEFIT IN THE NAME OF TRANSGENDER /HIJRA.
Regards
Ranjit Sinha
Bandhan
Goverments invests in youth people is an urgent need! Poverty, HIV, teen pregnancy, violence, gender inequality and unemployment are just some of the challenges and problems that youth people must face every day. We can not advance without goverments seriuos commitments, and those commitments can only be realistic if they are supported on a financial effort!
At this moment when the world haves the biggest youth people generation in history, goverments investments in youth could bring great results, specially in those countries that are facing a "demographic bonus"
LET´S TALK ABOUT SEX... Thats precisely what we need to do all around the world: talk! talk about our sexuality without taboos, with a clear perspective about the realities our countries are facing, with scientific bases, and with respect for the diversities!
But we must openly talk! and stop pretending sexuality is not a fundamental part of human development that we must attend!
I really respect Saad´s position but i´m in complete disagree with him. In our societies the thinking liberty and the religios freedom are fundamental rights that are granted, because our goverments must respect peoples beliefs in framework of human rights. Based on this, goverments have the responsability to educate people (specially young) with scientific and complete information so everybody could takes their own decisons according to its personal beleifs.
Thanks for this article! It is very helpful for adolescents to discuss sexuality, and determine their attitudes towards it. This is great, it may be likely censored but it's the truth.
New life in Christ Ministries was founded by me in the year 1994 ,after i had come back from exile whee i had received my salvation in the year 1992.
The Church firs consisted of the ex/ prisoners who received Christ as their lord and savior and had been released after serving their sentence ,
This church ministry has now grown to 47 member Churches across Uganda.
I am their Bishop with the main Church in Kampala at a place called Bweyogerere. we are involved in training our our Church leaders , Discipleship of our church members , Support of Orphans and planting more churches by winning souls to Christ through house to house evangelism,crusade and economic development of our churches, we would welcome actors evolved in such ministry for a long partnership with an aim of developing entire church in Uganda.
The same time , I am a Director. Conquerors in Christ fellowship foundation , This was accepted in year 2004, with an aim of bringing pastors and church leaders together for first , fellowship , Training, development both economic and spiritual development of the whole church of Christ in Uganda.
We have a total Membership of 53 churches coming from different denomination found across Uganda.
We are a registered entity by the government to operate anywhere within Uganda with our Main offices in Mukono, 16km in the Eastern part of Kampala.
Currently we are involved in the discipleship of our Church leaders with an aim of equipping the to help their respective churches .
We would therefore wish to work with you Bill and merida should you agree to work with us in the area of social development to help the women and widows in our country.
However ,should you have anything that may be different from what we are doing now we would still open up for you if it is for the development of churches ,
[...] Picture Copyright 2011 Let’s Talk About Sex. Other blog-posts in this series: MTV “Ignites” a Change in Kenya, Zambia, and Trinidad & Tobago. [...]
[...] This blog was cross-posted from Amplify Your Voice. Other blog-posts in this series: Let’s Talk About Love – Because Lives are on the Line. [...]
What kind of twisted mentality equates consensual sex with theft? What, exactly, is being stolen? Who's the victim?
While 'sex education' may solve a part of the problem it is akin to teaching a thief that theft is OK as long as you do not get caught.
The kind of sex related problems we are trying to address here would not exist in the first place if one adheres to religion. And by religion I am not advocating any particular one because no major religion in the world promotes pre-marriage or extra-marital sex.
The rules of life are there for a reason and sugar-coating the problems won't make them disappear.
My 2 cents :).
The pill is NOT evil and has allowed women greater freedom over their lives as well as planning for smaller family size. The evils of large families include a greater risk of falling into poverty, health risks to children and mothers, and a lesser quality of education to each child.
What religious fundamentalists fail to inform you is that the pill also has strong anti-cancer properties when it comes to uterine and ovarian as well as bowel cancer. These protective effects last up to 15-30 years after the woman stops taking the pills. Look it up.
Hi Jodi, this is not the first time I have heard of a Philippine company that discriminates against solo parents. Just to let you know, our laws prohibit this kind of discrimination as provided by Section 7 of the Republic Act 8972 or Solo Parents' Welfare Act:
Work Discrimination. - No employer shall discriminate against any solo parent employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment on account of his/her status.
This should apply to all employment decisions that include hiring applicants.
You may read the full-text of RA 8972 here: http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8972.htm
More stuff to read at: http://singleparentphilippines.blogspot.com
Feel free to send me a message via @joycetalag on Twitter if you need help.
All the best,
Joyce
women,please lets intervene and say no to violence!
Recently I wrote a blog entry offering a leftist critique of the ideology of “Green” environmentalism, animal rights activism, deep ecology, ecofeminism, and lifestyle politics in general (veganism, “dumpster diving,” “buying organic,” etc.). I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter and any responses you might have to its criticisms.
I am a 20 years old, unwed and pregnant. I am about to graduate from school in a few weeks. I recently applied for a job in a multinational company. I have already passed all the job interviews and during the last interview, it was mentioned that I may work right after graduation. After the interview, the medical test was next. The clinic nurse told me that my pre-employment is now put on pending (she said most likely I won't continue to be employed) because they found out that I am pregnant and unwed. Is this act lawful? Do they have the right to discriminate me due to my pregnancy? Please help. I read in some websites that the US has a law against discrimination against pregnant women (during the hiring process) but I am not sure if we have a similar law here in the Philippines. I am not yet formally employed (no contracts have been signed yet). If someone can help me, please do.
Agella,keep fight against stigma and discrimation burning.I have had stress over the same for sometime,am glad you are talking about it in regard to Health care,but you need to focus on it at workplace,organisations in Uganda don't treat this as a serious issue,they are only concerned about out puts.Many people who disclose their sero staus are tramatised for their status because those who discrimate don't know that tommorrow is them,there is need to focus on workplace HIV/AIDS policies.
Together in fight Against HIV/AIDS
Florence has my complete empathy...Without knowing any of the details of her abuse, I can only say that she "cannot leave" right now. While I totally agree that it has nothing to do with education, with planning, support and a really good safety plan, she CAN leave, when the foundation for safety has been laid.
In developing countries need of awareness & educational programs
at varies level like Post-offices,Bank,school,college,social program
rural-slum community workers about supply and demand at varies level
good supply chain system & follow-up.
MBBS,DMCW,DPH,PGDHH,PGDHA.Project Director of SCIR--NGO/CBO Kolkata,
India working for HIV/AIDS,IDU,OST,STI,CONDOM,Sex-education etc.
Hi,
I read ur article and with all the experience i have this is the first time to a good article like this keep it up :)i wish all girls would think like u specially in my country .
Best Regards
Khalid Al Shaibeh
I would like to ask help, material!
The electricity is disabled inside 2 weeks unfortunately, I am at home with my lasting ill child on the other hand. Overheads I cannot pay it off already because of the many bank credits.
Something is left of my payment hardly because he is under a ban steadily, with a word onto living very little.
We talk over who can help in a letter.
Hungarian Van, they do not help here :-(
Greet: A desperate family
IBAN: HU94 1177 3535 0322 8188 0000 0000
A god blesses it
The admixture of culture, religion and the state of the mind towards fgm.
what about women in the service., military in particular., can they have thier own child out of marriage?
I am from the state of Tripura in India. I have worked out of Mumbai and Delhi mostly. Recently, I went to my ancestral village after 5 years and found to my horror the flesh trade thriving in the border villages just next to my house. When confronted the administration passed up by saying that it was the handiwork of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. After a few like minded individuals raised a hue and cry, it was found that the adolescent Muslims girls were forced into the trade by their own parents in lure of money, and they were no Bangladeshis. Thankfully, the State government interfered and resettled them in a different town.(again the social stigma of such women in known surroundings)Last heard they were a part of an NGO and a self help group.
Ideas need to be published. Everybody knows that crimes against women are on the rise and India too, is no exception. However, what is the reaction of youths (male) in nepal ? Is it limited to the uneducated class only or the elite are also hand in gloves.
The PROMISED LAND FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES of # 26 Congressional Rd.Batasan Hills,Quezon City,Philippines would like to affiliate to "BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION "
Our main purpose in affiliating and being a member is to adopt its objectives, one of which is to help the Farmers, poorest people, also to plant trees to maintain the Ecological Balance and to help solve the greatest threat to our environment the GLOBAL WARMING.
In order to realize on of its objectives we are offering a parcel of VACANT LAND suited for Urban poor settlers,Free Housing to them, also the farmers, the Tree Planting is to prevent soil erosion.
The parcel of land to be developed consisted of more or less FOUR HUNDRED ( 400 HAS ) Hectares which needs to be developed and be productive. The land has been idle for the past year for lack of Financial support...so thanks to "BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION we want to offer this VACANT LAND to them...by Rev.Hermie Bathaluna
i would like to say that most of our porblems are of our ouwn making.if we want can successfully cope with them.Actually,our countries are not poor but unfortunately they are poor managed.If all the resources of the world are judiciously used so we no body will will remain hungry and uneducated.
Hello Bruno!
I'm doing a project at Eurostat (forsetting up a gender dedicated section) and I'm also doing a PhD research on the problem of recognition of LGBTQ people. Do you like to join the research? Please, answer me to the email address I wrote down here! Thank you and congratulations for your activism!
Angelo
Men and Boys are crucial targets to end Voilence against women and girls. Engaging them meaningfully in all areas will suppport comprehensive and wholist approach to enhancing their capacity through community conversation on the issues of voilence against women and girls.This will inform them about the ills and same will support their strategic behavioural change in establishing,enacting,enforcing, scrapping laws that supports voilence against women and girls.
Yes but what about when a woman causes the abuse, she's very bitchy and screams a lot and is out to pick a fight for no other reason than she like the drama - like the 1970s psychologists say woman are masochists. I think many woman are antagonists but this mentality may come as a defensive from the old traditions. But either way it is still wrong for man or woman to be agressive unreasonably.
What about the man who comes home from work and his wife starts yelling and screaming and breaking things. Does he yell at her to shut up, stop screaming? Or calmly ask whats wrong in the hope that will do something? And when she keeps screaming and name calling, what does he do? Does he beat her to keep her in line or just walk out, but what about the children? What do you do about the women who cause the problems by inventing imaginary problems? You cant be violent or abusive, that creates a real problem. Counselling can work but can be cheated. Some women are just out to get men and will make them into the bad person. That's real domestic abuse from a woman. And a mans only response is to give back domestic abuse but that is what she wants and will cause real problems. So what should he do? Ignore her scream and give her some bedroom attention, or report it to the police or domestic abuse hotline and be asked what did he do to cause it?
Domestic violence probably comes from the man wanting to control his unruly wife. And in saying so there are two sides to the fence.
The Movement against Violence and Impunity in Africa has condemned in the strongest term the wave of gender-based violence perpetrated on women in Liberia.
The Human Rights Group wants the Liberian Government to reform domestic violence laws to meet the Millennium Development Goals at all cause.
MAVIA Secretary General Sylvester Diggs told a news conference in Monrovia Tuesday that the purpose of government is to safeguard the rights of its citizens.
He said many people working with victims of domestic violence in developing countries will agree that the law often does not offer adequate protection to victims.
The MDGs Goal of Gender Equality (MDG3) will never be reached if Liberia does not address this critical problem Mr. Diggs added.
The Human Rights observed that over the past few decades, there have been growing concerns about the violation of the Rights of women living in rural communities, where people are subject to customary law.
Sylvester Diggs pointed-out that the change Liberia is yarning for must start now. It must start at the highest levels of Government and carried through to the grass roots.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN MUST END NOW.........
He Liberian women have suffered too much especially during the 14 years civil war and it is now time for them to enjoy not to die.
1. Do you know your HIV status?
No, I don't
2.If not, would you like to know your HIV status?
Yes, I hope I can gather the courage, I really need to do that.
3.What do you think are the three most important reasons why most young women and men do not know their HIV status in your country? (a)for most of us, and probably true for most religious communities, AIDS is seen as a great sin, a great embarrassment to you,your family and your community.
(b)I know people living with HIV, who loose hope again and again, many of us we are not prepared to loose the one thing we cling to, and that is, hope of a better life in Africa, hope to me illuminates life and soul, without it you are as good as dead.
(c)When engaging is sexual act, most use condoms and this becomes a comfort zone, that you indeed cannot get this infection.
(d) For me, I cannot stand the idea that I will never marry my girlfriend and get healthy kids
4. What is the one thing that should be done in your country to encourage young people to get tested for HIV?
(a)HIV is mainly taught in universities, long after young people have started engaging in sex, I believe it should be made a must in secondary and primary schools (b) Let it be made a family/religion/basic unit of socializing thing , such that government can pray a greater role in encouraging families/basic social units to go for test together and encouraging forgiveness and unreserved support for each other. (c)Encourage self-test as a first step, this would make most of us go for a second testing to confirm, in line with this look for betters/innovative ways of counseling
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by BPW Australia, Wikigender. Wikigender said: RT @tweetmeme 10 years later and still no peace and security for women « Conversations for a Bette.. http://bit.ly/hCcjJd [...]
Hi, When i saw on TV friday nite that the 16 days of activists were coming to an end my heart sank because I knew it was a start of struggle for battered woman and children- did it actually ended ? I was abused infront of my children on Sunday nite and my worse fears were confirmed. Do we make it only 16 days in a year and the rest of it, women can still be beaten and no action are taken because the 16 days are over ? Do you know what the policeman said " I will give you the forms to take to the doctor but think about it if you wanna go through with this " what kind of protect and serve are they doing ? Again while being at the doctor he said it is well known that during those days no men want to assault a women or children because during that time the sentence is heavy
Hi i am Sharyn Ravouvou from Fiji.....
We also had some similar case here in Fiji. I always went to the workshops about HIV/AIDS in workplace. It turns out that those people who have HIV/AIDS are one of the most productive people in our workforce. We also have a network for those that have HIV and its called FJN+.... It is where those that have HIV/AIDS find encouragements. Most of them never disclose themselves which we find that we are lucky because they advocate more on the causes and talk alot to the youth groups of Fiji.
I feel sorry for the girl but what they need is support and encouragements. I always want to help these people and want to be a volunteer advocating HIV/AIDS. The reason being its because some of them its not their fault and everybody is a sinner.... Nobody is perfect and my prayers also go out to everyone who has these disease......May God Bless you all
My name is Sharyn and reading your blog really moves me. I am always close to young girls in giving them advice and be there for them when they want sombody to talk to. These is not the only issue that are taking place in your country. It is also one of the major issue in our country.. But what happen is that its never that similar to yours but i think it is closer to yours. These must be published and people especially teens must join these blog to see the effect of these issue "RAPE". Those that involve into any kind of these sexual harrasment must talk to someone about it before its too late.
I would like to thankyou so much for writing it out like these.
I hope that they will find encouragements that that is not the end of the world for them and there will be a brighter future for them.
God Bless You
Karen, thank you for your thoughtful analysis on 1325, which we have posted under our Initiatives section (http://www.peacewomen.org/portal_initiative_initiative.php?id=732). We are happy to that the PW website is a useful resource for your scholarly and activist pursuits. We look forward to working side-by-side with you and women around the world in making meaningful peace with justice and human dignity a reality.
And I am now in Senegal, in the southern region of Casamance where civil populations namely women, children and elderly people have been suffering during the past 30 years of civil war, villages destruction and persistent food shortage. During the 1st International Forum on Food Sovereignty and Family agriculture held this week in Dakar, strong women from Casamance advocate for their right to chase the warriors and control over the fields and restore the agricultural production in order to feed their families and communities.
I had the chance one mo nth go to participate in the 4th international conference of the Somali Women Agenda in Nairobi on the issue of Peace! We can't wait anymore and to witness the strong willingness of Somali women towards building a future of peace in their country and their impatience to wait for weak and inefficient diplomatic efforts, advocating for 1325 resolutions to be adopted at last!
Iam robert currently an alumunai of uganda christian university in social work and social adiministration bachelors.I thank the passionate heart the global health extends to these vulunerable women in RDC and i would wish to extend my passionate vulunteering with you in RDC and may God bless all the supporters.
I prefer talking about dowry deaths and dowry system in its entirety. isn't there anti dowry law in place then why are girls parents still showing off their wealth and want to be? I think the parents are to be blamed for compounding the problems for their daughters if their daughters have to be killed or die due to dowry demands not being met. one should be care ful that girls are human beings, they are not sex machines, if this is on somebody's mind then they have to be one of those animals... comeon Indian men..
I agree with your general conclusion that "access to water is a women’s right as well as a natural right and a human right". However, although as a water lover I would like to think so, I don't know how you can state that water is feminine. In many languages, Spanish and Portuguese as a quick example, the words ocean, sea, river and even water are masculine. I think you need to justify your attribution to water as feminine with better arguments.
Maybe you could edit the webpage title Street harassment: I never asked for it to something more suited for your blog post you create. I liked the blog post still.
It is very sad, that even with the laws they currently have in Hungary that people are still not properly protected from domestic violence.
My husband and I are currently trying to deal with a situation of domestic violence towards his child who lives in Hungary with the mother and stepfather. We believe we have pretty good evidence that his child was beaten in this home, evidence that indicates even the child admitted this was the case. It is also rumoured that the mother is also a victim of domestic violence.
Unfortunately, nothing has really been done. Those who are supposed to protect him don't even have the evidence we've been able to easily obtain, and so they have made decisions that disregard the seriousness of this matter, and ultimately, they have disregarded the child's welfare. We are told, its a small town, people know people.
We are now desperately trying to find out what has happened, but the answers we get from the 'system' are indifferent to the situation and unhelpful.
I am disappointed in this system that blatantly ignores the voice of a victim, especially a victim that is a child.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by bethcomstock, Americans for UNFPA. Americans for UNFPA said: Girls shouldn't have to choose between going to school & going to look for clean water. Join the conversation here http://bit.ly/93W5e6 [...]
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perfect! I have added it to my blog:
Great tool. Thanks a lot!
Thank you, I like it
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information.
Great compilation. Thanks for inspiring. Keep it going.
Great post!
perfect! I have added it to my blog:
Fortunately there are real solutions, and they are technological in nature.
Thanks! This is something I've really missed and was very happy to find. :)
The earth cannot sustain 7 billion subsistence farmers, and if the technological economy were to collapse most of the people around the world would be dead.
Environmentalism has never been wrong, but many of its methods have been.
thnx.. ws looking fr ths..
good article.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by sexgenderbody, Hina Rehman. Hina Rehman said: RT @sexgenderbody: Clean water for Gaza: Maryam’s story http://ff.im/-s7S9N [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by sexgenderbody, Ms. Magazine and BPW Australia, Anandi A. Premlall. Anandi A. Premlall said: RT @msmagazine: RT @sexgenderbody: Ecofeminism and the right to water http://ff.im/-s7SgS [...]
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[...] Ecofeminism and the right to water [...]
[...] The forgotten glass ceiling: a safe drink of water [...]
[...] Water rights for women and children are essential to the MDGs [...]
we are volunteers working and living in the largest slum in the world helping the local community know their HIV/AIDS status,with a population of over 800,000 people the demand and need for HIV/AIDS counseling and testing is there,thus we setting the centre to help people know.
with divers culture and tradition we are prone to different myths and beliefs from the different communities that live here-we help by giving updated,correct and fact information about HIV/AIDS. we also help those infected meet others so that they can talk,encourage and share with other,we have a support group that meets once every month.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Konrad Glogowski, Teachers W/O Borders, Naveen Srivatsav, EYE!nglish, Learner/Teacher and others. Learner/Teacher said: RT @teachersnetwork: Excellent resource for global citizenship teachers: A refresher on the 8 Millennium Development Goals http://ht.ly/2Tp3Q #MDGs #teachers [...]
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[...] Simcha, I am a Guest-Editor and "Conversation Starter" at Conversations for a Better World, Chris Harding, which is a shared blog on population, gender and health, and provided by United Nations Population [...]
Rape is a heinous crime whether in war or in peace. Where is peace for women? Peaceful happy life is an utopia for women.
In conflict and in non conflict women are victim of sexual violence and rape(?) Nealy all the women at certain point of their life time experience sexual violence if not rape in side the house in their won bed by their loved one and out side. In war zone most of the time women are not party at all but they are becoming the victim of the war either way. They are not only raped but they have to bear the major brunt of the War.
The researchers should ask the rapists " Why they use raping as a Weapon of War? Is it women are soft targets?" If so the women should train to protect themselves in combat zones or any kind of conflict area. We have to survive as fittest. Women should actively think on, " protecting themselves"
The War Hooligans don't understand the language of mercy or kindness.
Thank you Erna and Vinita for your comments! Erna, I was a Sunday School teacher as well! Many moons ago. I truly stand for empowerment of youth in this world. I believe formal education is failing in so many areas - especially America. We are 25th out of 30 developing countiries in Math and Science and if you look at the top 5% only in each of those countries, we are last. I cannot help but wonder if we should have complete educational reform, but do not want to come across as a radical. I wonder if our approach should be more along the lines of self esteem and world leadership infused into our mainstream approach to educating our youth. What do the youth understand - what do they love - who are they - how do we get them to transform that into help ing our planet? These are the questions we should be asking and acting on. The SOUL is so important and shouldnt be an onion peeling exercise. It should be a source of energy - a complete centered understanding of who you are and what you are about. Education is failing and you raise a good point... is humanity failing? Well, I tell you that is unacceptable to me and I will wave the flag to total reform then... and I think my agency has the programs to do so.
Wycliffe Bible Translators has been working with some DRC nationals to produce trauma healing materials. You can find out more at http://www.youtube.com/user/WycliffeUSA#p/a/u/1/ZLt5MhAPe3U.
i believed that every one has a right to a healthy and happy life so no one shoud be discriminated against regardless of thier status. thank you so much
you are very correct as women should also give equal rights in every fields ; they are always slipped down in every fields
The girl child eventually turns into a mother but then it depends on how priority is given to this child emotionally, physically and economically and the general welfare to upbring a future responsible and productive mother. Therefore world over the girl child should be given priority especially giving them the best education.
Many thanks
I found this article very helpful. As an african I would say that main problem of our continent is lack of organization on using our people skills drive a agricultural and industrial revolution in Africa. We may sell all our resources and have all the money but it is the people knowledge which will drive our development. When I use to live in Congo, we use to have a combination of dry grass which we use to burn hours before bed time and it would do the trick of keeping out the mosquitos for days. What happen is that people where forced to move out of the area all grass land was cleaned up.
I think that any filmmaker who is worth her/his salt should be compassionate about the issues he deals with. Only then one can tell a story with intergrity and sensitivity it deserves.
[...] MDG blog-post: Key highlights from Mashable’s Social Good Summit for United Nations Week [...]
[...] MDG 2 blog-post: ICTs and the spread of indigenous knowledge [...]
you are spot on, media is not playing its due part
i am interested in this program. can you be of help to me?
i need materials for hiv/aids seminar in st.peters african secondray grammar school,oomio-okun,ile-ife,ife east local govt,osun state nigeria. the event will take place as follows
venue; st.peters a/c sec.grammar sch,oomio-okun/ile-ife
date; 18th november,2010
time;10:00am
I want to thank you all for taking the time to read my piece and give me your input. It is much appreciated. I will be leaving updates as I make progress on this project.
Moe, would you mind leaving your email address? That way I will be able to get to you sooner.
Once again, thank you for your participation in the discussion.
men abused? no way.
I am an abused wife and cannot leave.
It has nothing to do with education
Without happiness, what is the point? All other goals must come under it's umbrella for a sane and mature society of Mankind.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jane Ginn, Sarah K. Khan. Sarah K. Khan said: RT @SedonaCyberLink: ICTs and the spread of indigenous knowledge « Conversations for a Better World http://scl.tv/aXd5gu [...]
I think your idea is great, partly because I've been working on something similar myself. :) I'd like to talk with u when u have some time. Feel free to email me or call me @.205.215.1426.
Thanks
moe
I do conquer with the writer,i think African filmmakers should be let to tell African stories on camera as they are the ones who know them better than non africans.I have many issues with foreign filmmakers who makes african films,one they exaggerate alot,second they fly their friends,family members and 'film terrorists' who have no basic idea of africa.
[...] UNiTE: The global campaign to end violence against women (conversationsforabetterworld.com) [...]
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The blogger states that Michael Cashman is concerned "organized religion in politics" and it's effects on humanitarian assistance. While I agree with Mr. Cashman that blocking Access to condoms is a dangerous and foolhardy move when we know they save lives, I question making a blanket statement about religion. Many organizations that have a religious basis are doing lots of work to uplift others. A dear friend is driven by her involvement in organized religion to work for a Christian charity helping Muslim Palestinians who are struggling. Many religious organizations are also taking on the needs of their neighbors when it comes to food, water, access to healthcare, and other needs. The issue, Mr. Cashman, is not Organized religion and whether a secular/atheist approach is better, but whether SOME organizations are blocking efforts based solely on religious motivations. I am saddened that the approach Mr. Cashman, and the author, seem to take is one of eradicating organized religion from being a part of aid rather then dialogue. Even when organized religion errs, attacking it will only close minds to other ways of doing aid work, not open them.
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let the world be united in this goal to achieve world happiness!!!let there be joy and peace!!!!let there be laughter and joy that their will bring happiness to everyone!!!let are happy faces shineon yeahpinch!! Life not about waiting for the storms to pass It's about leaning to dance in the rain Vivian Greene!!!!
[...] Conversations for a Better World, Sonam explains that Bhutan is pushing for the “Gross National Happiness” to become a [...]
[...] Conversations for a Better World, Sonam explains that Bhutan is pushing for the “Gross National Happiness” to become a [...]
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by sexgenderbody, For a Better World. For a Better World said: Praise! Check out this video poem on maternal health and invisible women. #MDGfive #MGD http://ow.ly/2G1YD [...]
well done to all those working to address and alleviate the appaling suffering endured by so many in Liberia. God bless your work. Very good information in the article, thank you.
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we all have to work hard to prevent violation against women
This is great!Decreasing the number of death related to pregnancy and childbirth is a good news for us. Health related professionals should be trained in their effectiveness in handling pregnant women and childbirth. The government should give enough budget in training them in upgrading their knowledge towards giving birth.
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Brilliant piece Diana,... so proud of you
There isn't anything wrong with anyone portraying a real picture of what is going on in Africa or any other region of the world as long as it is an accurate image of what is really going on.
The only problem is that, most of the times, westerners who make movies about Africa don't really have all of the information needed to make an accurate count of the facts...it is really simple: there are always many factors to take in consideration when analyzing life in Africa, and if you're not from there you can't fully comprehend the culture, the communication style, the non-verbal communication and the belief systems.
Although I have met some Americans who speak a better Wolof than Senegalese citizen...so one can imagine that some westerners are very knowledgeable on African culture but they are the exception to the widely spread ignorance on Africa.
So really this topic can get complex quickly because the argument can be made that an account of a simple African story can be made by a western film maker (especially if the westerner has spent enough time in Africa)...within reasonable accuracy, yes but the film maker will need African consultants and feedback from the community in order to have a better understanding of the context.
In conclusion, it can be done... a westerner can make a movie about Africa even though a significant contribution from African staff will help make such project successful, it is still possible.
But it is a much better product if the film maker is African and from that country (because African cultures can be very different from one to the next).
Thanks
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[...] Finally some good news for pregnant women [...]
[...] blogging to put an end to violence against women, or bloggers competing to come up with the best ideas for ensuring access to contraceptives. Small acts add [...]
[...] Are Western filmmakers entitled to tell Africa’s story? [...]
[...] have learned that blogging can be such a powerful tool for change. Whether it’s young people encouraging policy makers to ‘listen up’, activists blogging to put an end to violence against women, or bloggers competing to come up with [...]
Young people living with HIV are a very specific group while addressing youth SRHR issues. However among this target group, there is a need to think about the non educated young because most of the program designed are made for young people educated. What's about that under served population. I think we should also emphasis on mobile strategies, we need to go to them with a strong and culturally acceptable program components, involve as much as possible community so that the stigma can be reduced. Services need to be friendly, young people need model, not critics.
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Education is a powerful tool and people without it surely perish; women should indeed acquire it however alot of stigmatism has to be dealt with for all people; leaders should be targetted as the number one source of keeping the country in this predicament!
[...] HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination [...]
This is avery good initiative, PLEASE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOM MORE ABOUT IT.
It is pertinent to note that one important way of preventing the scourge of HIV infection is by educating the society across all ages. In as much as it appears to be more prevalent in the youths, a holistic approach is needed whereby all ages are incorporated into health education I talked about earlier.
We must anlighten PEOPLE LIVIVG WITH HIV/AID on the nneed for healthy lifestyle changes. This way stigma and discrimination will be taken care of.
There are some radio broadcasting stations which have open call lines where people dial up and phone up to register their views and choices....this facility could be used more proactively...
On line campaigns work wonders for dissemination of information.....which can be accessed by people of everywhere and anywhere........it sensitizes the online community and provides the platform to brainstorm and to work out for diverse solutions....But this has to be reflected in the real world too.....and so augmented by offline programmes...in schools, university, seminar's, projects, social service periods. local neighbourhood campaigns, national and local multimedia, newspapers, periodicals......endorsed by the entertainment stars and celebrities of the particular region...etc.
There are so many levels to a perfect action.....even though it begins from the heart...goes to the brain and finally the hands and legs complete and concretize the final result....so all means of technology should complement and complete the work at hand.
Children learn by "EMULATION".....they look up to the adults and emulate the influences unconsciously.....So we as adults cannot offload the responsibility of teaching, guiding and sensitizing them to the core issues of existence to the schools or other agencies.
We work on our selves on all arenas of existence....with absolute alertness and vigilance, and put forward an example of what we want them to BECOME.
There is plenty of DO's and DONT's overwhelming the innocent impressionable hearts and minds ......but the HOW's and the WHY's are missing........
How to save the planet......why to save the planet ........should be evident in our daily actions.......
Living with values....values of gratitude and nurturing for the abundant bounty's of nature's GRACE on each one of us in the form of Water, air flora, fauna, natural resources,forests,underground treasures....and most important "HUMANS".......which we often take for granted.........
Just like charity....education....sensitization too begins at home......each one of us should carry forward the lamp of hope ......beginning with the SELF........the CHILDREN will not help but EMULATE and live the living examples.........
Alas, education has failed to teach us "COMPASSION"......as it is self evident that the poor and the uneducated have greater Capacity to exhibit Compassion than the Rich and the educated.......
The concept of poverty has been a creation of the modern civilization.......the creation of the haves and the have nots ..based on so called merit..talent ?
The talent for what ....for insane materialism....consumerism....Aggression..manipulation of the world's resources....
Even in Nature we a natural movement from a level of high pressure to a level of low pressure.....energy moves from the zone of high potential to the zones of low potential.....But how does the modern education translate this natural law......Teach the achievers and the toppers to Hoard the benefits....to bank it under full security so that no one else can use it except the few chosen ones......to create the wide divide between the rich and the poor....among individuals or nations......
We dig into books.libraries,computers ,researches,theories......and Refuse to see the knowledge which is pouring in the form of Natural manifestations.............The sun shines equally for us all,the river gives equally to us all..the flora,the fauna...the life giving breath of fresh air......they discriminate against none.......
we fail miserably to learn that if we have been endowed with certain graces it is primarily so that we can distribute and dissipate and share it with the other forms of life and being which are a part of our own vital existence..................so big deal if the premier universities are producing expert scientists,engineers and doctors as their assembly line production .....as long as they do not deliver to where it matters most...ie the neglected and the unprivileged and deprived sections of humanity.......it is all a tragic colossal waste of natures resources........
Hal...The imperative focus which is missing in all kinds and forms of formal education today is.....the "SOUL"......
WE manage to create expert scientists,doctors,engineers....and what have you .......but they all are very much like the most technically advanced supercomputers produced .....the HUMAN ....the HUMANE...ELEMENT.....has evaporated......
Other wise it is hard to imagine that .....when so much of, means of welfare are available to people of certain countries ......absolutely abject opposite conditions are existing in other countries.....and if these developed countries feel that .....they can live well in immunized isolation it is so wrong.....all that education has failed miserably.......and when education fails.....Humanity fails......and then we find rouge elements like fundamentalists and jealous zealots.....take over.....
Energy can not be created or destroyed.....it is transmitted from one plane to another.......
No energy can flow in an incomplete circuit.....and if our education instills a false sense of pride and nurtures a petty EGO that ..only WE ..matter.....then it is a process of devolution as opposed to evolution.......
So to all those venerated centres of learning.....learn the basic fact that .....this education has to be used for the welfare and benefit of HUMANITY......nay for the entire Creation ...animate or inanimate.............and not just become an onion peeling exercise.
What a story... This sounds very similar to what I studied in my Global Health Class. The stigma and discrimination is absolutely appalling because people are so fearful... My prayers go out to the woman in Angella's post, and for the millions of others who are in her position.
You are absolutely right, Tulsi. We policy makers have been treating migration only as a disease, but not been able to find the source of infection almost globally. However, we have a chance as the young generation to turn things round. As you mentioned, Rural-urban migration is the order of the day in every community, and if we agree that it's part of us, then we will make a fair deal out of it. I am glad that you are doing research on this and I am sure that through empirical data, we can be able to address this issue more accurately.
I hope that you will be able to share your findings with us later and that you will be able to translate your recommendations into action through the various stakeholders!
Thank you for that informative comment.
I think we should show compassion to not only people living with HIV/AIDS but also maybe gays/lesbians too? The effect of society on them, is the same as the effect of society on people with HIV/AIDS. Also there is also an interesting link, as you know, between gays/lesbians and HIV/AIDS transmission. Lets be objective about it and for policy makers not to use the scriptures to oppress God's children i.e. people who are homosexual and/or HIV/AIDS sufferers! From a disease management point of view, the more we bring out these problems into the open, than driven underground, the better able we are to deal with them. Don't you agree, on the gay lesbian aspect? The latter should be embrassed than castigated?
Humaya, good that you mention it. I think that when talking about social media, it is very important to also talk about those people who have very limited or no access to the internet. I think radio is very powerful in this regard, since even in very remote places people seem to have access to radios. However, I do not perceive radio as a "social media instrument". Social media have the characteristic that they are very interactive, which is not the case with radio, since it is more "one-way" (from moderator to audience). This is one of the disadvantages of radio. Or is there a way how radio can be used in a more interactive way? If somebody has any ideas, please let us know!
Thanks for the continued responses. Indeed there is a need for people in these scenarios or who have been in these scenarios to 'come out' and tell their stories. However, as you have pointed out, many are afraid to do this. Indeed many of the women i talked to are known sex workers but would never want to discuss the intimate details of the services they offered to their clients. This is despite the fact that we all 'reasonably' know what they may offer but they would rather not speak about it in public. I know of a woman who was raped and she stepped out and told her tale encouraging others to report rape. it worked as it was coming from someone who had 'been there' too. But this movement of AI in 'conservative' Africa may never know or see such courage to our detriment.
I was happy to read your information on climate change. Can you keep on sending me information.
Regards
Shadreck Gwari
Domestic violence can end when men are the primary target for end domestic violence interventions.
Greater efforts should also be on the young generation especially young boys.
Salute to the topic of interest!
Although I am not young anymore, I am working for the similar topic: Gender and poverty.
I encourage you to create more good/best practices to fight against poverty.
I am collecting poverty situation which are vary among geographical areas; those are within discussion by certain groups/forum.
One thing that we are concern - when you are used to live in the dark it is not dark any more; some of them already desperate and surrender - thus outsider need to give a hand to show their rights to health and survival as human being.
Wish you all the best,
E. Surjadi
Bravo Hal!
I started just recently put attention to youth after long working time to support a better world within gender equality and equity! My team target is elimination of poverty and hunger.
Prevention is better than cure; handling the youth save the time and ensure better products of living!
My kids were having childhood in US; but they were grown up in Indonesia and Singapore. The best education they had in US was the material on teaching them to be themselves, confident to speak up, rational and fight for survival (maybe due to we were foreigners, me and husbands were studying overthere). The information communication technology (ICT) help them growing faster; however good philosophy is certainly needed. Parents and teachers could help them built the coping mechanism to all future stressors that they may face in live.
My husband is a lecturer; we both were Sunday school teachers when were younger. We told them many people's experiences performed by others and let them choose the goodness for their future. We hope they have never failed by mistakes. They slipped sometimes but never fell down. My first son is now country director, my second son is in Europe to get internship with Yahoo in finalizing his PhD for the next couple years.
Young people - it is your choice to be what you are going to be; but it is true school is the best place to learn and dont wait till you faced it in the real life! Prepare your better future and never joined youth living with HIV, narcotics, alcohol etc; you are the leader starting to yourself with good material and best choices to survive and lead family/others for a better living in the future!
Experiences is bad teacher due to giving examinations before the lectures - but other people's experiences is the good teacher for your future life!
All the best!
May God bless you!
E.Surjadi
A career woman, wife, mother and grand-mother.
If I'm not mistaken, there was a comment in your conference at the WYC this past week talking about the use of the radio as social media. I believe, seen as even in the poorest, most secluded regions in Mexico there is at least one radio, that using this means of communication can be very effective to connect those young people who are not able to make use of the internet. Music, conversations, etc., over the radio can reach many more people than any internet campaign.
I feel that the UN should make a pact with the global youth civil society in order to strengthen independent and representative youth organizations. With the support of UN, the youth organizations would be able to work for overall allround development of youth. The unorganized and funds starving NGOs in the developing world can't work for betterment of youth.
first i should thank the members who introduced me to this site well, MY NAMES ARE FRANCISCA AONO OLUTENDE, am a KENYAN,, Born in WESTERN PROVINVE OF kenya, i am a VOLUTEER- CO-ORDINATER/SCIAL-WORKER, ALSO A FREE LENCE CONSULT WITH THE FELLOWING PROJECTS AND NGOS WHICH DEAL MEANLY WITH THE YOURTH AT MOST, thats [SINGLE MOTHERS ASSOCIATION OF KENYA, KADOWING SCOOLKINDREN [KENIA/NETHERLANDS] KAJULU/KIBOSWA GROUP, UMOJA WOMEN GROUP KAKAMEGA, ETC in our third world country we should put our hands together to empower our people so that their can be self dependant, also the yourth we should teach them so many things when the climate changes, family planning [gender on yourth]xpencial girls, human rights, education, empowerments, global warning, environment, etc
Please spare a thought for young innocent, vulnerable missing British Citizen Madeleine McCann, now seven years old. Madeleine disappeared from Portugal in May 2007. With everyones help we can bring young Madeleine back to her loving family in the United Kingdom, thankyou.
Please visit www(dot)findmadeleine(dot)com
GOD PROTECT YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU MADELEINE.
In my country there aer two types of migrations. first is the labour force migration of rural youth and the next is the aborad study migration of urban youth. both have made serous impact in origon. their status in destination is also not so good.Recently iam studying the rural to uraban migration of rural poor and its role in slum formation. but still now migaration has not get pollicy level attantion in my country.
Please spare a thought for young innocent, vulnerable missing British Citizen Madeleine McCann, now seven years old. Madeleine disappeared from Portugal in May 2007. With everyones help we can bring young Madeleine back to her loving family in the United Kingdom, Thanyou.
Please visit www(dot)findmadeleine(dot)com
GOD PROTECT YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU MADELEINE.
I'm Mr Lisette of Mauritius (Rodrigues island) and my group name is Street Hiv/aids Fighters association and we are happy to join the group.
Thank you for responding. You make such a great point that the mindset has become the norm, therefore, where many of us see logic in changing the approach to our education system, many see that we cannot make a shift because it is too complicated. Add up the issues in the system, issues in our home lives, politics, and more bureaucracy, it is no wonder that the well being and individual motivation and values development of our youth are lost.
A global and constant conversation is needed and that is a start, but it is imperative that we take action as soon as possible because fast forward another ten, maybe twenty years with the same system, the outcome is not going to be fixable. Society is only going to struggle more and what happens then?
I actually had a debate with a family member, who is also an educator over this blog. She stated that she thought I was a little harsh on my viewpoints of the system not empowering youth but then in the same breath she stated how she was frustrated because most of her kids failed the Regents and it was her job (according to her principals instructions) to find a way "creatively" to pass them. Talk about contradicting yourself! What good does that do? Our system is trying to fix the problem from the wrong end. Covering up and pushing students through is not what works! I have kids I work with who cant read and write but are graduating high school. This is more common than you would think.
The answer to me is to listen to youth - empower them - inspire. Educate where they are at. Our educational institutions are not getting the job done to give us "a better world."
What are other nations doing that we aren't doing in the U.S. I want to hear from them as well. Please - share your thoughts with us. Thanks!
[...] Africa’s Youth Face Unjust Realities of Climate Change (conversationsforabetterworld.com) [...]
Great work you are doing.
hmmm! Very inspiring maya. I love your post and I definitely love being a girl. Its fun being a girl because it allows me to express myself and be in charge.
Hmmmm Hal! I see what you see and it is so scary! Really, the effect of this in years to come will be devastating. Everything you said here is sooo true! I think its a great challenge because that mindset has now become the norm in almost all educational institutions and in most society. Its all about getting 100 in test, its all about who has the most degree and who went to Harvard and stuff.
I guess making this a global conversation is a step to achieving that change of mindset. I have thought about this for so long because I am currently in a school where everything is so messed up, I see all my colleagues struggling to pass even though they have no clue what the course is all about. They all want to have a degree certificate they won't be able to defend at the end of the day.
Even though I know am smart, I feel it will be wrong for me to say I have a B.Sc Degree in Sociology when I finally graduate because I wasn't taught Jack! Even lecturers do not understand the weight of their profession.
Hey Robert:
Great story on a disturbing topic. What a dangerous trend.
Im a kenyan citizen and an official member of a regestered youth group in nairobi.how can we work as a team to fight Hiv/Aids.our group's name is UMOJA TALENTED SELF HELP GROUP.God bless the work of your gands.
Thank you for this very informative piece. And I can only imagine how you felt being a first hand receiver of such information. Sometimes these things are overwhelming even for people like us who are committed to contributing towards change for a better world.
Africa and it's taboos are barriers well known to all of us. And unless we can find ways to tackle the prolems most of our work will only land on barren soil.
I would like to look at question 2 by sharing experience on a job a Community Safety Initiative (CSI) team of ARC used in Guinea to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and the number of GBV cases among Liberian and Sierra Leonean Refugee sex workers. To get into their circles first of all, a number of influencial sex workers were targeted and worked with to get "trained change agents." They, in turn, show the team their different trade areas in the country and explain how things worked within the sex trade circle. The team in no time had a full hand and was seriously working for change. Change was slow and not 100%, but change took place. Once the change agents could help the CSI team to identify their trade centers, they could carry on from there with the help of the target group.
I totally agree with you, a good balance of both has to be found. However, what is this perfect blend that you were talking about? I would be very interested to hear more about that, could you be more specific?
Further, regarding the challenge to reach people in places where there is no infrastructure: How do you reach those YOUNG people with campaigning? What are good methods to connect to them, interact with them, and engage them in a certain cause? These are very open questions, everybody is invited to share some ideas or experiences!
Hi Emily,
Im a new comer here, a friend just inform me about WOMEN DELIVERS website and what interest me most of your blog on migration.
Im with the Mindanao Migrants for Empowering Actions, Inc. based in Davao City Philippines. Our work encircles around migration --policy development and campaign, public information and media, research development and publication, and direct service for distress and families of migrant workers.
If I may contribute, yes in the Philippines overseas migration is the country's program of survival. The government is in awkward positioning of owning migration as her principal economic strategies of development but programs of overseas deployment of OFWs speaks clearly of her priorities and thrust.
Our organization are not at all in opposition to overseas migration as we respect the right of peoples to travel and seek employment, her right to development . What we are heeding in our work is to continuously challenge our government in protecting and proving welfare support of our migrant workers in all stages of migration sphere – pre-deployment, onsite and reintegration. I wont enumerate all the lamentation of our migrant workers as I may undermine the suffering they made, also i wont try to appreciate as we all know that they have contributed a lot to the development of their own families, communities and the country as a whole.
To your blog questions,
• In the Philippines , overseas migration population volume is pegged at 10.3million more or less 10% of the country’s population, 70%+ are women in productive age. I wont speak of EVIL as overseas migration has always comes in both . If our government program looks up migration as development phenomenon then she had made it her priority program for protection, welfare and assistance.
• Principally the push and pull factors pointed at poverty conditions that lured our peoples to work overseas. This is not simply an option for greener pastures but for SURVIVAL, as opportunities for development are scarce if not absent. There is a phenomenon of culture of migration, migration mentality is vastly spreading even grade school students dreamed to become a domestic worker abroad after schooling. We are in a bizarre situation of modeling our generation to serve other people, leaving behind an empty Philippines.
• Your number 3 question are just a few of the lamentation mentioned, pls count that there are also deaths and killings happening aside from suicide acts to escape from abusive employers. Yes trafficking , illegally recruited migrants are dominantly monopolize by women, based on our work documentation a percentage count of 80-20 are women. The issue of HIV AIDS is still a haunting phenomena with seafarers as the top rank, and lately domestic workers. Surprising to note that domestic ranks 2nd why not sex workers or others. Accounts of rape, sexual molestation and prostitution even in highly conservative countries are realities at hand. Run away domestic workers who escaped from their abusive employers resorted to these activities to survive and still continue to send remittance for their families and the country. Forgive my ignorance of migrant workers being recruited by terrorist camps, Maybe but I did not hear much about these in reality.
• MIGRANT WORKERS are not just contributing a little to this whole world’s development. They are entirely investing their total resource even their own future. There sacrifices are surmountable and boundless. First all people should realize that our migrant workers are human beings and that they have rights as any human being have. Thus they should be afforded with respect, protection and welfare support to include their families. Government should work for bilateral agreements with host countries for these protection and welfare issues and on practice bear its STRONG POLITICAL WILL to address issues for its migrant workers . Civil society organization should continue its advocacy actions, mainstream that MIGRANT RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS and SERIOUSLY work to build an informed public on mitigating migration phenomenon to include organizing their families and communities to support the agenda of migrant workers.
Emily Im sorry if I made it long. Im just too interested with your topic. Im looking forward to do an exchange on this regard. Good spirit to us all.
INORISA S. ELENTO
Executive Director
Mindanao Migrant Center for Empowering Actions, Inc (MMCEAI)
Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines
Well Thank you very much Martha. Truth is i would indeed get trouble getting something published in both the Public and Private media...experience has taught me that much. Kikelemo, i agree with you that there needs to be better education. However, i think people have a right to become Commercial Sex workers. Mind you some of them are in it because, believe it or not, it is a passion and a calling as i would find my work as a journalist soothing. As people we are different like that. However if we give them adequate information and access to prevention tools openly acknowledging the existence of such sexual practices in the communities, Commercial sex workers will make an unformed decision and know the risks they face before they indulge. Acceptance of what is going on around us is the first step and giving access to uncensored sex-education is a vital second step in protecting our people and future generations. But then again, these are just my opinions hey?
[...] post was reprinted with permission from Conversations for a Better World blog. [...]
WAOH! Great post Robert. It is so sad and am sure majority of those infected are young people. Good questions you asked cos I have been thinking about them too. For the first question, I believe more can be done in terms empowering the people, so they can trade, go to school, or something. I really don't believe anyone desires to do Commercial Sex work as an occupation.
Do u really think there are answers to this questions and if there are, will the people be willing to change their behavior.
Thanks for sharing man!
Great article, Robert. We are indeed sitting on a time-bomb - and powers that be will not allow anyone to talk about it. Telling us AI is unChristian, against our culture and tradition will not take it away. It is happening. Would you have trouble getting your story published elsewhere?
Campaigns should be a combination of both online and offline methodologies with an inclination towards offline methods. Online technologies offer only one thing: transfer of information. And that should be the reason why impact of online campaigns fade out quickly. If we can come up with a perfect blend of both methods, that would have the best impact. In places where there is no infrastructure, obviously online campaigns don't work and we will have to rely exclusively on offline methodologies like personal visits. But then again it will be an expensive affair for the people who conduct the campaign. There will be a trade-off.
This is a very informative post. people who seek to migrate usually do so because of factors beyond their control. Here in Australia we are frequently reminded of this by the so-called boat people.
I am a firm believer in the interdependence between migration, poverty, politics, industry and climate. That is why I like participating in educative debates through my blog http://ziarra.wordpress.com.
Keep up with your good work.
I think teenagers should be taugh about condoms as soon as they Leave primary School. Reason being as sad as it, and as much as we want to deny it children are becoming more exposed to sex and at a much younrger age and and are practicing sex at a much younger age.
Condoms can be bought almost anywhere, I usually get them form Family Planning. It is easy to get in Trinidad.
Oh God so many people dont want to know if they are HIV Positive because of the fear of stigmatism and most peolpe see HIV as a nasty painful death.
In trinidad I find the system to be a bit lengthy.
I did my rapid test on August 06th tested positive, waited one month for the blood results to come back and then had to wait a next month for my viral load.
This gives a person enough time to deteriorate when research shows that the earlier a person starts the better for them.
Congratulations Esther. This is good. Keep doing what you can with what you have in your hands. That is what will take Africa to the next level. Well done!
You are doing a great work my friend. And it is very important for youth in countries such as mine to copy some ideas and techniques to be able to find sustainable solutions to our own health problems. I appreciate your work and hope your results of achievement grows higher....
Young positives is indeed a special group with special needs. It is very important that when we design projects to meet their needs we involve them from the inception to implementation. Why are our young people unable to access youth friendly services? We should remember that young positives are unique in the sense that their future is threatened by HIV and appears bleak. Many of them have also been born with the virus. Programmes to address social issues concerning young positives need to be encompassed in the project design.
you know the biggest issue right now is that many programmers the ones working in the field of youth work and this is primarily the bigs shots with the money, first they perceive young people as victims almost always and this therefore affects the way the relate with young people!!! Then just how much do the rpogrammes respond to the realities of young people in the many contexts that they finds themselves in??? Truth be told, many programmes have own agendas and true and real youth empowerment economically has never been a principle within that agenda, no wonder young people are perenial volunteers and forever being exploited in the name of volunteering.... these people who ask them to volunteer... have they ever thought they can volunteer??? there are big names who do not pay volunteers!!!!! never knowing that out of that volunteer stipend they would pay school fees or whatever else thay need!!!! If i had a moments i would say.... redefine engagaing with youth!!!! go back to the drawing board!!
Share with us how you or other young people are using creative means to address the poverty in your/their communities.
Well am not using any creative means to address the issue on poverty but all the same the question leaves many things my mind. I think it is really a good initiative for individuals or groups to use wherever they find themselves. I may consider a method to use in the near future. These are a few points I think can be used to address poverty in the communities in my country, Ghana.
• Investment
Poverty is a long journey that may or may not be always easy to eradicate until reality comes in the picture especially for the people living in it. Most often individuals live in self denial , refusing to accept the reality of their current states and finding ways to work positively on those issues but rather keep blaming government upon government and other leaders without realising that, a change starts from somewhere and that change is the ‘individual’.
However, one finds him or herself, the question one need to ask is, what do I have and what can I make of what I have. Enough of the complaining and the waiting on manner or miracles or sudden changes, those things are left for life to take care of. Whatever one posses or has, one need to be educated to hold on it and work harder into investing much into that little thing. It could be a small farm the person have. If that is all the individual owns, that person need to be encouraged to keep doing what he is best at and work hard on what he has for now until a change comes in the future. If individuals are taught to appreciate the little they have and work efficiently to reach towards a goal they set for themselves , many things can be avoided . This included the urge individuals in many villages holds on running away to the city to work. Many are not lucky when they leave to the city but rather end up in robbery, prostitution and other indecent lifestyles which in turns affects the entire society. Because it increases unsafe sex leading to high risk of sexually transmitted infections, termination of pregnancies leading to high mortality rates etc
• Support (talents)
Supporting young people in their talents is very vital in the society we live in because it prepares them for a brighter future and it also helps the society as a whole. Young people in the society have not been encouraged or supported with things that will boost their natural talents. There are few organisations like the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, who from time to time organises *talents shows’ or ‘ varieties shows’ for the many young people who are talented. This strategy in so doing, opens up the future career of many young people. It helps them to recognise and explore to the hidden talents they have or talents they are aware of. In so doing, this helps many young people to discover their future caeers and work towards them. Something like this is a good strategy to avoid unemployment , therefore poverty in the community and amongst many of the youth.
• Education in a different perspective
Education in our society is one that is considered only in the classroom with a qualification on a paper and that ends it. How many of institutions are in Ghana that have units that assist young people with natural talents such as singing, acting, dancing, etc. In many of our institutions, those who decide to focus on the athletic part of the institution and always represent the school become the so called ‘not efficient students’. This actually becomes a reality because there are no allocated times for those sports students to train without missing normal classes. Such people are left with one choice, either to focus on sports and come out with failed papers, drop out or focus on just education. I have a close friend who is so good in many sports activities like high jump, racing etc and he won many medels for his school but according to him, he also wanted to graduate successfully with a good grade from school so he quit school. And now, he so much wish he was in the sports arena but the circumstance in our society’s education does not allow such. If our leaders could amend our education and diverse it and introduce many things , it will help the community members to be comfortable in whatever area they decide to develop in any institution they find themselves in.
All the same if the government is unable to raise such a structure in our society, I think our religious leaders who earn so much money from their worship can come up with educational structures to support people and as well give them the needed basic education as they work towards their natural talents.
• Inspirational groups/clubs
This point I really find it very important to be considered in our community. Poverty is a realistic thing everyone has experienced or have been affected one way or the other either by ourselves or people around us. There are many individuals in our societies or communities who came from nowhere, where raised from nowhere, had lived a terrible poverty life, but today are found ‘somewhere’.
There are great leaders in the societies who were born in villages, had to go through tough times . What to eat was a problem, had to work hard every day, sell before they get some money for school the next day, were abused etc but today have become great leaders in different countries and worldwide and more are yet to become heroes. In my opinion, inspirational clubs, groups or unions could be created in our societies for such people to be members and brainstorm on ways to show themselves to the current young people striving to make it. Just to let them be aware that, ‘they the inspirational group members’ have been in their situation before, and understand what they are going through and these people can be like them if they do not give up. I believe if such groups become official and are recognised young people can be easily encouraged to continue fighting to the top not withstanding their current poverty issues.
• Individuals / groups abroad
Another very important factor is the young people in abroad. When one is young and very naive , the only thing learnt from the people who travel abroad is that : all is well in abroad and lots of money is earn easily. This becomes obvious when young people go for holidays in abroad , make money, return home, buy cars, and live a very high class lifestyles making others believe that once you get yourself located in abroad, money comes to you easily which is nothing than a dream that can never come true. One time someone wrote a comment on ‘facebook’ that ‘America is hard ohh those in Ghana should stay and appreciate what they have. I couldn’t believe all the comments that came after it were full of insults or blames on the person who posted it. Such as if you don’t get nothing there, why are u still there, some also said you earn like 15,000 dollars a year why are you complaining. It is very sad because these people do not know the financial state and manner in Europe. Yes that 15,000 is a lot of money to earn in a year. But lets do this rough work: the persons financial life could be as example:
Monthly rent: 700 dollars ( a year 8,400)
Monthly internet bill: 40 dollars (a year 480)
Monthly water bill: 30 dollars (360)
Monthly fon bill: 50 dollars (600)
Money bus ticket: 100 dollars (1,200)
Monthly food expenditure: 200 dollars (2,400)
Clothing etc : 100dollars a month (1,200)
TOTAL :14,640 dollars per year
Hospital, outings to a restaurant and other stuff not added.
Now how much is the person left with? What helps many people to survive in Europe which many people in Africa do not know is the credit system. You can credit anything and pay in bits so that way people are able to live the way they want and pay their debts in bits. Today many people are highly in debts to houses they credited, cars they credited etc.
Some students travel to Europe for 6 months holiday, they are hosted by friends, they pay no rent, water, nothing and at the end they are able to save so much money and take home to live a luxurious lifestyle leaving many to believe that , Europe is full of money. People go to conferences and workshops abroad and are paid thousands of dollars, which many times leaves many very ignorant of the fact that they are being given such money because they are really working hard with their minds in a confine place. And they will raise such amounts of money in reality after a month or two if they are to do normal jobs as everyone in the European society.
Seriously, if young people in Europe will educate people in their countries in Africa about the reality, people will be content with what the nation has, and work harder to achieve their dreams no matter where they are. Many people in Ghana made it to the top without having to go to abroad to do un suited jobs like cleaning etc upon all their qualifications as doctors etc. If our young people in our community are told the truth and the reality, they will work hard to invest into the nation’s economy and this will contribute the society’s standard and poverty level.
• Youth groups
The final thing that I think can be used to address poverty issues in our communities is raise all kinds of groups whether they are literates or not. Just like PPAG’s strategy of youth groups or peer educators groups where young people gather to talk about their sexual and reproductive health issues, these groups can meet to discuss poverty, the way forward, how to build the community together, how to encourage each other , how to build on each others natural talent and so on.
(forgive me for any grammatical error, which am sure are more, i wrote in a rush and am very tired and can’t go through to check, i hope my comment makes small sense )
What does poverty mean and look like in your own words and in the world you live in?
Poverty as it is defined in the Encarta dictionary is: the stage of not having enough money to take care of basic needs such as food, clothing and housing. However, we can look deeper into the other definition in the same source as ‘a deficiency or lack of something which in my perspective well describes what poverty is.
How does poverty look like in my own world?
Although I find myself living abroad, the world I constantly see myself in is where I come from in one of the countries in Africa. In my perspective and the world I live in which is my home country, poverty can be viewed in different areas as listed below and all these are contributing factors to poverty:
• Education
One of the key things to help raise a country beyond its poverty level is education in the classroom, internationally aware or abreast with what is happening elsewhere apart from one’s own country, media minded, open minded and readiness to learn new things, distinguishing between the fact, the reality and the truth.
According to Wikipedia the adult literacy rate in Ghana was 65% in 2007 , with males at 71.7% and females at 58.3% which is quite impressive from the last time I checked when it was 57%. However, I believe more individuals need to be educated both in the classroom and internationally oriented. Although people go to school to be educated, a high percentage of Ghanaians in my opinion lack knowledge of the reality going on in other parts of the world. This in essence affects the development of the society because the ignorant ones are easily swayed away with tales and deceit from leaders.
From statistics 83 of children are in school, which makes Ghana as the current country with one of the highest school enrolment rates in West Africa. Presently, Ghana has 21,530 primary schools, 8,850 junior secondary schools, 900 senior secondary schools, 52 public training colleges, 5 private training colleges, 5 polytechnic institutions, 4 non-university public tertiary institutions, 8 public universities and over 45 private tertiary institutions. When once calculates the proportion it clearly indicates how many students a tertiary institution takes for one class and one course sometimes beyond 200 students per class. What then happens to the attentiveness of students in class and how teachers are able to coordinate effectively the progress of each student? A million dollar question I suppose .
Considering the percentage of children in school probably in Primary school or elementary level, half a percentage may be the only ones to have the chance to continue and the number keeps falling as the levels continues. This is because of obvious reasons which includes : exams failures, drop outs, lack of finances to support and other related issues making only a few to be educated.
• Tax system
What has been the procedure and level of taxation processes in Ghana? : is one question I have been interested in but never finds the absolute answer to it. Now tax payment has spread to every level that the poor person-selling sachet of water on the street is paying for tax. However, it is sad to realise that many rich people in the country and people in crooked businesses are able to dodge tax payments. It looks as though everyone is paying tax but who can defend if the rich and people in higher authorities pay their tax. In my view, they don’t pay tax but leave it to the poor who earns nothing to pay. With this kind of attitude from the nation how will the nation derive enough money to handle its own infrastructures than to forever keep going in for loans to solve its problems. Even with the poor giving out their taxes, how much reaches the top level knowing the dubious ways our leadership has become in the country with the normal attitude in finances being that by the time it reaches it right level more than half percent of the actual price has gone into individuals pockets.
• Leadership
I have always questioned the living of leaders in Africa. It is very amazing that many people in the west are so ignorant about living in Africa because all they see is hut houses, bushes, forest and other poor living conditions and environments of people in Africa because of course that is what the media is interested in. It has not occurred to any journalist to take documentaries of the living conditions of leaders in African countries like presidents, chiefs, ministers, senators etc. In my home country and other countries in Africa homes leaders live in, is like paradise on earth which is actually more than what celebrities in the west live in. You view a leader’s home and it looks like an entire company or fleet of companies : so huge and so beautiful. With every leader with fleets of cars of which some am sure are not even used in a whole year. You go to countries like China, Finland etc and people resign in matters of months after becoming presidents because the burden alone can cause you a heart attack. You go to places like Sweden, Norway, Finland and other countries and you see a minister in a shop with a normal citizen also shopping for his house. But, not in Africa, because a whole traffic will be at a stop just for a leader to pass by with so much horns as if someone is dying. With this attitude and manner of living of leaders in Africa, how will we not experience poverty as a daily life style?
• Societies rank
Because of the way of life of leaders explained above and living conditions of many people in the country as well as the educational level and opportunities given to the well connected individuals the society is not an equal society. The gap between the rich and the poor is so huge that, one can see someone very rich and one can see someone very poor.
Also when it comes to opportunities in jobs, travelling opportunities in organisations and so on, only a few or special ones are given the same favours or chances over and over again , leaving many out of the learning environment. Physically challenged people are not given the opportunity to work in places because of their disabilities and more over, work places in Ghana do not favour them. How many companies in Ghana have lifts for the physically challenged? How many have created pavements for wheel chairs etc in work places? And so on. This leaves them to end up begging in the street, which increases unemployment, or the burden is laid on the family. When it comes to opportunities, for instance in organisations that need people to travel abroad to learn more about other things in other countries, same people or just a specified number are sent day in and day out with the claim of the said ‘representatives’ to come and debrief the others. However, if people do not get the chance to go and learn for themselves they still get ignorant of many things. This leads into different things which includes : the frustrated ones ending in negative lifestyles such as stealing from the organisation (which I testified from a co- worker years past) etc which affects the company and if this goes on in many companies, organisations etc it affects the nation and it financial state.
• Loan system
With members of the society facing poverty issues, it is sad that the nation itself as a whole cannot help itself. Looking at the current financial statement below, what can one say?
Revenues:---$1.05billion
Expenditures:--- $1.2 billion
External Debt:-------------- $5.2 billion
The country spends more that it earns and the debt is more than 89% of what the country earns, this really tells how the future is going to look like if amendments are not put in place. How long will the country go in for loans from other societies and when will the country learn to use its finances appropriately. I once made a statement to some friends in abroad that, if other leaders really know the lifestyles of our leaders in Africa, they will not grant loans to the nations. But, of course, those international leaders are not ignorant because they know what they want in return as I always say.
• Natural resources
The country has very rich resources in the following: Gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber but is so shameful that the country is not able to make much or nothing out of what we have from our natural resources but rather we export a higher percentage. How many people can afford a gold item in Ghana? Very few because it is very expensive. Consider the small data below:
Importation and exportation
Exports:--------------$1.43billion
Commodities:--- Cocoa, gold, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds
Imports:--------------$1.84billion
Commodities:--- Petroleum, consumer goods, intermediate goods, capital equipment
Wao that is amazing, we import more than we export. What is the country coming up to? Successful nations like China, Sweden, Norway, Swizerland, Finland etc if we check their importation and exportation level, they export and import appropriately to suit the nations need. They make use of what they have more and can produce more in their own countries which in essence helps their economical state. It is amazing we grow a healthy rice in Ghana , but people rather trust more in rice importation because that is more healthy and better in their perspective which is really very sad on their naiveté’s.
• Religion / myths
Another big factor on our poor or bad state of poverty is our religious stands and myths. Many religious leaders have emerged from nowhere with all kinds of lies and deceit of which they have many followers because they have realised the nation is drunk with spirituality. People are not accepting reality to work on them but then believe in lies, which is rather killing the nation’s economy. Even leaders of the nation relate irresponsible, criticism, or things that need real analysis and adjustments to spirituality.
• Culture
In many societies when a child reaches the age of 18, he or she is to be independent, work, and learn to be responsible for himself. Many adolescent of such ages start work , earn a living, rent their apartment, pay their own bills etc. What can we say about my nation? Even people at the age of 30 years still live with their parents, are not yet responsible to rent their own apartments, not responsible to bills such as water, electricity, internet, phone bills etc because the entire family need to share the bills or the parents have to take care of that. This affects the nation greatly and its economy because individuals grow to that stage and still consider themselves the ‘mummy’s child or ‘daddy’s child instead of learning to be fully responsible for their own finances. When this happens and the supporters dies or something bad happens to their finances, many of these children of theirs who have been dependent on their families become thieves or robbers in the society or their work places because they have not learnt how to manage the little they earn. And with the responsibility increasing all of a sudden they need other dubious or sneaky ways to make money which affects the nations finances. This cultural lifestyle of the nature need to be changed.
In my recent visit home, as I told few friends and some saw, I took with me just 4 skirts and 5 tops to use for my entire stay. However as I walked in town and saw the dressings of the youth and the cost of those clothing, I asked myself what the country is leading into. People are no more proud of the nations traditional clothing and the modest lifestyle rather want to live like other people in the West whilst they do not have the slightest idea how the people in those western countries live and afford such stuff. With this kind of living, many will be pressured to have same lifestyles, which will promote and is promoting negative lifestyles amongst the youth in Ghana such as prostituting, stealing etc. This affects our financial state because many men who are dating such girls uses the companies money on them causing financial lose to the nation.
• Partnerships
It is also very important one consider the partnership, coordination and competitors countries the nation is looking up to. Because the nation is better or have upgraded itself in a number of things than many West African countries does not mean the country is well off yet. This is, one way the majority in the society including the leaders are using to get satisfied with on their current level which is so wrong because it leaves many to be reluctant to move on further. If the country keeps comparing itself with countries with still low profile or low way of managing its system, the economical state won’t be developed and poverty level will keep increasing in the society. But then if the country begins to look at itself in different angles like look up to countries such as China and learn from their commitment and struggle to reach where they are, the nation can start somewhere and who can tell the future, one may never know what can become of Ghana.
• Corruption
One major factor, which leaves the society in its bad state of poverty, is the level of corruption in the system. Corruption has not just been a bad practice but as a matter of fact a way of life which has been accepted to be part of the society. It starts from presidency to the least person in the society. One can see how a whole president of state refused to stay in the nations allocated housing for him but rather asked that his house be renovated for him to stay there and so much high standard of living amongst our leaders in the country. Religious leaders are not exceptions, as they take money from the poor as offering to their ‘Maker’ many religious leaders live in ‘Paradise’ houses, clothing very expensive, fleets of cars etc deceiving the poor of the little they have in the name of spirituality leaving the few good religious leaders to do the best they can.
One sad thing is, other people who travel out of the country for study purposes etc who return to help build the nation end up in unsuitable environments. These people learn different honest ways of working to build a nation but as they enter into different industries, companies etc they are forced to dance to the music being played there, that is join in the corruption, keep quiet or resigned.
• Oil
An oilfield which is reported to contain up to 3 billion barrels (480,000,000 m3) of light oil was discovered in 2007. Oil exploration is ongoing and the amount of oil continues to increase. There is expected to be a tremendous inflow of capital into the economy beginning from the last quarter of 2010 when the country starts producing oil in commercial quantities). Although this does not directly relate much to the points listed above, it is my hope this oil issue does not make Ghanaians get stagnant with the hope and believe that, it is alright , we don’t need much force and rush anymore for the economy. In my view, this can either lead to the best of the nation or a disaster causing a huge havoc to the countries lifestyle which will rather make poverty the number one key issue. Nigeria can be seen as an example for Ghanaians to keep alert and be careful the oil does not create problems but rather solve problems.
If the country and other countries in Africa had leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, povery level in Africa wont be a discussion rather ways to teach other countries of our success will be the topic on the table. All the same the key thing is education. If attitudes of people don’t change in the society our poverty level which I see is a big problem will remain the same. If someone travels abroad and comes to Ghana and offeres a hundred euros as a free gift, one will be amazed how the receiver will behave : ohh this is so much a small money and the person wont appreciate it . As a matter of fact that money will be used in a matter of hours in the same day. However, you give fifty euros to someone in Europe and the person will forever thank you. Until people learn to be honest and true to themselves and to the nation, things will remain as they are.
STATICS USED:
Sources: http://www.hmnet.com/africa/ghana/ghana.html Read 22.08.2010
http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml/Ghana Read 2:08.2010
Thank you very much Olive, Sana, Joab, Robert, Allen, Daniela and Jena for these very interesting insights that you are coming up with. I have no doubt that together we can make a difference.
Olive thanks for this good idea of replicating the approach of “affirmative action” that helped in reducing stigma against the disabled populations. Olive particularly suggests allocating positions for young people living with HIV/AIDS e.g. in elective offices, public universities and civil society jobs. Colleagues, how do you see this approach?
Thanks Joab. O yea, we can use opinion leaders as role models to advocate for the rights of young people living with HIV/AIDS. Does any one know how we best involve opinion leaders in this context?
Thanks Robert and Allen. Correct, it is going to be a gradual process of change indeed. As Robert suggests, as youth, lets us arise and dismantle the prevailing myths and misconceptions surrounding the whole subject of HIV/AIDS. We can surely spread the messages of change in our families, schools, Churches, and our local communities…
Thanks Jena for your contribution. Indeed in some extreme cases, some have committed suicide due to this internalised stigma (Gilmore and Somerville, 1994); the psychological torture sometimes becomes unbearable for some people. How sad.
Thanks Daniela. Yes. Women carry not only the face of HIV/AIDS, but also disproportionately carry its burdens including the stigma and discrimination.
There is evidence of the persistent disproportionate global increase in feminisation of HIV/AIDS plus its disproportionate burdens (including stigma) endured by women compared to their male counterparts. In Uganda for example, according to UGASS report of 2006-2007, married people host the majority of new HIV/AIDS infections. Although this is mainly due to men’s extra-marital sexual practices, society continue to blame women as vectors of HIV/AIDS transmission. Consequently, some women are innocently thrown out of their families after their husbands have died of HIV/AIDS, while other are condemned for infecting their unborn babies. It is really a very unfair and unequal world, but me and you can make a difference.
[...] New Visions for the End of Poverty (conversationsforabetterworld.com) [...]
Outside the realm of relisious reasons, the pill is not good for women. Many of my friends have had strokes. It is against our nature and well-being to take these pills.
yes im very much agry about this if women speak and want to teach leason that people who realy behave with womens like a cow or animals they dont think any ruls make for womens they do any thing with woment espaisoly man thinks like that they having all rights too do this thing behave with womens like this torcher her, mentaly physicully hareest her but women cannot speak not complent how she get insaff, sowe should stop violence against womens espesioly.
Hi there,
Mothers are next to God and hence they are to be honored
Thanks,
Cameron
An essential piece of research Angella! I agree education, safe sex behaviours and financial support etc are crucial. I think as Africans (traditionally and as religious beings), we need to be a litte bit more liberal in our outlooks on life, as we can no longer afford the harsh judgementalism of past centuries. HIV/AIDS is a "modern" disease that became prominent mainly in the last 2 decades I think. It requires understanding and compassion in families, communities etc, for it to ever be controlled. Without this, there will just be more experiences of your research subject. Some sufferers in those circumstances just commit suicide, than wait for the disease to slowly take them. Good luck with your research!
- Diana, this is a careful and well written piece. I like the depth and energy you show for your work.
- To reach HIV positive youth in challenging circumstances, we have to engage civic society i.e Clubs, Student Associations, School Boards, NGO's and the national governments. This needs an all out assault that is coordinated in such a way that it eliminates or reduces waste and redundancy but maximizes efficacy. Not that, accoding to the UN, Africa has the youngest population of people under 30. It is also hardest hit by thge AIDS epidemic therefore governments and civic organizations need to work together in order to reduce transmission, provide treatment and further strengthen the public healthand economic infrastructure of the communities where the youth live.
- To attract the youth, I think we need to engage them with culturally relevant material. For example,sports, music, video,social networking sites like twitter and facebook, peer to peer discussions and debates in schools and community halls will draw the youth in.
- Communities can work to together by sharing best practices on reduction of HIV transmission. They can combine medical resources so that most patients get comprehensive care, no matter where they are. In addition, communities should set up an administrative infrastructure to address problems
Dear Angela, congratulations on your editorial. As i was reading i was wondering if there are studies comparing the stigma of a woman or a man? Are there any evidences showing that women are more prone to receiving this type of treatment by society than men?
I am a former sex worker, and currently work with sex workers in my home city, New York, as well as sex workers and allies all around the world through the International Women's Health Coalition and the Global Network of Sex Work Projects to ensure that sex workers' voices are amplified, and the human rights of sex workers are respected.
Though I appreciate and understand your alarm and concern about people in the sex trade and the risks they may take to survive, I think the big thing you're missing in this piece is input from the sex workers themselves on what needs to change so that their health and rights are supported. You interviewed sex workers about their experiences, but did you ask them about what could improve their situations? At the end of your post, you pose a number of questions with the word "we" in them - this "we" must include sex workers' input in order to move toward a future with less HIV transmission and safer, healthier communities. Sex workers are a big part of the solution.
I highly recommend that you check out the following:
"When I Dare to Be Powerful" - stories from sex workers from Uganda. http://plone.nswp.org/resources/content/when-i-dare-to-be-powerful-sex-worker-oral-herstory/view?searchterm=when%20i%20dare%20to%20be%20powerful
"Rights Not Rescue" - A really beautiful animated video by the Open Society Institute, featuring sex workers from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. They talk about personal experiences and what kind of health and policy support they need to improve the quality of their lives.
"Only Rights Can Stop the Wrongs: The Smart Person’s Guide to HIV and Sex Work" - a guide from the Global Network of Sex Work projects featuring examples from around the world. http://iac.nswp.org/2010/07/15/only-rights-can-stop-the-wrongs-the-smart-person%E2%80%99s-guide-to-hiv-and-sex-work/
Thank you Angella for these vital illuminations.
For community education, People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can be recruited and trained as community health workers, then these can identify and recruit their peers and mobilise them into groups. These self help groups then provide social support for lobbying and advocacy to reduce stigma and fight for the rights of PLWHA. They can then educate community members about the importance of respecting the rights of people living with AIDS, this group can also be a source of encouragement of other community members living with AIDS. As long the community is taught about AIDS, I think this can reduce the silence and denial and eventually PLWHA will be accepted.
For capacity building and financial support, governments, in collaboration with AIDS-related organisations should enable PLWHAs to acquire group financial support to improve the economic status of their members. PLWHA can be trained in basic business skills so that they utilize the financial support effectively.
This is a sad reality yet I find a bit of hope here. The reality is being from sub-Saharan Africa myself, the setting is different but the storyline is all too familiar with me too dear. The hope stems from the fact that we all now know now that HIV and Aids uses the same tools to fight us and divide us; ignorance, fear, stigma amongst other weapons that fight our will to survive and thrive; however, knowing what is in one's arsenal is winning half the battle. With youth who disseminate powerful stories and messages of change and hope and reversal of iniquitous tendencies like stigma, the future will slowly be positively polluted by the same messages of hope, acceptance and change that you possess. It will take time but we will get there one step at a time.
The scenario above is sad but very real. I believe people in leadership positions are key in bringing change in this regard. I believe there is need to educate people in leadership roles on how they can put AIDS patients or those with HIV in challenging positions so as to demonstrate to others that they can also do what anybody else can do. Africans have a huge respect for people in leadership. They would change their perceptions if they notice senior members of society are embracing those whom they ostracize.
I am a 25 years young human rights and SRHR Activist founding member of a youth led organization named Chanan Development Association (CDA).
"The mission of CDA is to "improve the status of youth particularly young women enabling them to equally and actively participate in planning, management, decision / policy making and execution of their plans without any biases of gender, religion, status, or language for the creation of a healthy, just, peaceful, and democratic society"
Our major focus area is Health Reproductive Health and Rights of young people including HIV/AIDs Awareness raising among them to prevent young people from HIV/AIDs because young people in Pakistan are most at risk. We are also using a technique of Interactive Theatre, Photography and community Film making Skills to equip young people’s capacities, knowledge and skills to empower and prevent themselves from HIV/AIDs.
We are also focusing on access of young people to reproductive health information and services to improve the status of their health and to promote healthy behaviors and life styles.
We also implementing a Theatre oriented project titled “Save pregnant women and new baby born” to raise awareness on Safe Motherhood in the communities. in this project we are doing a theatre performance in communities to aware them on Save pregnancy and care of new baby born child.
[...] Africa’s Youth Face Unjust Realities of Climate Change (conversationsforabetterworld.com) [...]
Thank you for the interesting research Angella and for your efforts in playing a part in improving the lives of young people living with Aids.
What came to mind with respect to reducing prejudice and stigma is affirmative action- where there is positive discrimination in favour of people living with Aids.
I remember growing up and being cautioned about saying anything negative about a physically handicapped person or person with disabilities. It was considered rude to describe someone as such. Disabled people themselves lacked self confidence and even if one had a child with such a condition, they would deliberately keep them out of the lime light.Then came a time where affirmative action was introduced for elective offices , even for positions on certain Boards and Commissions. Amazingly, over- night , the stigma was gone, there was no more prejudice. Those who had disabilities openly said so to the point that even some people would strive to prove that they are disabled by disclosing some little thing that would qualify them to be termed a person with disabilities.
My thinking therefore, is that if there are positions set apart for persons living with HIV/ Aids, then it would greatly help to reduce the stigma for example a percentage of slots to public universities, a percentage for positions for elective offices, civil service jobs etc that may help.
how can an architects exemplifies as architecture is concern. ?
This is greate achievement Esther, I am also a climate Change advocacy in Zambia. I intend to target the youth in all sectors of the economy as this particular matter requires a integrated efforts if we are to win it.
I would love to learn more from you Esther how best you doing the activities in helping combating Climate Change. kindly may you share with some of the ideas you have in this aspect.
regards
Chola
are you willing to assist with supplying foodstuff and clothing to an empowernment centre for women who are abandoned by their families and society? there is also histories of substance abuse.
I absolutely agree with what is said in this article! I feel we need to get some publicity on sophie's proposal- I have been thinking and there are so many celebrities, and big companies out there that raise money to help HIV/ AIDS.
Dear Carine, Here are some links for you to consider for permanent housing in tough areas. If it can work in Gaza it can work great in Haiti. http://www.utopiasprings.com/gallery.htm see gaza sandbag video at
http://uruknet.info/?p=m67642&hd=&size=1&l=e
Bags are filled with damp soil/sand mix, tamped, and barbwire for mortar, one of the strongest disaster proof buildings known. Even kids can build small secure ones. We know it is tough to come up with even these materials but you may find help to get some. Even a ten foot one is pretty nice, see http://www.calearth.org 12 foot ones are really nice, 15 foot is a luxurious mansion. Afghans built a dozen 24 foot family size ones, a whole new village out of a refugee camp.
A few cents per condom would not be a burden on the buyer, especially when compared to the benefit it yields. But I do believe that a large portion of the gains would have to be spent on education.
While more condoms provided to the world at large could help prevent the horrible outcomes mentioned above, it does not guarantee the folks will use them. You can lead a horse to water...
All in all I think it is an Awesome idea if you can get the major manufacturers to back it.
These poor children are forced from their homes and thrown into a horrible war in which they're most likely not going to return. Even if they make it thru the cold war, their families might not even be there for them when they return. Single handedly the absence of a strong young male could be devastating when every dollar counts.
These children didnt have a choice but we do. Im sure theres many ways to give money to a foundation that are fighting this war, but i want to do more.How can i act on this!?
I too am a seasoned musician with a voice and concern..may god put us to work somehow, someway..
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by john snow, inc (JSI), Hannah Fishman. Hannah Fishman said: RT @JSIhealth:"#HIV+ youth encounter profound & varied challenges." Diana Sera guest blogs @_Conversations_ from @unfpa http://is.gd/ek5Oq [...]
Would you be willing to spend a few more cents per condom or switch to a different condom brand if you knew that for every condom purchased, one is provided to a person in need?
*Yes, I would love this to happen people are in need they have shirts for AIDS and HIV why not condoms?!
Without increased sexual education in developing countries, would the effort put into supplying them with condoms be a lost cause?
*No, Supply it and slowly the education will come, and what makes me angry is that all these religious missionary's who go over are teaching abstinence and not actual Sex Ed. “Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” Chinese Proverb, Please stop preaching about abstinence and start teaching about protection! Or at least teach both...
How would you suggest going about filling the world’s condom demand?
*I suggest trying to get a few condom company's to fund or give a certain amount to developing country's and tell them to write it off as a tax deduction and if they are not able to, then start a charity and get it certified so everyone could donate!
I like the idea of looking at your categories and blogging the most about that – it’s good inspiration. I have been torn between the direction of what my newest site should be focused on and after reading this.
Making people aware of modern and new technology really a indication of what a good person in your life you are!!!
Peoples living in rural area if given a chance to prove them, It's sure they will definitely perform well.
------------
Serve Technology
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I think here in Africa,we need more education on what HIV really is,I also think the stigma that comes with it is alarming,there are so many other diseases that kills faster than HIV but there is no stigma attached. People should be made to realize that they nid to know there HIV status irrespective of how healthy they think they are.
[...] to the disaster through new initiatives. Like Carine Extantus, a young woman in a camp who is blogging about her experiences, and Ismarthe Laurore, a young woman with the Camp Committee (KOK), a network of community members [...]
Carine, I am so sorry about your loss.I wish there was more to do for you and your country.I am hoping that Wyclef Jean becomes President of Haiti.How do you feel about that?I want to go to Haiti someday.Your people are strong and resiliant.Stay strong and know God is with you.
Sincerely,Robyn bell
We need you share more the experence about the how is to prevented the climate change? and the what is the solution to prevened the climate change? thanks
from Timoe Leste
What languages do these people speak and has the island been
colonised at all by Portuguese?
Wish to let you know that I have a website that I did to benefit the HIV infected people. I sell no product on the site but provide a unique opportunity.I hereby wish to find out if I could post it on your site to give people the option I offer.I do not wish to violate your rules thats why I am asking you first.
Thank you.
Zeb
mznteta@hotmail.com
Prayer Request
Brother I am doing ministry in India , Tamil Nadu from past 10 in rural areas. Please pray for Pastors, Old Age People, Orphan
Children as we are planning to help them. So that we can bring them
under the control and love of our Lord. (Psalms 146 :7-8) to praise
and glorify the name of Lord Jesus Christ. . God Bless You.
Pastor K. Ramesh
Apostolic Glory Mission Trust
I will use the money from Bill melinda foundation, to renovate the maternity,buying life saving equipments like utral sound, oxygen concetrator.Health education on the prevention of Vesical Vagina Fistula, Natural Family planning,and getting the Ambulance for reffering at lisk pregnant mothers to the big Hospital from our health Centre.
We need wide consultation and participation to solve climate change problems
I do agree that domestic violence has deep seated traditional roots in the culture, whereby the society has bred young men to believe that if they dont see women as weaker,powerless ,more submissive etc then thay are weak and coward. meaning to fight agaist domestic violence one need to target first the culture as the main cause of the problem then the effect.we need also to educate the public about their rights specially women .
* Do you know your HIV status?
Yes.
* What do you think are the three most important reasons why most young women and men do not know their HIV status in your country? (Is it that they do not think it is important? Are they embarrassed to get tested? Are there no services? Are services are expensive? Lack of confidentiality? Because they aren’t allowed to get tested?).
1. They think there is only a random chance of them contracting HIV (unless they are gay or an injecting drug user, for example)
2. It is not seen as a pressing issue in Australia compared to other STDs like chlamidia.
3. There is not a big push to get tested in Australia
* What is the one thing that should be done in your country to encourage young people to get tested for HIV?
Doctors should encourage patients to get tested (I have had a doctor tell me that I shouldn't even bother getting tested because there it is no unlikely that I would have it, and he has never had someone test positive in his whole career)
i want information about how women is harased by women and also by men and i have idea to start new web sites saying about associations working for women and people working and also joining the people who are interested
i am a law student at mt Kenya university. environmental conservation is a human duty is not a favor.
I like this article. I agree without involving men and insurance of their commitment, we cannot end women violence. Also I would like to highlight that in most cases violence has its roots in people's background (the way the mother was treated will be the way to treat his wife) to end women violence there is a need to involve old people who have big influence on the new generation, if necessary have them acknowledging their mistakes in the past.
Thank you for raising this!
I think the most important question to ask is how to realistically integrate equal rights into a society while maintaining positive cultural influences.
However the mere fact that "positive cultural influences" and "equal rights" really depends on a societies interpretation of what those are make it an almost impossible proposition.
Its one thing to theoretically insinuate that a society's cultural norms is what is holding back civil rights but with everything human, behavior and customs shapes the strength of any given society.
Hi,
I did a 3 year Tour of Duty with the UNFPA in Zambia in the remote rural areas. Fantastic organisation - was effective despite G W Bush and his administrations efforts to marginalise us.
The problem with tackling HIV/AIDS in Sothern Africa is gender inequality.
Empower women and HIV and many other problems will go away.
I have a book out "What You Think You Know You Don't" it's an uncut talk with teen about relationships, sex and the reality of being a teen mom. The book has been very effective in opening the lines of communication be teens and their parents.
By Terrie Lynn on Amazon.com and Barnesandnobles.com
The role and responsibility of motherhood should not be disregarded in the exploration of female entrepreneurship, innovation, and empowerment. In fact, commemoration of this powerful capacity of motherhood could further magnify the acknowledgement of women’s potential in the economic, social, and domestic sphere.
This is great. We can find hundreds of ways to make things better if we just try to look hard enough.
We have to be the voice for the millions people to REDUCE MATERNAl and CHILD MORTALITY In India
Stand Up Take Action 2010.We need you…
Globally more than 173 Million people stood up against poverty in 2009, a Guinness World Record!
Let us break this record in 2010!
It is Time for You to STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY NOW!
Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unmcampaignINDIA
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/unmcampaignIND
I am interested in responding on this theme. first of all I would like to know my HIV status to enable me have a peace of mind and confidence to ma health status. personally I know my HIV status and i understand the importance of testing. it is not a bad thing to have a free voluntary HIV test. people who fear to have a test are those who do not value their life and they are not sure of who they are.
I would advocate for a free HIV/AIDs Counseling and Testing as a mandatory to all young people to be safe from the monster.
As I know condoms can guarantee 98% of protection, 1% is bad quality condoms and 1% inability of young people how to use condoms- correctly. So I think that youth should know about condoms and know how to use it, because it is one of the effective way to protect people from HIV and another STIs..........
I would like to answer these questions. so according to me, I think if a young person has started his or her adolescent age should be the best person to learn about condoms and the age should be from 14 through teenage.
I don't have any difficult in getting condoms because I stay in a town where its easy to get condoms, only that i have never bought one. here in Uganda teens find it hard to buy condoms because of shyness, fear, peer pressure and some are illiterate about them and how to use them.
As i have already said i have never bought a condom but if i was to buy them i get from pharmacies, drug shops and supermarkets.
The messages I have for those organizations are: First educate those adults about condom use, places where to but them, guide shy parents on how to talk to their teenage girls and boys.
To us who are in developing countries we usually have a problem with getting expired condoms or condoms that their expiry dates are due so after few months they expire but government does not through them away. so they distribute them to rural area so people loose trust in those condoms and so they end up not using condoms.
Thanks a lot for the opportunity and am looking forward for ya reply. i have answered all the four questions.
Am called Lukia Nakafeero from Uganda i like participating in these conversations and i will be happy if you continue sending those articles to me.
Its a rare gem to have a noted heart surgeon and former senator doing humanitarian and development works in depressed and disaster areas. He is an angel on earth except that he does not have wings. Kudos to him and my prayers for his good health to continue what he is doing. I wish and hope to have the opportunity to meet and personally congratulate him.
to develop relation from JC school in Nepal
•Do you know your HIV status?
Yes
•What do you think are the three most important reasons why most young women and men do not know their HIV status in your country?
They assume they have not been exposed, they are embarrassed to be tested, they are not aware the testing is confidential
•What is the one thing that should be done in your country to encourage young people to get tested for HIV?
Do free mass screenings at schools to make it easy for lots of people to get tested at once - this would remove stigma and embarrassment, find people even if they do not believe they have been exposed, and solve the where/how/expense problem.
The best way to help African people regarding HIV or malaria, is to fund scientific research projects. For example, I have set up a research projects on potential medicinal plants against malaria cancer, diabetes, and HIV from Congolese tropical rainforest. I am looking for financial assistance. May be UN can help us in this matter.
Dr. Topwe M. Mwene-Mbeja, PhD
Member of the Chemical Institute of Canada
* Do you know your HIV status? - YES
* What do you think are the three most important reasons why most young women and men do not know their HIV status in your country?
1. Ignorance about the importance of EVERYONE being tested. 2. Services not widely advertised & easily available 3. They are embarrassed to get tested.
* What is the one thing that should be done in your country to encourage young people to get tested for HIV?
Increased Gov. Funding for massive education and information campaign targeting youth & all vulnerable populations, as well as more testing clinics.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by For a Better World and Michael Phillip, Project Nefertiti. Project Nefertiti said: RT @tweetmeme Do you want to know your HIV status? « Conversations for a Better World http://bit.ly/dz3rX3 [...]
[...] Let’s talk about HIV and education! [...]
Every one should know about condom starting from grade one. Knowing doesn't expose to start sex early because we used to learn many subjects which are non practicable.
[...] ihany koa ity lahatsoratra ity ao amin'ny ao amin'ny Resadresaka Hanatsarana ny Tany an'ny UNFPA izay ahitana an’i Carolina mampiaina ny live-blog [...]
Well educated, devoted teachers are the foundation for nations wellfare. Africa needs 18 milj teachers. No money pushed outside in can repair the gap without buildning up the educations system to give Education For All. MKFC Stockholm College from Sweden has started with own funds Teacher Training in Service thru ICT4D. We are happy to give children tools for change !
http://www.stockholmcollege.se/category/education/teacher-training/
marja-riitta
Maybe the question is a little back to front. I believe Bill & Melinda should not become rich from trying to sell educational software at American prices to poor countries where their parents earn just 3-4% of what an American family does.
I submit this for all to consider
THE EQUAL RIGHTS OF A CHILD TO AN EDUCATION
WITHIN A GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE BASED, INFORMATION SOCIETY
IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR, or THEIR FAMILY’s
SEX, COLOR, CREED, NATIONALITY OR SOCIAL/ FINANCIAL STANDING
This paper argues the right of every child to have equal access to an education irrespective of his or her colour, creed, nationality, ethnicity or social & financial status so he or she may obtain gainful employment and contribute to the growth of his or her society in the 21st century. Within a knowledge based global society the basic tools of education must include educational & operational softwares.
The interpretation of Intellectual Property Laws today is a morally unjust construal of the law and must be immediately revisited so as to allow the poor children of our global societies their human right to an equal education.
This paper seeks to rally all those who seek equality for all the children of the world, irrespective of their sex, colour, creed, nationality, or financial standing, to join the fight against those who seek only riches, by economically coercing poor & developing nations to enforce their immoral interpretations of the Intellectual Property Laws.
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS
Article 1.
• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child
1. The child must be given the means requisite for its normal development, both materially and spiritually.
2. The child that is hungry must be fed, the child that is sick must be nursed, the child that is backward must be helped, the delinquent child must be reclaimed, and the orphan and the waif must be sheltered and secured.
3. The child must be the first to receive relief in times of distress.
4. The child must be put in a position to earn a livelihood, and must be protected against every form of exploitation.
5. The child must be brought up in the consciousness that its talents must be devoted to the service of its fellow men.
Surely ‘The United Nations Human Rights’ & ‘The Declaration of the Rights of the Child’ leave no doubt that it is the right of every child to have equal access to education, irrespective of his or her, colour, creed, nationality, ethnicity, age or financial status.
Knowledge now forms a major component of all human activity, economic, social & cultural and has become the major creative force of all developed societies, hence creating new ‘Knowledge Based’ societies & economies. Knowledge is gained from access to education, hence both are essential elements for the development of all children, societies, countries, economies & humanity.
Knowledge societies are not a new occurrence. Fishermen have long shared the knowledge of predicting the weather to their community and this knowledge gets added to the social capital of the community. What is new is that,
• With current technologies, knowledge societies need not be constrained by geographic proximity
• Current technology offers much more possibilities for sharing, archiving and retrieving knowledge
• Knowledge has become the most important capital in the present age, and hence the success of any society lies in harnessing it.
All governments & individuals who truly believe in Human & Child Rights & the equality of all, must surely also believe in providing equal access to all information & tools required for their education, irrespective of a child’s, colour, creed, nationality, religion, ethnicity, age or financial status. Hence the tools & information required for a child’s education should not be withheld for the monetary gain of a few. Humanity can never allow a global society to develop that promotes the haves & have nots of a basic education.
In this high tech, computerised, interconnect world of the 21st century, both filled & reliant on high speed access to information no one country, state, city, community or village can hope to compete on equal footing with others unless their children have equal access to the programs & softwares that all others enjoy as part of their education & vocational training.
All men & women, have but their labour to give, or trade in return for the basic necessities of life, of which education is one. A man or woman from a developing country is not a lesser man or woman than that of one from a developed country. Their labour has always afforded them the basic necessities of life within their own communities because their government ensures the cost of the basic necessities of life are commensurate with the average weekly income of their country. The advent of a ‘Global Economy’ has however strained this basic principle of human existence for the poorer nations & people..
Software Piracy does not occur because the populations of poorer, or developing countries are inherently criminals. It occurs because the young people of these developing countries need to gain an education that their families can no longer afford, because of the exorbitant costs of ‘legal copies’ of these very necessary educational software programs.
PUTTING THE PROBLEM IN CONTEXT
2009 Average Salaries for Developed Nations
Luxembourg 49,663 2 United States 49,483 3 Ireland 44,013 4 Switzerland 42,980 5 Netherlands 42,514 6 Australia 42,019 7 United Kingdom 40,825 8 Belgium 40,591 9 Norway 40,177 10 Denmark 39,143 11 Austria 38,682 12 France 35,430 13 Germany 35,292 14 Sweden 33,586 15 Japan 31,773 16 Finland 31,211 17 Italy 29,198 18 Spain 28,871 19 South Korea 27,587 20 Greece 26,929 21 Hungary 21,161 22 Czech Republic 18,922 23 Portugal 18,300 24 Poland
In 2009 the average weekly wage of an American is approximately $950 / week or 49,483 /annum
The cost of Microsoft Office is $499 (December 2009)
This equates to a parent who is earning $23.70 / hour, paying the equivalent of 21 hours of their labour ( approx 3 days) to buy an essential educational tool for their child’s education .
In Vietnam the average weekly wage is $25 / week ,or $1,300 / annum
The cost of Microsoft Office is $499
This equates to a parent who is earning $0.62 / hour paying the equivalent of 804 hours (approx 100 days) of their labour to buy an essential educational tool for their child’s education .
We stated earlier that all workers have but their labour to give or trade for the necessities of life. So with that in mind if we were to reverse the situation for American workers, by developing a proportionate cost for Microsoft Office based upon their hours of labour, we would find that they would need to pay $19,050, (equivalent to 804 hours of labour,). If this was the retail price of Microsoft Office in America we would surely expect to see a Software Piracy Industry emerge in America similar to that of which we presently see in developing countries. Not because American children over night had suddenly become criminals, but because the cost of the tools needed for an education had suddenly exceeded their parent’s ability to buy.
Intellectual Property Laws are meant to protect the rights of an author to his or her developed intellectual works from being copied. They should never be misinterpreted or misused to protect his or her rights to riches, by way of exploitation or disregard of the basic human rights of all.
Equal rights must not be idle worlds of the rich, or already haves. The right of every child to shelter, food, safety & education are fundamental human rights, far outweighing economic or intellectual property rights which would not be considered fundamental Human Rights by any moral, thinking human being.
INDEXING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Within a global, economic society the only way to achieve equal rights & access for all to an education & job, is to put in place a ‘Global Index System’ based upon the average salary of a country.
A simple example of this would be to allot America the base index of ‘1’. Hence ‘1’ would equal the average annual wage of America.
If in 2009 America’s average salary is $49,483.00 then this number will become the base (1) for all other index calculations.
If Australia’s average salary is $42,019 then its index would be 0.84 (42,019 divided by 49,483 = 0.84)
If Vietnam’s average salary is $1,300 then its index would be 0.0262. (1,300 divided by 49,483 = 0.0262)
The Intellectual Property Rights of any Educational or Vocational software would then be valued, within any country, by taking the price the software is retailing for in America and multiplying it by that country’s index. (These indexes would be set by a reputable organisation such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) or United Nations (UN) and would be updated each year.)
Hence for equality of access by the children of Vietnam to Microsoft Office the price should be the price of Microsoft Office ($499) multiplied by Vietnam’s index of ( 0.0262) which means for equality of access the sale price for Microsoft Office should be $13.07.
INTERUM ACTION
Countries cannot disadvantage their young citizens to the right of an education by enforcing unjust & unequal global laws, when those laws do not take into account the differences between a developing and developed country. If developing countries enforce present interpretations of Intellectual Property Laws, they are ensuring that their countries will forever remain developing nations by dramatically impeding the young peoples of their countries from ever gaining the necessary education that will allow them to compete equally within the global economy, as computer literacy & skills in the 21st century are just as important as literacy itself.
Until there is a decision reached regards this very important matter, companies & governments should restrain from prosecuting persons in developing countries for using educational & vocational pirated software.
If companies do prosecute during this time of decision making, developing countries must rally behind each other and fight the case in the highest courts of their lands and in front of the Human Rights Tribunal.
If developed governments, global organisations or software companies believe that a moratorium on prosecutions for the use of pirated software is wrong then maybe they need to start implementing an interim scheme which would see Microsoft Office retailing in the United States for $19,000. This would be another way of achieving equality for all the young of the world in the short term.
1)In my Canadian community there is still, unfortunately, much stigma surrounding HIV. No one wants to associate themselves with it, or speak about it as a personal issue. If spoken about, it is spoken of as something apart from oneself. It is viewed as a damper on sexual freedom. I come from a very liberal left-wing university that offers many support groups to various communities within my city. To my knowledge, there has never been a support group available for an individual with HIV. So not only is there stigma and an intent disassociation from it among individuals here, there are little to no resources available for people who have HIV or want to support someone with HIV.
2) No school I have attended has ever provided info on HIV prevention
3) Any sexuality education I have been a part of in school provided no info on HIV (I attended public schools). All info I acquired about HIV has been from personal effort. However, sexuality education did emphasize a value in exercising sexual freedom— the main motto was “practice safe sex”, which talked about different kinds of birth control and contraceptives. “Safe sex” meant not getting pregnant. STI’s were noted to exist, but none were talked about in depth or even named. There was definitely an ignorance portrayed from the educators to the realities of their “free sex for all” message.
4) Probably a lot of the challenges relate to what I noted in question one.
[...] e le vostre idee sono sempre assai apprezzate. Questo post è apparso anche sul sito del progetto Conversations for a Better World [en] dell’UNFPA, dove Carolina ha curato vari interventi su imprenditoria femminile, coraggio [...]
We can start teaching our children about Sex education at an early age of 4 years considering the rate at which children develop these days. For the availability of condom,it will be good if the youths are taught early in life about the consequences of the choices they make.Today my organization has taken the part of abstinence by organizing a VIRGIN AWARD PROGRAM tagged "RHYTHM OF PASSION".This event is done during the valentine season,when most youth miss the true meaning of Love and may yield to the desire of lust.
Hi Lindsay,
Well, I suppose SMA and Doug Ragan have both set a backdrop to my contribution.
Like SMA has said, culture, tradition (and I should add, religion) have given discussions about sexuality issues with young people, a 'taboo status'. And it is true, that young people would love to have 'safe houses' where they can interact and share information (including sexuality) with themselves.
In the last 12 or so years, our work at Youthaid Initiatives in Nigeria have focused in these areas, and from SMA's mention of JSS, I believe she is from Nigeria.
In 1998, Youthaid Initiatives(formerly Youthaid Projects Inc.), convened a one-day national youth summit-Youth Agenda Summit(YAS), to get young people aged 10-24 from across Nigeria(75 of them) to discuss and come up with suggestions for what they want done as well as what they can do about sexuality information/education(including HIV/AIDS).
At the end of the summit, they came up with a 20 points communiqué. 5 of the 20 points was emphatic about their wanting to get sexuality information/education from their parents! But like SMA has said, this was a huge challenge considering culture and religion!
They also said they wanted platforms through which they can interact with themselves and share information. As such, they requested that the summit be held annually.
We took up these challenges at Youthaid, holding the summit annually till 2007, when we suspended it due to lack of funds.
As for the role of parents in giving their young ones sexuality information/education, we went ahead to design and produce tools and platform through which parents could get the information and skill with which to give sexuality information/education to their young ones in culturally acceptable formats, including books and a FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CARD GAME. This led to our designing the Parent-child Communication programme that we got assistance from the Dutch Embassy in Nigeria to run a pilot(10 Pentecostal Missions) and scale up (Community Leaders in 20 LGAs)for in Lagos State.
We also developed a peer education model, leveraging on entertainment-PIPE, Participatory Interactive Peer Education- in response to their request for platforms through which they can interact to share sexuality information with their peers.
I agree with Doug Ragan, on the 'safe house' concept. But building permanent structures for youth-friendly services is very expensive. The PIPE model is far cheaper because it does not require permanent housing, but is designed as an entertainment-education programme using multi-media equipment that can be moved around by young people themselves, to reach other young people where they would normally meet...School, church, village square, football playing ground, using the NARROWCAST concept.
Presently, we are looking for partnership support to distribute about 100,000 packs of the Family Life Education card through PTAs and other parent groups in Nigeria. Participating parents' groups would have PIPE run by their young ones in the schools or community centres of their choice. The young people get to interact with themselves as they have requested, and they also get to play the game at home with their parents.
If we do get your email address Lindsay, we would be glad to send you the full communiqué of the Youth Agenda Summit 1998, and full project profile for PIPE, including the parental involvement component.
You can also view my parenting blog at the website listed above. It is one of the tool put in place to advocate for parent to feel free to get the information, skills and time to share sexuality information with their young ones. We are following that up with a pilot on setting up of PARENTING RESOURCE CENTRES, starting from Abuja and Ado Ekiti, to be 'clearinghouses' from which parents can access materials and skills for parent-child communication on sexual and reproductive health issues, for the benefit of their young ones.
Hi Lindsay,
Well, I suppose SMA and Doug Ragan have both set a backdrop to my contribution.
Like SMA has said, culture, tradition (and I should add, religion)have given discussions about sexuality issues with young people, a 'taboo status'. And it is true, that young people would love to have 'safe houses' where they can interact act share information(including sexuality) with themselves.
In the last 12 or so years, our work at Youthaid Initiatives in Nigeria have focused in these areas, and from SMA's mention of JSS, I believe she is from Nigeria.
In 1998, Youthaid Initiatives(formerlly Youthaid Projects Inc.), convened a one-day national youth summit-Youth Agenda Summit(YAS), to get young people aged 10-24 from across Nigeria(75 of them) to discuss and come up with suggestions for what they want done as well as what they can do about sexuality information/education(including HIV/AIDS).
At the end of the summit, they came up with a 20 points communique. 5 of the 20 points was emphatic about their wanting to get sexuality information/education from their parents! But like SMA has said, this was a huge challenge considering culture and religion!
They also said they wanted platforms through which they can interact with themselves and share information. As such, they requested that the summit be held annually.
We took up these challenges at Youthaid, holding the summit annually till 2007, when we suspended it due to lack of funds.
As for the role of parents in giving their young ones sexuality information/education, we went ahead to design and produce tools and platform through which parents could get the information and skill with whcih to give sexuality information/education to their young ones in culturally acceptable formats. This led to our designing the Parent-child Communication programme that we got assistance from the Ducth Embassy in Nigeria to run a pilot(10 Penticostal Missions) and scale up (Community Leaders in 20 LGAs)for in Lagos State.
We also developed a peer education model, leveraging on entertainment-PIPE, Participatory Interactive Peer Education- in response to their request for platforms through which they can interact to share sexuality information with their peers.
I agree with Doug Ragan, on the 'safe house' concept. But building permanent structures for youth-friendly services is very expensive. The PIPE model is far cheaper beacause it does not require permanent housing, but is designed as an entertaiment-education programme using multi-media equipment that can be moved around by young people themselves, to reach other young people where they would normally meet..school, church, village square, football playing ground, using the NARROWCAST concept.
Presntly, we are looking for parnership support to distribute about 100,000 packs of the Family Life Education card through PTAs and other parent groups in Nigeria. Particpating parents' groups would have PIPE run for their young ones in the schools or community centres of their choice. The young people get to interact with themselves as they have requested, and they also get to play the game at home with their parents.
If we do get your email address Lindsay, we would be glad to send you the full communique of the Youth Agenda Summit 1998, and full project profile for PIPE, including the parental involvement component.
You can also view my parenting blog at the website listed above. It is one of the tool put in place to addvocate for parent to feel free to get the information, skills and time to share sexuality information with their young ones. We are aare following that up with a pilot on setting up of PARENTING RESOURCE CENTRES, starting from Abuja and Ado Ekiti, to be 'clearinghouses' from which parents can accsess materials and skills for parent-child commuincation on sexual and reproductive health issues, for the benefit of their young ones.
Safety and Security are the most basic to eradicate poverty.It is the millions of poor who are hit hard in times of conflict. They then carry its impact for generations - espceially the women and children. Millions of poor lack information of all the policies that are made on their behalf! I hope the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would support in a more focused way to build networks among the women and children across communities, districts and regions. Such cooperations would lead to access to important information, develop mutual strategies for cooperation, educate to mitigate/transform issues, understand the importance of market networks to sustain peace, value for peaceul co-existence and reducing the risks for the poor.
The women and children should opprtunity to conduct researchers to understand imbalances to avocate policies to eradicate injustices. This would lead to giving them power to act proactively and become decision makers rather than be exploited in the hands of those who seek divides along ideological differences and those who breath violence.
This requires strengthening women and children's networks and organisations, acces information, credits, services andmechanisms to influence policy.
Question 1:
I think culture plays a big role in HIV/AIDS prevention information and awareness. In most cultures (speaking from an African perspective) sex is a taboo, it is a topic that is not openly discussed. Teachers are recluntant to talk to their students about sex and as well as parents. The mentality of if i talk to them about sex they will go have sex if i dont talk to them about it then they wont know that it exists. I think we have to look at the bigger picture, some of these parents dont even have the full knowledge of what HIV/AIDS, so how could they educate their children when they vaguely know about this issue same goes for the teachers.
Question 2:
Looking back to when i was in High school, we never had an HIV prevention class, only one teacher tried to talk to us about sex and it was during Biology class in Jss3 (Grade 9), even in the school that i attended in Canada we never had a sex ed class, it was also the male Biology teacher that showed the class how to use a condom - the banana demonstration.
Question 3:
I am 25 now and i still tell you that no one talks to me about this, i have a degree in health and thats how i have kind of educated myself on this and i still need to learn more.
In what way has sexuality education affected your knowledg
the barrie to acce HIV/AIDS education- the education syllubus do not include the education on HIV/AID, so itleave young girls and boys blindly. the family do not provide the education since they think is too early for them to know about it, which is agaist culture. only few people have been reached may be throung CSO and NGOs campaigns.
is very low, is below standard compared to the speed of HIV/AID spread among young girls and boys.
there is no sexuallty education in our schools, can provided informaly, the iffectviness and useful have differnt value depends on the targeted society.
no specific guideline on teaching children about HIV/ADS education. young girl and boys still are not careful in potecting themseves from HIV/AIDS
Yes, condoms are a great way of prevention but there's not a 100% guarantee with them, there would always be a slight fear. However, that doesn't mean you should stop using them out of this fear, I guess what I wanna say is always have a back-up method of preventing too. Abstaining is probably the best way to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. In answer to your questions:
At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why?>> I would say from the age kids are in primary school, they are already teaching Sex Ed to 10-11 yr olds here, so they should include the issue of condoms too. It's best to start early because people are beginning to engage in sexual relationships from surprisingly young ages!
How difficult is it for you to get condoms?>>> It is not that difficult to access condoms from pharmacies, nowadays there are organisations e.g. Dance4Life, that give condoms out for free at public events!
What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people?>>> Teach at schools primarily. Increase access without the young person feeling like a victim of some kind. I also think that the stigma should be reduced regarding condoms, it has become like a taboo. What surprises me is how sex is advertised so much via media/scandals/movies etc. but the birth control/prevention from STIs methods aren't.
These are most important questions. However, central in the list should be: Are men capable of addressing and changing the cultural practices and expectations, demands and 'requirements' that impact negatively upon women and girls, that harm women's and girls' lives, and that ultimately deny both women and men the opportunity of living in an egalitarian world where women and men have equal rights.
We must not leave men out of this equation, nor out of the questioning of what is accepted as 'culture'. We also must not forget that 'culture' does not, or should not, exclude the positive practices, ideas and concerns in which women engage, so often omitted from discussion about culture or the recognition of 'culture'.
* There is no political will because of racisim and nonsecularism
* Not so good
* gender equality, empowerment
* Empowering the adolescence for gender equality and community service
Hi Lindsay. Thanks for your great blog post.
In response to your first question regarding the main barriers, I think one of them is the stigma of HIV AIDS, and one way to overcome that stigma is through peer to peer education. It matters little if we have all the answers in the world; if young people feel unsafe, then no amount of talking will educate them.
A key aspect of overcoming the stigma and feeling safe, is the access to a safe space. UN-HABITAT, the agency I have been working with, has worked with cities to develop ONe Stop Youth Resource Centres. These centres are safe places for peers to gather in cities and slums; cities and slums notoriously provide few places for youth to get together. One of the most successful programs in all the Centres so far established have been the VCT (Volunteer, Counseling and Testing) clinics.
So I believe that the establishment of safe places that engage youth in peer to peer programs is one of the most important steps in tackling HIV AIDs.
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At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why?
- I would say around ten. This would allow for so called "early starters", I don't see the problem of teaching children at as young an age as ten because it generates awareness of a subject that is going to effect them in the future. So really its like math / english skills.
* How difficult is it for you to get condoms?
Not that difficult. You can purchase them really everywhere in the UK, and there are some centers which offer them for free. However I think there should be more access within schools.
* What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people?
Try and reduce the stigma (for women purchasing condoms there can be a lot of negative attributes attached to that person thereafter) associated with the purchase of condoms within drug stores, increase the accessibility in developing countries (however occasionally this can be seen as an infringement on local religious custom; I'm not sure how to get around this apart from providing access and thus desensitizing the situation).
[...] пост исто така е објавен и на Конверзации за подобар свет на UNFPA каде што Каролина ќе води блог за женскиот [...]
i am student of pondichery university, it can be
Its very crucial and work for togather to overcome the gigantic issues in the world.
Great Colombian Women should now Awake and show the military power that.. Whats power when we arise... Colombian Women
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gretchen Paules and I am the Administrative Director for a newly formed nonprofit called the Let Go...Let Peace Come In Foundation. Our mission at LGLPCI is to help heal and support adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse worldwide. We are actively seeking adult survivors who would be willing to post their childhood photo & caption, their story, or their creative expressions to our website www.letgoletpeacecomein.org. By uniting survivors from around the globe we hope to provide a stronger and more powerful voice to those survivors who have not yet found the courage to speak out or have been cast aside with disbelief.
I am writing to you today to ask you to please consider sharing our website with survivors you may come in contact with. Worldwide there are more than 100 million adult survivors living with the effects of childhood sexual abuse today. It is through the support of courageous advocates like you that we will succeed in our effort to help one survivor at a time. Our organization offers survivors a safe and judgment-free place where they can tell their story and continue their healing process. We realize that customs differ from culture to culture and we offer to post any stories anonymously, if the survivors so desires. Please check out our youtube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4PDC03Gl2k. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me directly at gretchen@letgoletpeacecomein.org. Together we can; together we should; together we NEED to stand up and be counted.
Warmest Regards,
Gretchen Paules
Administrative Director
Let Go...Let Peace Come In Foundation
111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 212
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Hey People!
Thanks for sending your comments...Remember this is the beginning of a discussion on many Sexual and Reproductive Rights that young people may be denied of all around the world... Soon you will hear from other conversation starters about comprehensive sex and sexuality education!
If you are 10 - 13 or even 14-16 years old...
Are you really going to step into a pharmacy or drug store to pick up a pack of condoms? If NOT, what can be done to improve access?
To Simon from Uganda - you need to tell me more about why young people are doubting condoms. I think you are implying that young people living with HIV and AIDS understand and use condoms correctly and consistently, while other young people unaware of their HIV and/or AIDS status are hesitant to use it.
In some of my earlier work in Trinidad and Tobago, Comprehensive Condom Programming was crucial to changing the culture of condom use... Young people and adult allies working together to promote the coolness of condoms... sometimes free condoms are not enough, sometimes we may need to put the condoms in well design and popular culture packaging..Check out
http://legacy.guardian.co.tt/archives/2006-02-02/features2.html
http://www.psi.org/multimedia/video/caribbean
Let's keep Chatting!
Great initiative Stevnn, Now, what kind of condoms are we talking about here? Am more concerned about the Gender aspect of this. Are you only advocating/campaigning for the use of the male condoms? what about the female ones? How do you intend to tackle the complaints in countries like Uganda about the female condoms not being user friendly?
Behavioral change is key in fighting HIV/AIDS. Even using condoms requires one who is well behaved and sane in order not to abuse them. One main challenge in this is lack of knowledge and information on how to use the condoms among the youth especially those in rural areas.
* At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why?
I think they should first be introduced to understanding why you need a condom (to begin with) at age 10 because they have more or less been introduced to the idea of sex through the music, movies or whatever media they are consuming. Putting it all into context at that age might better prepare them for situations when they have to make that choice later on.
* How difficult is it for you to get condoms?
Not that difficult, they are available at most pharmacies and supermarkets in urban centers. I havent looked in more rural areas but I am going to say it's probably harder.
I think a better question would be *How easy is it for you to use them*
the psychology be
* Where do you get condoms?
* What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people?
i am very enlightened by your piece of article.
hi
i would like to draw your attention towards the sky touching records of casting crouch. there is no need for a girl to do indecent acts just to promote an advertisement or a movie . such producers and directors who push girls to such lower levels should be punished harshly for they have no right to harass a girl and leave her undignified.
At sixteen young people should know about condoms and its importance, not just as part of sex education but behavioural change communication.
Condoms are available and can easily be gotten in drug stores.
Unless condoms are advertised, marketted and sold like drugs (Medicals not hard drugs) it will have continue to have culturally induced problem of acceptance.
Maji Peterx
Kaduna-Nigeria
[...] この投稿記事は、国連人口基金のConversations for a Better Worldでも掲載されています。ここでも女性の実業家精神、勇気、国際的な投資に関する筆者のブログが更新されます。あなたのプロジェクト、リンク、体験談の投稿をお待ちしています。 By Carolina Rumuat · 翻訳： Ai Egawa · Translation posted 27 6月 2010 印刷版 [...]
Please could you design a French page on this web site related to this debate? Otherwise it will be another barrier to understand youth around the world ...
Warm regards
Arcadius GUIEDJI
Cote d'Ivoire
Thanks for your essay and photos, Amy. I learned a lot. I continue to be shocked at how readily people accept their situation as natural and reasonable.
At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why? From pre-teenage, I know of a grade two kid, who visited a VCT/ HTC Site and was asking about a condom for kids, since he was having sex with eight graders and teachers.
How difficult is it for you to get condoms? Its accessible for many ‘urbanites’, but a challenge to those in the rural, or resource constrained areas.
Where do you get condoms? Either buy or free from the Health centres or HTC sites
What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people? Dialogue with Youth Organisations in the SRH programs, and build bridges to sensirize condom use.
They should also work on the packaging – appealing packages will woo the Ys, last but not least work on flavors i.e mango, strawberry, Pineapple etc, but shouldnt increase the prices.
Young people should start learning about condoms at around the age of 14. Studies have shown that in Sri Lanka the age of sexual debut for boys is around 14.5years. However condom use is only 5% in Sri lanka. One of the biggest barriers to accessing condoms is not so much the price as the shyness around asking for condoms. Vending machines have been installed in the past but vandalised. no young person i have met feels comfortable going to a pharmacy and asking for condoms. (young girls are even shy to ask for sanitary pads - which are always wrapped in newspaper and sold)
Zaid Abu Hamdan's award-winning short film "Baram & Hamza" explores Israeli/Palestinian relationships through an unlikely friendship between two boys. Check out the story http://www.nyfa.com/film-school-blog/student-film-baram-hamza-wins-again/
Hello everyone,
Respect to everyone!
As a medical student...and from how I have heard from my friends,the pills brought very often a lots of health problems!
And in my opinion condoms are the best solution.
There are projects I am working on about the contraception...
And I would realy apriciate your opinion...from all around the world!
Thanx
I(x)
This is a very interesting topic:
Lack of condom use or inconsistent condom use is on the increase due
the following pointers;
1. Alcohol and drug, the young people have little control over condom
use especially when they are under the influence of alcohol/drugs
2. SRH – The availability of contraceptives has out shadowed condom
use especially among Young women. Young women are more afraid of
pregnancies than HIV. Statistics on contraceptives especially on the
morning pills, e-pills have increased massively. This is an indicator
that the young women are no longer using any protection.
3. Gender relations/ Power – Women have no say over sex and this
includes condom use.
4. Cultural barriers; There are cultures that do not promote family
planning; and therefore roots for more children
5. Restrictions on addressing SRH in Schools; schools are sensitive on
issues to do with sexuality. Condom promotion in schools, where
majority of the students are sexually active, is seen as promoting
sexual immoralities.
6. Sexual Orientation and practices; the MSMs feel they are
marginalised since they opt for lubricants versus condom use.
7. Religious perspective, the Catholics for instance are against condom use
8. The attitude of young people; some have a sensation that it’s nice
and juicy going bila condoms.
Well....Therefore, strategic approaches to reverse the trend is vital,
and these should include
- The positive association of concurrency to consistent condom use,
- Prevention efforts should attempt to change peer cultures as a way
to develop self-sustaining risk reduction. These changes should
include changes in gender roles and power relations. Young women are
more afraid of Pregnancy than HIV.
My dear there is something i would love to share with you. Personally i have come across these complaints from young people who are my clients. They are now Hiv positive but they say, they have never had sex without condoms and when examined they new how to use them effectively. Now, in Uganda many young people have started doubting condoms....What do u say about that????
And there is a belief that condoms sent this side are false......
Thanks
At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why?
It is found unnecessary to talk with children (Age 10 or younger) about sex or any sexual activity, because childhood is considered the age to teach them the real essence of human life, and manners of living within a society.
They should start learning about condoms at an age near to adulthood, between 13-14 years or above. Because by then they would have a grown-up sense of understanding about the STI/STD’s or HIV and the surrounding issues. It is more important to know how to inform young people about condoms than to just make them aware of condoms.
HIV/AIDS will be a phenomenon for them if they are not informed at an appropriate age.
How difficult is it for you to get condoms?
It is very difficult in my society to ask for condoms, especially for adults.
It is considered mischief if a female is asking for condoms. Moreover, If married person asks for a condom, he gets it on the sly from the shopkeepers so that no one sees them make the deal.
In-fact there are stores in the capital who do sell condoms although people do get condoms not easy, but when we move across the provinces then almost all of the provinces find it the means of promoting mischief in the society, and they prevent people from using condoms either for avoiding unwanted pregnancy (child birth) or any other reason.
My Message is: Promote Safe Sex to Save Lives!
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*At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why? For me, I think at any age they start asking about it. Children, people and everyone has the right to know how to protect themselves from unwanted and undesired consequences of having sexual intercourse.
* How difficult is it for you to get condoms? It's is okay in the country since it is available on-counter at any good store but I think the problem is in the stigma people attribute to buying condoms...It is not usual here that storekeepers and counter persons stare at you like you done something wrong with buying the condom.
* Where do you get condoms? We could buy it anywhere...
* What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people? Actually our organization is starting up programs for young people and MARCY and one intervention is condom distribution. All I could tell to adult organizations facilitating condom-use for young people is to teach them also responsibility and to realize the need to spend for their own protection and not just access it for free...
* At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why?
Young people are becoming sexually active as early as 13 yrs old. At this age most kids dont understand the meaning of sex, STI/STD's or HIV and the surrounding issues, for that matter. So sex education including Condom education needs to start early. But along with this its becoming increasingly important to also teach self worth, self respect and respect for others from a young age and practice this in the childs immediate environment. This responsibility falls onto not only parents of the child but also the teachers at schools. Leading and teaching by example is the best way to teach a child and once a child knows and understand self-worth and value of others they will respect the act of sex, and that hopefully this will encourage safe sex.
So i believe that condom use isn't about access to condoms etc but more so about believing and understanding the use of them, and the reasons for it.
* How difficult is it for you to get condoms?
Its not too difficult at all, Most petrol stations, supermarkets, and pharmacies supply some sort/variety of condoms.
* Where do you get condoms?'
Pharmacy
* What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people?
Promoting condom use is all about the youth understanding why their using condoms, who it is protecting and why. For a young person to really grasp this they will need to have self respect and respect for others; this i believe is lacking in many societies globally. Anyone can gain access to a condom, It is not difficult, but using it each time u have sex is a very different issue, Here is where the woman must stand up for herself and a man must respect the woman; this doesn't happen.
Just to note that condoms don't prevent STD's they reduce the risk and you can still get some STDs using condoms.
It's about behaviour change and I think the age would vary but my suggestion is from as early as 8/9 age group because in our country many of our kids in primary schools talk about sex..
I'm an adult and It'snot difficult for me to get condoms but I think our young ones are stigmatized when coming to purchasing condoms because our society still thinks within the box. They would easily access it when it's given out at events/shows etc.
I think people should start learning about condoms as early as age 10. It's a young age yes, but many young people are becoming sexually active in one way or the other even before they hit high school. In a controlled classroom where a teacher is talking to students about condom usage and the diseases it helps to protect against is perfect. Rather than a youngster going out and learning about sex and condom usage from a friend. Women and girls should also be taught to stand up for their safety and respect and make sure that anyone they sleep with wears a condom. I have had friends who had unprotected sex because a guy was to in a rush to put on a condom, or he just did not like the feel of latex. One time is all it takes to get HIV and it lasts a life time. Men and Women should all be aware of this fact and protect themselves. Sex lasts but 20 minutes or so, we should stress the fact that your life is worth more than 20 minutes of physical pleasure.
• At what age do you think young people should start learning about condoms and why?
I think that the people have to learn about sexuality, gender equity and condoms from children, because when you are child, you start to learn about the sexuality, so I think that in this age you need to have scientific information about how can you protect yourself.
• How difficult is it for you to get condoms?
The condom’s access is very difficult. I think that the main barriers are:
You have to buy condoms, and many people, especially young people., don’t have money to buy condoms.
To Buy condoms is very difficult for adolescent girls because many of them are scary because the people on pharmacies usually look at bad you if you are girl and adolescent and you are buying condoms. We have to change this patriarchic culture.
• Where do you get condoms?
In my country you can buy condoms in some pharmacies, but sometimes is difficult find condoms in rural areas.
Also you can find condoms on the health centers around the country, but sometimes they don’t have condoms because they just have few condoms's supply.
• What messages do you have for adults or organizations to facilitate condom use by young people?
You have to think in the reality, not just what it should be the young people.
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The legal consenting age in Australia for sex is 16 years old although statistics show that teenagers are starting much younger. I think adults and their children should leave the lines of communication open on the issue. Discussion should also be centred around relationships and being selfish about who you lose your virginity with - not just the protection. Let them know about the laws, peer-pressure, their rights and if you suspect that they are in a longer-than-usual-relationship; discuss their options, when they can access doctors on their own for privacy and you will listen and not judge them. If necessary you can buy the condoms for them but emphasise that it must be used with other forms of contraception i.e. the pill and lubricant. This will probably enhance the health messages they are getting at school from the Family Planning clinic and other organisations. I think vending machines in high schools could be open to misuse.
I would like the Bill Gates foundation to help strengthen research capacity of local people in developing countries so that they are empowered to work through their problems and tell their stories, eloquently, comprehensively and competently. Undoubtedly, research by researchers from developing countries for instance Africa, is grossly under-developed - and for good reasons. We do not have competent research institutions, therefore the product from these institutions is often wanting in terms of research capabilities. As a result, when matched against the rest of the world and especially the west, we fall way short. Not because we’re stupid, but because we lack proper training that is necessary to place us on an equal footing with the rest of the world. Conveniently, outsiders come to our continent and tell our story for us (no pun intended). The ultimate danger is that there has been a lot of misrepresentation, not necessarily in bad faith, but mainly because what may be ordinary to us is often construed as peculiar by outsider and is therefore reported and published from their lenses. My opinion is that the best way to tell honest stories and to bring about sustainable change to these developing countries is to equip talented and enthusiastic people from those countries with the skills necessary to identify their own problems so that they can come up with their own solutions.
The Gates foundation could help fund PhD students from developing countries to study at good universities and obtain research skills that are relevant to problems in their countries. My particular interest is on female circumcision, strikingly known to most as female genital mutilation (fgm). Unrivalled in its ability to elicit reactions of personal revulsion and collective hysteria, I as an African whose community still circumcises their women (in secret), believe that the biggest impediment to the eventual eradication of this practice is the way it is portrayed in the media and advocacy campaigns. When you approach a community and tell them that they are ‘mutilating’ their children, the immediate reaction is one of suspicion of cultural imperialism, whether perceived or real. This often fuels their reason to jealously guard that which they consider at risk. Paradoxically, to most practicing communities, the circumcision of their women is an indispensable preliminary to adulthood, a vital strand in their community’s social fibre that addresses their deepest need for identity. Often, the practice is viewed as a milestone that expresses their communal joys and life achievement, a representation of their community’s framework of living. To therefore imply that they are merely malevolent in their intentions, is to alienate the very people we seek to help. In this light, I would like to do my doctoral studies on the circumcision of women in my country. I would like to tell the story of the one of the practicing communities and to brainstorm with them ways that make sense to them of eradicating this practice. There are also communities in my country where the practice is almost extinct. I would like to tell their stories too and to explore how they got to this point. Possibly there could be some lessons there that might be relevant to policy makers and campaigners. We mustn’t lose sight of what is important here - protecting children and women. It cannot be stressed enough, that going about it the right way, is the only key to speedy solutions to thorny issues such as this one.
I work as a researcher on the circumcision of women in a practicing community in Africa would very much like to do a PhD on the practice among the community I work with my country. I would like to tell our story
Another way I would suggest that the money is spent is through education especially of the girl child in developing countries. Certainly when you educate a woman, you educate a whole community! A good project I know that promotes education for children in Africa is Friends of Kadzinuni http://www.kadzinuni.org.uk/
"If more women live in poverty than men, it must be because of single-mother-families, and that is a whole-society issue."
In order for that argument to hold, men must be failing to meet their share of the financial responsibility for their children.
93 women currently serve in the US 111th Congress - that is 17% - and that is a damn record - and it’s pathetic.
Since 1917, there have been a total of 260 women that have served in the House and Senate - and that total is still not ½ of 1 Congress.
There certainly are socio-cultural historical reasons that more women than men live in poverty, but they have more to do with fewer freedoms and limited access to opportunity and power than to their living arrangements.
http://www.globalwarmingsurvivalcenter.com/
Is it fair that;
Globally, women are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to different and unequal social roles and status.
Women contribute less to climate change, are impacted more by it, and have less say in decisions about the problem.
Condoms do not prevent many STI's they reduce the risk.
It's not about condoms use it is about behaviour change. Public and general condoms distribution in past ( in parties and events) have not been effective and were a waste of money. However condom access ( not machines) on the other hand is a good initiative with proper education.
We from t he ALL India Women's Conference are staunch admireres of the great work being done by your foundation.AIWC , one of the oldest and pioneering organisations working towards the empowerment and uplift of women and children for over 86 years, all over the country through its 550 branches and quarter million members , has been working in the field of Renewable Energy technologies ciimate change and global warming along with all the important aspects of health, education and incomegeneration for the poor etc. Being one of the founder members of INFORSE{Interntional Netwok for sustainable Energy} AIWC has closely worked with Grameen shakthi(Bangladesh),IDEA (Srilanka), CRT Nepal apart form nearly one hundred partner organisations in India , propogating the use od improved cookstoves right from 1984 onwards-after being identified asone of the Nodal Agencies by the Govt of India -the only women's organisation chosen to work in all the states with direct funding and technical support from IIT-Delhi and Kanpur, had trained more than one thousand rural women in the construction, maintenance and use of these stoves which are of great importance for women and childre'ns health to avoid all the smoke related diseases like Asthma, bronchitis, eye problems and avoid the death of millions of women exposed to the smoke from the traditional stoves. AIWC had also constructed more than hudred thousan improved stoves through these trained women in almost all the states which got many a wards for AIWC including the prestigious UNEP GLOBAL 500 Roll Of Honour to the head of the Rural Energy Dept of AIWC, Many of the women are still using these improved stoves - and are grateful that they have not only been saved from smoke related ailments, but also could make additional income by constructing these stoves in other people,s houses. Unfortunately this all important programme which was the brain child of Ministry of New And renewable energy -Govt of India was transferred to the states which did not take off at all. Apart from this AIWC has also been training master craftspersons in the use , maintenance and construction of Bio-gas plants in collaboration with various technical backup units. Later on AIWC has also conducted awareness programmes, and the instalaion of Solar P.V, and thermal devices like the solafr cookers, Dryiers, Solar water heaters, solar lanterns and homeight systems etc The current project is on using the RETS devices for income generation for the poor women apart from improving their health through Integrated programme- AIWC-USAID-Sari Energy project in a couple of re-settlement colonies in the capital- we have trained nearly one hundred members of Self Help Groups, in the use, installation, and trouble-shooting of these devices since there is a very great demand for such kind of bare-foot technicians not only in the villages but also in the urban slums etc where the electricity is practically not available. The women have started perceiving this programmeas a health giving programme apart from the idirect help of augumenting their income which inturn helps not only their childrerns education but also their health. we have made two charging stations, where these women bring thieir solar lanterns for charging after which they rent them out to weekly market vendors everyday. Since there is provision for charging the cell phones also through these lanterns they could not only use them for charging their own cell phones but also charge other people's phones for a nominal fee even when there was no electricity for hours together. Above all as a part of this integrated programme we have installed a water puifying device wich is run through specially commissioned Solar panels which ensure un-interupted pure water supply for the colony people at nominal cost. Since almost all the cities apart from rural areas are unable to supply potable water, this has to be replicated in all parts of the country along with the other manually operated models which are available now. People have started realising . the importance of using pure water to avoid the water related diseases and we at AIWC feel it is our duty to provide thse women not only clean fuel, stove etc but also clean drinking water along with sanitary fecilities etc.Provided we could get the needed funding to implement all these programmes, this could be done through our large network with minimum cost through dedicated workers
Request for support from Ethiopia on climate change
Hi, I really believe this site is very interesting. Keep up with the good work!. Melinda Lottenberg
I would like to see three main things. One, attention to women's sexual and reproductive health - safe, affordable and accessible termination of pregnancy; access to affordable contraception; a focus on healthy relationships with men and women to improve women's ability to control sexual and reproductive decision-making. Two, improving literacy for women and girls - reading and writing; health literacy and financial literacy. Three, improving women's access to employment options - through micro-credit and support for sustainable small businesses. Women's Health West have some terrific programs that we would be happy to provide share and that could be translated into projects to meet local needs. Three examples are Lead On Again: a leadership program for young women from diverse backgrounds; Girls Talk Guys Talk: a whole-school sexual and reproductive health program developed in tandem with students, teachers, parents and local agencies to meet the expressed needs of students at the particular school (one school per year); Financial Literacy education with women from Karen, Somali and Burmese backgrounds who are recently arrived in Australia. See our website, including newsletters, for further details.
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its a problem for sure,we have to stand as one and find a solution to it.
I am writing on behalf of women and adolescent girls in Afghanistan and Sierra Leone, who have the highest risk in the world of suffering pregnancy related complications and death. To improve their situation will require a longterm commitment, but some solutions could be put in practice immediately if funding were available. Using mobile phones would offer many approaches. In collaboration with the local NGOs, national authorities and private sector we are proposing to do the following:
1. in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, a free hotline service will be set up for mobile phone users (most likely these will be young people) to access information about family planning
2. to help pregnant women and their partners to receive reminders of antenatal care visits, an SMS based service will be developed
3. a system for service availability mapping in which the health provider at the primary care level will use the mobile phone in order to send to the central level information about the supplies and equipment needed, using applications and software transforming the data into visually attractive maps and graphs prompting quick action to respond to the needs
4. in addition, the mobile phones will be used to improve referrals in emergencies ( mostly pregnancy and delivery complications)
5. If more sophisticated phones were made available to health providers, they could be used for mentoring. This would improve the retention of health workers in rural areas and increase job satisfaction and of course, quality of care.
6. Another important way of improving maternal health would be to monitor the progress of labor and take necessary action when there is lack of progress. Using a mobile phone application, the health worker could do it more easily than currently happens and the data would be also transfgerred to the next referral level that would be a security measure in order to get right away a second opionion relating to the urgency.
There are many other ways to use the mobile phones ( "sky is the limit", literally!), but if we could start with the ones described above, would be fantastic! We have already eager, skilled, passionate people lined up both in Afghanistan and in Sierra Leone to start the action the moment the funds are there. Thank you in advance!
The new pledge by the Gates Foundation to invest $1.5 billion over the next five years to support maternal and child health, family planning, and nutrition programs in developing countries is truly welcomed, timely and extremely needed. Certainly, as many negative maternal and perinatal health outcomes are linked to coercion and violence against women and girls it would be critical to address these issues as well, as a part of a strategic approach aimed at prevention of undesirable consequences.
Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic of alarming proportions, deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination. It is a gross violation of human rights, a threat to a woman’s health and well-being and a barrier to economic growth and development. It is a cause of maternal and child deaths with as many as 1 in 4 women experiencing physical or sexual violence during pregnancy. Between 23 and 53 percent of women physically abused by their intimate partners during pregnancy are kicked or punched in the abdomen. This increases the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion, as well as premature labour.
Furthermore, women and girls who are subjected to physical and sexual violence and/or coercive sex are at greater risk of contracting HIV, not only because condoms are not used in this scenario but also as a direct consequence of the physical trauma, injuries and bleeding. They are often the first members of their family to find out their HIV status because when they are pregnant they are tested in antenatal clinics. The risk of transmission of HIV from mother to child can be greatly reduced by medical intervention. However, violence can also be a barrier to their access to HIV-related services: many women who suffer domestic abuse have little recourse to protection or access to necessary medical treatment, often due to being prevented from seeking health care by partners.
In conclusion, we look forward to seeing the Gates Foundation tackling the issue of maternal and child health with a strategy that includes two domains of interventions: response to and prevention of violence against women and girls.
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Global maternal and child health outcome statistics are troubling. These are important questions, as financial support really must reach the children, their mothers and families. After a lot of thought on this, Philomena Thomas's suggestion above makes a lot of sense to me. If there are already non profit organisations working with the intention of giving local, relevant support to families, they have the proven experience. They would certainly need the money.
There are many immediate healthcare needs/issues regarding women and children that the organization is already aware of and willing to address. However, I just wanted to emphasize that in order to promote the value of women and children in those rural areas in an effort to protect and improve their lives, you must shift the conscienceness of an entire culture that is deeply rooted in outdated thinking. The shift must occur in the villages, in the homes, and in the minds of those who this organization is tryiing to reach. Alot of the funds must be allocated towards a grass roots campaign of educating the MEN of these areas regarding attitudes towards women. And perhaps the best strategy is to start with the young men and boys of the area who may be more willing/able to listen and understand the value of women in their lives.
I am working with World Vision International at Islamabad, Pakistan, during my 18+ years of experience with UN, INGO and public sector for mother and child health in the developing countries, I witnessed different projects which were successful in bringing positive changes into the life of women and children, however the project that had long-term impact was Saving Newborn lives in Pakistan supported by Gates Foundation; This project was able to add N (neonatal) to traditionally/historically known Maternal and Child Health Care as change in Pakistan national health policy. Projects can only be successful and sustainable, if comprehensive, are relevant to the need of the country, integrated within the existing health care program. The Govt; of Pakistan with support of other donor has continued focus on MNCH as priority in the health policy and programs. The program aims at training of health care providers, raising awareness of community to increased demand for utilization of services and training of community or traditional birth attendants in identification and referral of mothers with danger signs.
Major gaps exist in accessing the quality basic and comprehensive EmOC services in rural and urban areas. The lack of Skilled Birth Attendant(SBA), poverty, lack of roads, long distances, and family opposition are major contributing factors to the increased ratio for maternal mortality in Pakistan specifically in Baluchistan province (600-800/100,000live births). Integrated MNCH programs with strategy in provision of sustainable economic opportunities, selecting and supporting the training of health workers from same community in as SBA, training of women, family member (especially males) and potential birth attendant in birth planning process, establishing an institute for skill training, skill building with follow-up of care providers for basic and comprehensive EmOC services.
Globally there is need to exchange the lesson learnt, what works well in what circumstances and how, in order to help and encourage developing world adopt and implement strategies that proved successful.
Wonderful news from the Gates'. I sat with Melinda at a conference of the World Economic Forum earlier in the year and was impressed with her cogent understanding of the issues and her passion. To have women leaders in positions who commit in this way is heartening.
I campaign on a "single-issue" cause, whose roots do not lie in a single issue solution.
The cause is female genital cutting. it impacts on four of the MDGs. At the moment, three million girls a year in 21 countries in Africa alone are cut - with short term impacts of pain, infection, in some cases death. in the longer term, there are also huge impacts on maternal mortality, neo-natal deaths and life-long health complications as well as psychological complications.
FGC has its roots in the control of women. It ensures a woman's chastity, fidelity and marriageability.
Since witnessing this is Ethiopia last year, I've been struck how FGC is the most under-resourced, under-represented and silenced issue. The scale of the issue is not properly known. We seem to think of it as "African" yet it is prevelant in Indonesia, Kurdistan, Yemen and of course, in Europe, USA and other countries with diaspora communities.
However, this is not just a call from the West to end FGC - 20 African countries recently called on the UN to adopt a global ban on FGC.
This is a real story of hope - there are amazing innovative programmes that have had amazing success, where entire communities are empowered to abandon FGC. This is achieved through a rights-based, educative approach. Compared with some other approaches, these are sustainable, cost-effective and are community owned. Have a look at www.tostan.org for more information.
The Orchid Project campaigns to get more awareness about FGC as well as more resources to the communities on the ground who wish to end this within the next generation.
I would urge some of these resources to go towards breaking this taboo, breaking this silence and investing in women and, particularly, girls' own power to meet their own potential.
I would like to say that these resources can be used to salvage our young women in South East Asia. These can be used to help prevent the cycle of ABUSE, NEGLECT and ABORTION. I am in a professional counseling work which is designed to help men and women coming from backgrounds of ABUSE, NEglect and Abortion.
I help educate young men and women here in my country and in other Asian countries that Abuse and Abortion never comes alone. It always comes with neglect ans is a cycle. The more neglected a person is, the more they are prone ot abuse and the more abused and neglected they are, the easier they do abortion.
If only we have more resources n Hope Alive Asia, we could be helping more men and women who can counsel people coming from these backgrounds. If I had resources like these, I will be training more women and men so they can help women be healed from the damages of their abuse, neglect and abortion.
We would like you to consider investing in our Hope ALive Asia work. We are affiliated with acounseling programme based in Canada abut we function separately and we raise our resources in Asia. If you guys are willig, we would be greatly appreciative any help to minister to as many more women in ASIA and their familes
Blessings to you.
Dr. Orpah Marasigan
Hope Alive Asia,
COunsellor , Supervisor and Trainer
P.O Box 458 Manila 1099
MObile +63917-6284554
Investing in women is definately the way to go, even the MDGs alludes to this! However, we need not forget to Invest in the girl child (focusing on their survival, protection, participation and general development). This will yield better and sustainable dividends for the future generation of well informed and empowered girls, women and their children.........And in turn, a transformed generation.
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Yes, it is true that there is domestic violence against women in every society of the world , but we have to consider the degree and level of control. My tone here is that in the Western countries there are stipulated control as the law takes over events when it is to the extreme. But in Africa men are allowed with an unlimited power since the culture here is held to the extreme and over-rules other factors especially in the rural areas. The women of Africa should heavily be considered and rescued.
What a wonderful initiative.
I believe, however that in order to ensure women and children's quality of life are improved in some of the world's poorest countries we need to be tackling some of the wider causes that are leading to poverty, illness and lack of access to resources.
These include climate change, environmental degradation and pollution. The urban poor in many developing countries live in terrible conditions, surrounded by open sewage as well as plastic, organic and chemical waste of all kinds. In rural areas, land erosion due to deforestation, the blocking up of waterways with plastic waste and chemical outflows and dwindling of fish stocks is making it harder and harder for people to scrape a living.
Lack of governmental and donor attention to environmental and public health related issues in developing countries is consequently threatening the health and thus the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people both in rural and urban areas. If attention is not paid to these issues and Governments of developing countries are not pressed by donors to focus on environmental issues, then the health, well-being and life-opportunities of women and children cannot, in the long-term be improved. The poorest, whose lives are most precarious will always suffer the worst in the face of any large scale natural or man made disaster.
Improving the quality of the environment through research and advocacy for policy change as well as educational outreach initiatives aimed at raising awarenesss and changing behaviours is one of the key ways for improving people's lives. Failing to recognise this will constitute a 'band-aid' effect in which only the symptoms and not some of the major causes of the problems are addressed.
When I first read about using the money, I thought, "this should be easy enough!" But it's not. In fact, reading through the press release on the grant specifications raises more questions than answers.
Off the bat, my questions would be:
1. Just what are comprehensive integrated programs? As a statement in itself it is too broad. Granted we are talking about bettering women and children's lives (with particular regard to health) but life does not happen in organized vacuums. There is always cross over. There have to be definitions in place so that measurement (and evaluation) can be effected.
2. What does development of the comprehensive integrated programs mean? What programs are we measuring against to measure failures and/or successes? Develop implies beginning a project from scratch. Is that what we really want to do?
3. Who would be the best people to develop this program? Do we use researchers, academic institutions, Ministries of health and other government organizations, already established NGO’s and health workers as first ports of call?
As a social program it is important to define these roles, especially if we want to be effective.
4. Who qualifies as a strategic partner and why?
5. Interventions are only effective in as far as "the watch dogs are still present". Isn’t there a more sustainable way to effect change? And quiet honestly, once the novelty of the intervention has worn off, people revert to their original behavior. We should be affecting human behavior, right?
Using the Press release grant out line, I would use the money through four integrated steps.
A. Develop the program framework
1. What it is
2. Who is doing what and why?
3. Who strategic partners are (long terms Vs short term)
4. The parameters for social and behavioral research, its frequency, reach
5. How to get the program from an “ideal” to a practical application. Will we need to retrain people? Will we need people with new skill sets?
6. Determine the communication plan (internal, with strategic partners and the public)
7. Determine tools for measurement and evaluation
B. Implement it
Pull all the various aspects together and actually go into the community and change lives.
C. Evaluate
Continuous evaluation only makes programs more effective.
D. Share it with the world.
Chris,
i concer with you that the door to door may not be appropiet when it comes to distribution more so give the teperatures and facilities for storing the contraceptives not being favourable. However i meant that phealthy works would door to to senstize and pick specific days when still they take contraceptives out to the community other than having them kept in store. My aurgument is based on the raelity that many people only visit healthy centers whle sick.
Thanks for your coment any way
If they want to be a part of it, I will not deny them this
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Carry out public awareness campaigns about the value of girl children, the role of the male in the determination of the sex of a child, and against female infanticide and selective abortion. This would also involve long-term education and training programmes that enable girls/women to be financially viable rather than seen as financial burdens. In some parts of some countries (e.g. China, India and Vietnam) there are up to 120 boys born to every 100 girls - a timebomb waiting to explode in terms of men with no women to marry, human trafficking and forced prostitution. In fact, it's already happening...
A few related links:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/327/7427/1297
http://www.gendercide.org/case_infanticide.html
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/338/apr09_2/b1211.pdf
http://www.ipas.org/Library/News/News_Items/Finding_the_root_causes_of_sex-selective_abortion.aspx
http://dalje.com/en-world/asia-missing-96-million-women/296993
http://faculty.washington.edu/cportner/papers/ssa_may_2010.pdf
Thanks giving us the oportunity to say something about what we see and have little way of helping out. I belong to an organisation called Austin/Maseru Sister City which deals in the main in helping the needy arround the Maseru area. We are mainly interested in helping needy children in providing anything from food packages to mainly education which would include fees where appropriate, to clothing and food. We have also been able to provide some aid to HIV stricken by supporting village support groups.
We have aspiration which we cannot meet at this time, ie providing a home for orphans and care. There is an organisation SOS which has started but cannot take everybody. The Org provides a home and family for Orphans, schooling and feeding.
We belief Education is the key to opening doors to anybody in the world but for the poor children it becames a dream seen through those who have been fortunate.
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About half a billion women and girls in the world live a life of extreme poverty and lack any prospect of changing that.
One key asset could help change that—land.
Land is often the most important asset held by poor, rural families. It is critical for shelter, food production, access to credit and investment, and is often the basis for social and economic networks.
Unfortunately, culture and gender have traditionally barred women and girls from land ownership.
Despite the fact that women do the majority of farming in much of the developing world, a male family member usually holds title to the land. He makes the decisions about the way the land is used, and controls any income generated from the land. And in most households, when he dies his sons will inherit the land, to the exclusion of his daughters. Without assets such as land, women and girls are vulnerable. A host of social ills stem from this position.
Studies have found that when women have secure rights to the land they farm:
Family nutrition improves
Women are less likely to contract and spread HIV/AIDS
domestic violence rates are lower
children are more likely to be educated
women can access micro-credit and other government programs
In short, investing in women's land rights creates a powerful ripple effect that spreads to her family, village, and entire region.
In many countries however, women can't own property, they ARE property.
Working to change that, by creating institutions and laws that promote and protect women's ownership of land will fundamentally change the nature of land ownership in developing countries. And it will create long-lasting, transformative and generational change that will allow women to fully participate in their local economy and build a better future for themselves, their families, their countries and the world.
I am part of the Communications team at the Rural Development Institute, a Seattle-based non-profit that focuses on partnering with developing countries to make these fundamental changes to their institutions and laws that give the poor the opportunity to escape poverty through land rights. We've seen over and over again that land rights can provide ladders out of poverty for the landless poor, reduce conflict, promote better land stewardship, and create a prosperous and stable future for us all. The effect of freeing modern day serfs from the shackles of feudalism is proven. So is the fact that when the beneficiary is a woman it pays dividends.
i would suggest that better health delivery systems for women,educational facilities for women,who suffer from cancer or,aids or abuse be provided ,
First and for most, I wish that Bill and Milinda's money to be invested in maternal health: training of midwives, equip in materials and human ressources at least 2 main maternity wards in the 5 East African Countries, strengthen the communities' health insurance, and cooperate with the EAC Forum of Parliamentarians for Health, Population and Development.
Pls feel free to contact me if interested or willing to have more clarifications. Odette
Dear editorial, I visited this website and knew something about climate change and its impacts in Mangolia. Moreover the situation is same in Nepal as it looks in Mangolia....! ground water level is decreasing, drought has been longer , erratic rainfall occurs, forest fire is hazardous, glacial lakes will to be burst, glaciar retreat has been seen, desertification is in high rate, snow is melting unexpectedly increasing, biogeographical range is deviating upwards, in security of food production, biodiversity is in high threat .........
These are our present experiences....here in Nepal.
. The carelessness of Developped countries towards Environment ,we people of developping countries are victims......... !
your sincerely
Parasar.
I am the Director, Ujamaa Family Centre based in Mukuru kwa Njenga slum in Nairobi. The slum houses many Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees.
There are Four ways I would suggest based on my experience working in the slums of Kenya and with refugees.
1. Pap smear and breast cancer tests/information for women in the slum areas who hardly know about these services leave alone having access to them.
2. clean up exercises in colaboration with partners and government in the slums areas to ensure reduction of communicable/ infectious disease which affect women and children more.
3. Carry out a pilot project in the slum areas of the use of solar energy. This will reduce the incidences of respiratory tract infections caused by the use of locally made tin lamps
It will also reduce the number of deaths in children left in houses uncared for and end up burning in the houses when trying to light the lamps.
4. Income generating Activities that can improve the economic status of women to enable them seek better medical services. Poverty is a major hindrance in realizing women's health
The funds could be utilized to procure Sgreening machines for Cancer of thr Gervix, . a machine costs 25.000USD, ...if at least 1000. health centre at parish level had a machine it could make a difference.
additionally the training of rural health workers in the routine screening for cancer of the cervix in these centres would help.
mobile ambulances to sensitize the women and men who may not have access to the information as well as a screening facilitywithin those ambulances
purchase of the drugs for the treatment of same
Funding fot the vaccinies for teenage girls and those not yet sexually active. a dose of 3 shots costs USD 300.00, well beyond the means of many girls and families
If you take the non-profit organisation engaged in the field of concern you will be effcetively able to utilise your money for the greater benefit of the poor and the underprivilaged. Your policy of collaboration with government and governmental bodies are leading to greater corruption and non utilisation of fund for the earmarked purposes. So my humbel suggestion is to take into confidence the NGO sector who have proved their metal by their constructive action among the poor in developing countries.
Philomina Thomas
Pro life or no pro life, the people of Bududa that recently were brutally buried under the mudslides have never heard about the pill or contraception. These people were leaving on the Mountains of Mt. Elgon bordring Uganda and Kenya. due to their population explosin they started cutting down trees to be able to provide for their large families as a buidling material, cooking fuels, and to create land to till and grow food for their large families. The land rebelled little to their know and came crushing down upno them in a mysterios way. 350 people were buried and today more are still under the soil unburied by their people. Uganda's population growth rate stands at 3.56, the second fastest in the world! Talk of nutrition and scourge of HIV/AIDS, these are people that need to benefit from the Bill and Melinda Gates $1.5 billion on family planning, nutrition and general health of women and children with special emphasis to the people of Bududa. I wonder if they even know about abortion!
At a time when the world is being engulfed by unparalleled disasters, targeting women and children for financial support is one attempt among many that could save this world. The recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, China, and the untold stories of the "invisible" women and children buried alive in the Bududa landslides in Uganda, are critical incidences demanding our enduring attention.
The landslides tragedy in Bududa took place on March 1, and again recently on May 18th, 2010. Unlike other tragedies, the Bududa incident did not draw much attention from the global community. However, the impact of this disaster has had far-reaching implications for rural families and particularly, for women and children. Not only did the massive rolling rocks destroy three villages including trading centers and a health clinic, they claimed over 300 people, burying them alive and living relatives searching with bare hands, garden hoes, and sticks. Today, about 5,000 people in the surrounding villages are internally displaced because of the continued cracking of rocks on Wanale-- (Mt. Elgon). Women's productive and reproductive roles are being severely constrained as a result of lack of land on which to cultivate food, and also, by lack of a place they can call home and nurture their loved ones. The plight of children is made worse. Hundreds of children cannot find their families. They have no school to attend since classrooms were buried by the avalanche, and several of their teachers are dead. Bududa district already ranks second to last in the entire country on primary leaving exams. There is hardly a college graduate in the villages that were hit, let alone a high school graduate. The situation is even worse for girls because many of them drop out of school early due to problems unique to women.
I believe that in a region where 56% of the people live below poverty line compared to the national average of 31%, empowering women to access critical resources would trickle down to benefit children and the entire families. There is an urgent need in Bududa for economic incentives such as microfinance to revitalize the communities, in addition to providing the daily necessities of food, clothing, beddings, cooking utensils, and shelter. This tragedy has opened our eyes to realize that the people of Bududa need modern technology. They need training in modern farming techniques to reduce pressure on land and to boost yields to maintain food security. Funding should target women's grassroots initiatives to include land terracing, training programs in nutrition and reproductive management. There is also a need to invest in youth mentoring programs to provide psycho-social support for youths who are currently living in camps to help them transition smoothly into their homes when that time comes.
I hope that the tragedy that befell the people of Bududa, and the continuous socioeconomic hardship facing them are good reasons for the Melinda and Bill Gates Fund to support women and children in Bududa.
Florence
What an outstanding opportunity to tell you about THE VIRGINIA GILDERSLEEVE INTERNATIONAL FUND.
This NGO, established in 1970 and named for the first woman dean of Barnard College and a participant in drafting the charter of the United Nations, provides small grants of $3,500 to $5,000 to NGO's in developing economies.
These grants are awarded annually to NGO applicants which demonstrate (1) partnership with other local NGO's, (2) include an educational component, and (3) support initiatives which benefit women and girls.
Throughout it's 40 year history, The Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund has provided grants to over three dozen countries worldwide for projects from community ovens, to community kitchens, training programs for farming and marketing products, educational programs about maternal health, legal rights of women and the value of women in local elected positions.
With recent funding, the infrastructure of the organization has been strengthened and the highly engaged international members of the Board of Directors has completed its Strategic Planning for the coming five years.
I anxiously await a confirmation that you have received this introductory message.
And, thank you for this opportunity.
My best regards,
Carrie Gallagher,
Convener, VGIF Development Committee
Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund
Three West 29th Street - Suite 1001
New York, New York, 10001
212.213.0622
Excellent job! You created a well summarized and informative post! :•)
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Credit is a method of selling goods or services without the buyer having cash in hand. A credit card is only an automatic way of offering credit to a consumer. Today, every credit card carries an identifying number that speeds shopping transactions. Imagine what a credit purchase would be like without it, the sales person would have to record your identity, billing address, and terms of repayment.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, "the use of credit cards originated in the United States during the 1920s, when individual firms, such as oil companies and hotel chains, began issuing them to customers." However, references to credit cards have been made as far back as 1890 in Europe. Early credit cards involved sales directly between the merchant offering the credit and credit card, and that merchant's customer. Around 1938, companies started to accept each other's cards. Today, credit cards allow you to make purchases with countless third parties.
Credit Card Website
I agree!
In truth, we need to do the same in the United States. In fact, I though of a process of recycling kitchen water, sink water, and bathtub water. I believe kitchen sink water could be used in a shower, shower water could actually be partially recycled during a shower and reused, and the remaining water could be recycled to the toilet. People don't realize how often an American family flushes a toilet! In some cases, water could be transferred to an aquifer buried in the ground.
Of course, the water would have to be treated with filtration methods that meet standards.
First, I appreciate any information that comes from a person who has personal experience!
Since Mr. Bbumba has been a teacher, he understands the difficulty with distribution. In addition, he has witnessed his sister's negative experience, which he uses to suggest "testing".
Personally, I have never lived in Africa so I haven't experienced difficulties associated with distribution. On the other hand, I do realize the importance of a proper transportation infrastructure. As an ex-soldier, I know the importance of "roads" and this is why Militaries will immediately build dirt roads into a conflict zone. A road facilitates delivery and distribution.
Sadly, I don't know if village to village contraceptive delivery would work. Why? Because temperature is important for Oral Contraceptive storage. Still, I know health-care practitioners have had success with delivery of HIV drugs and condoms in a similar manner described by Mr. Bbumba.
I would also like to provide the following. Although the topic is different, similar difficulties were encountered.
• "For purposes of this analysis, the multiple causes of maternal death are sorted into three categories: clinical causes, health services issues, and sociocultural factors. These obviously overlap, but there is utility in considering them separately."- "The Multiple Causality of Maternal Death", In Her Lifetime: Female Morbidity and Mortality, Page 95.
• "The barriers to maternity care that an affect maternal mortality and morbidity fall into three categories: (1) geographic and convenience factors, (2) acceptability factors, and (3) factors related to quality of care."-From "Health Services", In Her Lifetime: Female Morbidity and Mortality, Page 106
• "Women not taking contraception are likely to have more pregnancies, each of which adds to overall risk, a risk further increased by the growing likelihood that women whose pregnancies are unwanted will resort to clandestine abortion." -"Maternal Health and Planning", In her Lifetime: Female Morbidity and Mortality, Page 107
• Perhaps a trained Traditional Birth Attendant, who has access to proper storage, could be the go between while health-care professionals carefully monitor medical complaints. From what I understand, many villages have a Traditional Birth Attendant, and many have been trained in specific health care delivery methods. -From many resources.
Still, Oral Contraceptives can be quite dangerous, and I believe a "properly" structured system should be in place but this may not be feasible.
In her Lifetime: Female morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa:
§Christopher P. Howson, Polly F. Harrison, and Maureen Law, Editors; Committee to Study Female Morbidity and Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, Institute of Medicine. National Academy Press[online].1996, pp. xii,308. Available from: National Academy Press. ISBN-10:0-309-07695-1; ISBN-13:978-0-309-07695-1.
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I really enjoyed this article! Cell phones are being used for so many processes. In fact, MIT created a method of dynamically locating population changes in a city. A very valuable tool when considering sporting events, traffic, riots, etc.
The same technology could be used to accurately develop a "map" of active cell phone users in other countries. If one developed an identification system between cell phone suppliers and health-care providers, the MIT algorithm could be used to effectively map densities associated with health-care providers. I guess the same could be said for NGO's.
We at Uganda Martyrs University have just developed an HIV&AIDS and Sexual Anti-Harassment Policy. We now need to implement it, and involve all students and staff in the implementation of that policy which also pays attention to the Millenium Development Goals(MDGs). We would really be appreciate if someone could provide some financial support to enable us to implement this policy which will take on board the issues related to making contraceptives available on campus and in the community of which the University is a part. I therefore appeal to Dr. Carmen Barroso to see if there is anyway we can be assisted both materially and technically to implement our new policy
Oops, I accidentally hit the "like" button. Actually, the pill is one of the taproots of modern evil. Women think they have to chemically sterilize themselves to survive in the modern world. The pill has been proven to cause cancer and strokes, and exacerbate other health problems.
i think this is good work
In my opinion, we need to ensure a proper health-care network exists before we can start distributing the pill. If you like, you can read my reasoning at:
"How can we ensure that every woman who choses can access the Pill or other appropriate contraceptive options? • A Technical Perspective on the Liberation of Women through "The Pill""
at: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978253733
I have submitted the same response through Conversations for a Better World Wordpress.
[...] Access also has another perspective – one where its not needed to be here at MMM – this is access that’s defined by just being mobile. Whether that access is to educational materials, or communications, or social services, mobile devices/services grant the ability for people to be empowered where they were not before. You and your ministry endeavors owe it to your audiences to let them know that a mobile window exists. [...]
[...] recently, MobileActive points out the way mobile cameraphones have played a key role in the reporting of recent political events and [...]
[...] The importance of the mobile phone to developing countries [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sabina Zaccaro, Wikigender and The Jokko Initiative, techise . techise said: Tostan and the Jokko Initiative: mobile technology amplifying ... http://bit.ly/bnX97E [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tony Roberts and SimplyMobys, Lotta Rydstrom. Lotta Rydstrom said: RT @phat_controller: Mobile phones & citizen media – MobileActive article. http://bit.ly/b49G3t #m4d #mobile #journalism [...]
The potential for greater internet penetration rates is large when using internet access phones. It leaves me with a question. What cultural effects will we be inducing by giving large populations access to the internet, and is it our place to do so? Should the population have a choice to accept first world technologies before they may be culturally prepared for the complex issues of living in the digital age?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Erwin Mcken, Inside USAID. Inside USAID said: More than a right: the pill hits 50 – Conversations for a Better World: I first met Zhazia while working on a sto... http://bit.ly/cIn2dE [...]
The flow of text messages is indeed a powerful means of getting a real time geographical data view of the urgency of need. Depending on the time frame of data being observed, such techniques can serve both short term goals of getting assistance where it is needed now and long term goals of planning to address areas in which coverage is weak. Achieving both tactical and strategic goals out of the same data set is certainly quite intriguing.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by telcotalk, al and Chris L, Paul & Joanne. Paul & Joanne said: Mobile phones for maternal health – Conversations for a Better World: By combining these maps, which outline the m... http://bit.ly/aCG16i [...]
Good post. Was linked t this from a friend via Twitter. I agree wholeheartedly and can say that in addition to just knowing mobile is the better way forward, we have to model uses of mobile so that designing for it makes more sense and isn't looked at as a standby to just another audience.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Giving-International, Giving-International. Giving-International said: Conversations for a Better World: "Scaling Mobile Services for Development" http://bit.ly/9tfUWl #philanthropy #mobilegive [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Squace, In The Mobile and Per Lindgren, imobilen nu . imobilen nu said: The importance of the mobile phone to developing countries – Conversations for a Better World http://ow.ly/1Odim [...]
Sad messages, war is not only destructive in terms of property but more importantly human life. What bothers me is the looseness in legal frameworks and the international community in this i refer to the west and rich countries which assume the watch dog role but do little to mitigate occurances of human degrading acts like; wars that cause worst forms human sufferings.
[...] shoe-horn in something important about women and mobile phones from an international perspective. A bunch of other research has shown that ownership of a mobile phone by women has consistently been linked to improved [...]
I largely agree that mobile phones are not a panacea for a whole host of ills facing women all over the world. However I do think that using mobile phones – well more importantly their ubiquity – to amplify development programmes can help overcome some of these challenges. A great example of this pairing can be found in Tostan’s Jokko Initiative (jokkoinitiative.org). For over 20 years, the NGO Tostan has been working in rural African communities to improve the lives of women and their families through a human rights based community empowerment program. Tostan’s philosophy emphasizes community-led development, and works alongside African villagers to support their process of collective decision-making about local development priorities.
+1
I dnt believe that Jamaica has high teenage preganancy because the U.S. has the same thing. The result of so many teens are gettin pregnant early because they watch what their environment do around them as well as their family. So its not the child faults, its the older adults that do bad things or show and tell sexual things to their children.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by zabroad. zabroad said: Mobile literacies – bridging the gap between phone and book ...: The limitations of mobile access mean that it is ... http://bit.ly/8Yvgxd [...]
I largely agree that mobile phones are not a panacea for a whole host of ills facing women all over the world. However I do think that using mobile phones - well more importantly their ubiquity - to amplify development programmes can help overcome some of these challenges. A great example of this pairing can be found in Tostan's Jokko Initiative (jokkoinitiative.org). For over 20 years, the NGO Tostan has been working in rural African communities to improve the lives of women and their families through a human rights based community empowerment program. Tostan's philosophy emphasizes community-led development, and works alongside African villagers to support their process of collective decision-making about local development priorities.
Tostan’s program is holistic and includes themes on democracy, human rights, problem-solving, hygiene and health, literacy, math, and management. The organization typically sees impacts from its program in a wide range of areas. Tostan is perhaps best known for the integral role it has played in the movement of communities across Africa to abandon harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital cutting, garnering recognition through several prestigious prizes and support from international agencies like UNICEF, one of Tostan’s long-term supporters.
Both Tostan's and UNICEF's experience shows that communication is critical to the spread of positive social change; in particular, the kind of communication that encourages the diffusion of ideas between individuals, through family networks, across regions, and into the diaspora. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to reach large numbers of people in rural areas due to a lack of financial resources, transportation infrastructure, and communication technology.
While the internet has revolutionized communication and access to information in the developed world, most rural communities are still "offline" and excluded from the benefits that online networking has to offer. However, with mobile phone networks rapidly expanding to cover the vast majority of African citizens, and mobile phones already commonplace even in the most remote villages, SMS technology is a promising platform for more powerful and inclusive systems of communication. What’s more, this expansion is creating a new demand for literacy, and providing the perfect tool for training—cell phones are a means for people to learn and practice literacy skills daily, in a way that is relevant to their lives.
With the launch of the Jokko Initiative, Tostan and UNICEF have formed a partnership that positions them at the forefront of SMS-based innovation, focused on empowering people to harness the power of accessible mobile technology to improve their lives and those of their children. This partnership links UNICEF’s reach, resources and technical expertise with Tostan’s grassroots experience and understanding of local realities and challenges. Together, they are seeking creative solutions to the issues facing Africa and the world’s rural and disadvantaged populations.
The Jokko Initiative: A Two-Phase Approach
Phase One – A model for teaching the basics
Tostan is adding a new component to its community empowerment program (currently reaching over 800 communities in eight African countries), to teach the practical uses of standard cell phone capabilities and SMS texting.
Tostan has seen that mobile phones and SMS texting can:
1. Provide a more economical means of communication than a phone call;
2. Serve as a practical tool for learning and reinforcing literacy and numeracy skills;
3. Offer other applications to practice the organization and management skills that are taught in their program
Mobile phones will increasingly serve as the platform for services provided by governments, health clinics, schools, and banks.
Tostan’s long-standing emphasis on the inclusion of women and girls in their classes ensures that those populations most at risk of exclusion from the benefits of technological advances will be reached. The Jokko Initiative will provide a new generation of girls with access to the valuable tools of communication technology, and training in its applications for community engagement and positive social change.
Phase Two – Develop practical applications
The Jokko Initiative also aims to provide practical SMS-based applications. Placed within a program of community-led development, mobile phones and SMS texting have the potential to accelerate positive social change, by:
1. Connecting women with each other and with their communities, helping to build consensus on local development priorities;
2. Amplifying the voice and influence of youth and marginalized groups, in a community's decision-making process;
3. Providing a platform for exchanging information, broadcasting ideas and organizing advocacy work;
4. Accelerating social interaction and facilitating large-scale and significant cross-group effects at community and societal levels
To these ends, the Jokko Initiative is identifying mobile services that exist to serve the needs of rural communities, as well as developing new mobile applications as they are needed.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by All Our Lives. All Our Lives said: Access to #contraception begins with questions on the ground: http://is.gd/cdD7X #repropeace #pill #fem2 #prolife #prochoice #women [...]
I have the same ideas as the person who developed this topic .In Mali one of our mobie operator has launch this mobile banking this week so as I could not afford any impact before some time.But I hope it will be simpler and low cost for rural populations which are already using mobile phone for some transactions especilly rural women.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by For a Better World. For a Better World said: How has the #Pill changed your life? "It has put us in the driver’s seat of our own lives." http://j.mp/dlkUjs [...]
Great to read this! It's very important to think carefully about who really will be able to use mobile internet. Access is one issue, as you explain above, but the pricing and structuring of packages by mobile networks is another one.
As you point out, access involves quite a big shift, but demand is huge and there will be big rewards for telecoms who go this route. Pricing is another key issue.
I believe that networks' pricing structures of data plans is a good area for activism or pressure from civil society and NGOs working for universal access. It always strikes me when I travel to the US how difficult and expensive it is to get even vaguely affordable data access on a prepaid sim card. In contrast, we have reasonable rates for prepaid data in South Africa (although the rates are more expensive than landline broadband). Mobile internet starts to become viable for development projects when there are enough basic feature phones in circulation and people can get relatively cheap data plans on prepaid i.e. without credit checks etc.
I'd like to add something to your point about mobile internet being cheaper than PCs - data is a far cheaper alternative to SMS. In South Africa a message on MXit (mobile IM platform) costs less than 1c (ZAR), whereas an SMS costs about 90c.
Mobile internet is an absolutely viable platform for urban youth in SA -- that's if you can work out a way to get their attention! My experience of m4Lit, a teen literacy development project in South Africa is also posted on this site http://www.conversationsforabetterworld.com/2010/05/mobile-literacies-%E2%80%93-bridging-the-gap-between-phone-and-book/.
This is not yet a universally accessible medium, but as long as projects are planned accordingly, mobile internet is an approach with huge potential.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by SimplyMobys, TelecomJanet and Continental Products, cardless pay. cardless pay said: Myths and realities about women and mobile phones – Conversations ...: In her case study “Mobile Cell Phones and P... http://bit.ly/9YO8Qe [...]
I love the positive spin here!! Do you work in PR for some multi million dollar pharmacutical company or something?? Have you spoken to women who feel addicted to the pill and who feel like a slave to big business because at the age of 16 they believed that taking a medication every day of their lives untill they were around 50 sounded like a good idea they now can not not take it because of things like weight gain, mood swings and irradic periods?? I believe there are more than 200 million women on some form of hormonal birth controll but lets go with that, the pill has a 4 to 6 percent failure rate and when you consider that with the actual (estimated) number of women taking it that is a fair number of women this will fail based on pure statistics, then there are the women who's body can not take the pill at all!!
Selling the pill as a one size fits all solution to a problem will not work anymore!! We live in a technological age where we can gain as much information, real information that WE need to make choices about our bodies. Thank God us girls do not need to listen to old women with narrow minded views who truly believe that the pill will save the world!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by For a Better World, Inside USAID. Inside USAID said: What open data means to marginalized communities – Conversations ...: Before graduate school he worked at USAID in... http://bit.ly/d7xrdp [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Matthew Lloyd, ibrahim.ibrahim. ibrahim.ibrahim said: Mobile internet access in developing countries – Conversations for ...: Broadband connectivity for internet access... http://bit.ly/auFGZv [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ben lorica and Duane Omaha, Frances Alexander. Frances Alexander said: Mobile banks in the developing world prove simpler is better ...: A key observation we gleaned when we studied Mob... http://bit.ly/cCN1da [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by SimplyMobys, Letsbuy com. Letsbuy com said: Internet vs mobile phone: rural farmers to judge! – Conversations ... http://bit.ly/aXKzXx [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cally Jaymes, WORLD. WORLD said: As Liberia stabilizes, youth begin to talk about sexuality ...: Poverty has forced many women into making difficul... http://bit.ly/byoNzr [...]
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I believe every woman should have an understanding of how her body works so that she will know each day when she is fertile and when she is infertile. When a woman understands her own patterns of fertility then she can truly be in a position to choose how she wants to manage her reproductive life. The Billings Ovulation Method empowers women to take effective control of their fertility so that they are no longer dependent on drugs or devices. The Billings Ovulation Method is very inexpensive, can be used through all stages of a woman's reproductive life including breastfeeding and irregular cycles and can alert a woman to early diagnosis of pathology or ovarian disfunction. More and more use is being made of the Billings Ovulation Method in assisting sub-fertile couples achieve a pregnancy. There are accredited teachers of the Billings Ovulation Method all over the world where women can access this empowering information.
[...] for a Better World wants to hear from you. Take part in our global competition “Talk about the Pill”, and submit your blog-post before June 4. The Pill and its consequences will be discussed during [...]
[...] How has the Pill changed your life? (conversationsforabetterworld.com) [...]
You cant believe it that because of the interest i have for climate change study, i will soon start my PhD programme in UNESCO-IHE INSTITUTE OF WATER with a research title-Climate Change and its effect on Water Resources, Waste water treatment, sanitation and energy in Nigeria. Hope at the end of the research work, i will able to forestall mitigation and adaptation measures to the effects of climate change in Nigeria and Africa countries as a whole.
wel the first time i read your story it is very interest me and i do really wish i could become like you
thanks for your sharing it reaaly helps me in my study
moderators permission to download the pictures and thank you from my hi
[...] Can architecture help in the fight against Malaria? (conversationsforabetterworld.com) [...]
[...] While I laud Zuma’s initiative to encourage testing among South Africans, I’d also like to echo Dean Peacock’s comments that this campaign alone will not stop the HIV epidemic in South Africa. If we truly want to stop HIV/AIDS—not only in South Africa, but all over the continent and worldwide—we must invest in approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support that effectively reach women and young people as well as men. For more on this approach, I recommend reading “Three Priority Actions on HIV/AIDs for Women and Girls“. [...]
I'm surprised the issue didn't get a lot of attention. I would have thought that more people would be interested to talk about the linkages between SRHR and LGTBQ issues but I guess that at the international arena they look a little far.
Agree with Bastian that is very well written :)
Hello: I am writing because I need to reach to those individuals in Los Angeles or where ever you
are throughout our world, who still want to help the children of Haiti. My name is Wini Jackson
I have been in service to children for more than 43 years. I have been asked to take the lead on
helping the children of Haiti by Fernando Pullum who is the Director of the Fernando Pullum
Performing Arts School here in Los Angeles at 5100 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 90007
We have been made aware of an orphanage that was totally destroyed in Petit Goave Haiti called: Association Enfants dans le Desert d' Haiti Orphanae. The director is Marie Denise. I have the license here with me in Los Angeles. The food resources are running out. Ms. Denise and the lady that helps her, Marie Jose Lesseille, are in need of help immediately. The orphanage is at: 60 Rue Republican in Petit Goave Haiti. I have verified this information with International Medical Corp Worldwide and
with Catholic Relief Services. There were actually four other cities destroyed from the earthquake of which Petit Goave was one. The ages of the orphaned children are 2 years of age through 12 years of age. In addition, Marie Denise is feeding children who are just wandering aimlessly looking for food. Petit Goave is 40 miles from Porte-au-Prince.
Since all of the resources that were raised were directed at Porte-au-Prince the Capitol of Haiti,
no one was paying attention to the other four cities that was destroyed until Ludger Hyacinthe took
his camcorder, went to his home in Petit Goave Haiti to help his mother and siblings and recorded
the devastation to the city and to the orphanage. He brought the film back and gave it to FOX KTTV
Television and they aired it in the 10 p.m. time news time slot. We saw the children and have
been working towards trying to get the much needed food to them since that time.
On April 30, 2010, Fernando Pullum, Director of the Fernando Pullum Performing Arts School will
hold a concert at 5100 South Broadway in Los Angeles, 90007. It will start at 6:30 p.m. in order
to raise funds to purchase the much needed food. The Fernando Pullum Performing Arts School
is a part of the Inner City Educational Foundation Charter Schools and is a non-profit within itself.
The amount of money needed has been determined by a list of food items that I sent to the Consul
General of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Celeste Jimenez, who is based here in Los Angeles. He
assigned a staff person to assist us by getting prices on the food based on humanitarian rates.
I have that list available and can forward it to you. The basic foods that will be purchased are:
wheat, rice, beans, flour, protein powder, sugar, cooking oil, powdered milk, cereal ; laundry
soap, hygiene products, mosquito nets, canned fruits and vegetables. It is our hope that we
will be able to get enough food to last six to eight months.
On May 2nd, the team is to leave Los Angeles for Santa Domingo, in the Dominican Republic
to shop for the food on May 3rd and May 4th. A truck will be rented and the food is to be trucked
into the orphanage. I have already alerted the U S Marines Southern Command, who stationed
near the orphanage that the truck will be coming through and also the U N Peace Keeping
Assistant to the Secretary General. I have asked that guards be provided to make sure that
the team and the food gets through. THIS IS A GOOD PLAN AND IT WILL WORK!
If there is anyone out there who can attend the concert, or who would like to see the list of food
and want to give towards the goal, or giving towards purchasing one or any part of the food items,
please let me know. I have called Italy to the office of Mr. Sheeran, Director of the World Food Program
at their Italy Headquarters, asking when food would make it to Petit Goave Haiti. Ms. Rina Manzo,
her assistant, could not give me an answer and infact, frankly stated that Ms. Sheeran did not
keep up with the day to day doings of her staff from the World Food Program who was on the
ground in Porte-au-Prince Haiti.
Again, no one ever mentioned, including the media, that there were four other cities detroyed. While all
of the resources went to Porte-au-Prince, children were starving as were adults in these other
four provinces or cities in Haiti.
Your help in getting the word out about the concert, and the purpose of raising funds to purchase the food; about the team leaving for the Dominican Republic to purchase the food on May 2nd, would
really help these children. We hope to fill that auditorium which holds 500 people. We will have
the list of food items available, so people can give what they can towards one or more items on the list.
I hope to hear that some of those who read this information, will respond to meet these children's needs. If you are anywhere near Los Angeles or in Los Angeles, please attend the concert; if you
want to see the list of food and the humanitarian prices that we have been able to get for the items
on the list, just let me know. I will be happy to e-mail that list of food and their prices to all interested people. If you want to give and cannot attend, please e-mail Cafe McMullen, assistant to Fernando Pullum at: cmcmullen@icefla.org. TIME IS RUNNING AND THE CHILDREN ARE HUNGRY. IF THERE IS ANY WAY YOU CAN PARTICIPATE, CAN GIVE, PLEASE HELP THESE CHILDREN by purchasing
one or more of these food items on the list. Again, we will e-mail the list of food items to you with
the prices and you can aim your money at that food item. All donations are tax-deductible. If you
google the name " FERNANDO PULLUM" you will learn about his work with and for children here
in Los Angeles. He is an extraordinary educator and mentor to children.
I hope to hear from some of you soon. On behalf of the children at The Association Enfants dans le Desert d' Haiti Orphanage, which although destroyed, is still caring for those children who are abandoned and without parents, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS REQUEST FOR YOUR SUPPORT, YOUR HELP AND YOUR PARTICIPATION!
Sincerely,
Wini Jackson
doveeagle@sbcglobal.net
i think germein is right about the christian thing.when it comes to religon it has heip in some country like nigeria for example women now have the right to rule.when we talk about sexual harressment. this act of violence is rampant in nigeria.places like the private office,at parties in school and so many other public sectors like the [bank].we need to look there.
Keep working ,great job!it was wonderful
good-works.ru...
Более 3х лет стабильно работаю над этим вопросом и считаю ваши доводы особо несерьезными ...
The issue of woman in Islam was clear and never debated among Muslims. Allah (swt) created men and women and legislated general responsibilities for both, such as carrying the Daw'ah and holding the rulers accountable, in addition to designating specific responsibilities for each gender. Muslims acknowledged that sovereignty belongs to Allah, and the rules related to both men and women are Islamic rules deduced through ijtihad based upon the daleel. It was implicitly recognized among Muslims that the process of ijtihad and the concept of daleel are not sex-dependent, and thus, a ''male'' or ''female'' understanding of Islam never emerged.
I can help to reduce the ratio of maternal mortality
contact me
wonderful i can feel which the effort u taken the same in this poem may god bless you to succeed your love
I would like to say is amazing what my women from my country can do just with a little help i am so proud of them I encourage them to keep going working hard and thinking as a leader you are doing great job!!!
Yes we know that domestic violence is perpetrated against women and we mobilize to stop such crime, but what about our male counterparts who suffer the same fate by the hands of "the weaker sex," the woman. We need to be symphatetic to their fate and highlight the fact that women can and are abusers,and as such men should be given the same caring treatment metted out to women who are victims and we should also mobilize to stop Domestic Violence agaist men.
Untold stories are what makes people sit up, take note and hunger for information. These are the stories that shape our country, energize our minds, inspire us to do better. A good story that has recently circulated You Tube is found on video titled, "Severely autistic boy beaten by big government part two" . This video will link you to other videos on the same channel. It's an amazing, shocking story of one of the most untold sides of autism A side we have never been shown on made for TV movies or on Big Screen. And I can't find one book about this type of autism. Not one!
What upsets me about this article is that I'm ON your side, but you do not provide enough information, and as we can see you get comments like "what's wrong with this", this is irresponsible journalism. I found this site easily by typing something into google and it could be a great resource. But no, your last sentence is that you know people enter into these contracts willingly, but you wonder if they could ever truly be happy. OH NO! What a disgrace to an important topic! We should be outraged because people MIGHT NOT BE HAPPY! Goodness gracious. Please stop writing crappy articles and start raising people's consciousness NOW.
My name is Beatrice Dossah and i come from Ghana. I would be glad if you can suggest to me ways of sending the message of climate change to the grass root, that is to school children and illiterate so that they can understand the concept behind it. Thank you.
in far away villages people still belive in old unhygineic methods of childbirth which results in untimely deaths
even during pregnancy special care is not given to the mother which is also one of the causes of deaths
poor economic conditions, pregnancy in succession, illiteracy, ignorance, child marriages all are the root causes of deaths during pregnancy and childbirth
sexual abuse is common in abusive relationships.forced sex ,even by spouseor intimate partner with whom consensual sex has occured ,is an act of aggression and violence.women ,whose partners abuse them physically and sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously killed or injured.
major steps should be taken to overcome domestic violence..its a serious problem
To say that poverty and economic hardship is real in Nigeria is not understatement. Individual, government and non-government organization has a role o play in addressing the issues of climate change and other related environmental vices.Though, there are no policies in existence in Nigeria and the idea appears to be novel in our country.
It has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that women are most affected by the impact of the climate change. Recently, Nigeria Government has raised the stakes to the knowledge of the people and created awareness among the political class and the community leader the importance of sensitizing the women about climate change and notable means of combat it.
cool website
thanx 4 the info it is great
Its not by chance that maternal mortality reduction is in the Millennium development goals! The Guttamacher Institute has a recent report on maternal health "Adding it up: the costs and benefits of investing in family planning and maternal and newborn health." (http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/AddingItUp2009.pdf)
I am agree on that women are in very crustal condition, media is responsible a bit but government is more responsible, there are laws for women but nobody care about them specially police and courts, it is more hard to get justice, it is horrible to go to the police as they are more dangerous and always support powerful men and never cares about women. Govt. make laws but never bother to implement of that laws. If we read our laws which are quite smiler to western countries's laws but the difference is lake of piratical and implement.
women either educated or not a issue but both are victims of sexual violence in society. so, there is need to speek openly about it and need to create a awareness about their rights given by law.
Both in private and public sector though women more efficient in hre work but till today also she not ready to speak and fight against crime in society.
"THERE IS NEED TO BREAK THE SILENCE."
[...] post is a response to the post Are pregnant women expendable? SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It affects us all: Maternal healthcare", url: [...]
alexis, what you are saying then is that we ignore these young boys and girls until they turn up with bigger problems like STDs especially HIV/AIDS or a pregnant teen then we teach them to be safe next time since we would now know that they have been having sex?.....You could have educated your child that premarital sex is wrong but if he/she stupidly went ahead to have it then better safe that sorry.
Let us face it, the world has changed we can't go back to the days when premarital sex was unheard of, when parents found husbands to be for their virgin girls! Today even the youngest of them all could know more about sex that an adult. The information is readily available these days: internet, magazines, movies etc
i agree with Sharmin ubaid'[s opnion. Most people especially women threw into this deathvalley of AIDS because of their weakness. In our country a wife can not have any option to making sex with her life partner.It leads to increasing number of HIV affected people.Wives affected by thier husbands, and after the death of their husbands they thrown into commercial sex work for their and their children's livelyhood, and spread it to another people. it is a petiable condition of women.
climet ch... very dengres
You've got it just right! Women are an asset...both social and economic asset to their families, communities and economies. Its time we acknowledged their value! When we invest in women, it surely pays. Enormously.
[...] This blog post is a response to the post “Invest in women — it pays!” [...]
In the end you will attempt forced sterilization and a global communist government on us but we will fight back. The ensuing world war will bring the population to manageable levels, we will win & freedom will be preserved. Add one more failure to the list of communist countries.
To leave the oil in the soil is the best strstegies for restoring Niger-delta environment. in this regard the objective of sustainable development will be achieved.
Domestic voilance is not major issue but it has become critical due to the lack of awareness, lack of councelling, and non protection on grass root level by the Govt. responsible agancies.
it is also be noted it is highlighted only by the some people who want to became the elite power holder/decision maker. the pressure of the political people some incidents have been registered only depends upon the false inforamtion provided by the complainants and due to that there are some many families facing the prolems like harrasement, tourture, by the police.
some laws came into the force and these laws breaking down the joint family and indian sub continants. in india there is the base and whole economy depends upon the agriculture which is being cultivated by the peoles who are from the rural india people. there is a major role of the joint family from the village to increase the agricultural income
now it is required before filing each and every case there should be apporach to the councellor that may be from the Govt. agancy or the Voluantry agancy. after tha t there is need to create consultation with the Grampanchayt, village responsible person and after that it is not possible then they should have approach to the local police within the jurisdiction to avoid the spoiling of future.
as per my view as a social worker on grass root lever there are 90% cases of domestic voilance are falsely prepared/ fabricated/ filmacy which have no future before the court. there is only to harras the family members, husband and otehr relative.
it is also revealved out in the lot of case that only of the demand of the money or vehicle the incidents has bee occured. ploice will file the FIR and arrest the aggrived person. and the whole famly wil be disturbed. there is need to be a contengecny plan of action depends upon the request of the complainant only husband should be the party and if reveals or trace out the incident has been occured then the other people can be the party in the case.
I feel ur tittle is wrong,it has 2 b like VIOLENCE IN SOME PARTS OF PAKISTAN.It can b curb by EDUCATION AND JUSTICE.If u see who all r involved in it u will find the neglected lott of the country.where there is education things r different.
Rwanda is really working with the dark history. That is needeed. Volunteers learn and support the rebuildning. Nice.
At the same time we in Nordic European countries Finland and Sweden are happy for Rwandas leaders work with ChangeMaking for Good for Future.
Good Luck makig Rwanda as a role model in Africa.
warm greeting from Sweden
marja-riitta
Millions have lost everything in the quake – homes, food, jobs! For the next 12 months, the World Food Programme says 2 million people will need critical food assistance! If you want to help and learn more about the crisis response, go to: http://wfp.org/crisis/haiti> or you can text FRIENDS to 90999 to make a $5 donation.
lots of psychobabble, blah, blah, blah. Don't want any government interference in my role as mother. Stay out of my child's life please.
Now a days, if governments is sincere in tackling climate change crisis, they should start by promoting the environmental education in public schools so that pupils will appreciate the habit of taking care of environment in a sustainable manner so as to prevent being taking care of by environment itself
Hi Anusha,
I am working on female work force participation in Indian textile industry. As you wrote "Around 35 million people are employed through India’s textile industry, the majority of the lower tiers being women", I would appreciate if you could give me any lead regarding the source of the data regarding female participation in Indian textile industry.
Thanks,
Sisir
Hey Nichole, I fully agree to your view that violence against women need not always be physical,it could also be in the form of subjecting the GIRL CHILD since childhood into a mental and social conditioning that would ensure that she remains prim and proper throughout her live offering her services but asking nothing for herself. In India this type of mental conditioning is ingrained into the very fabric of the Indian society.We women are taught to be the "Khandan ki Izzat" that is the prestige of the family and doing anything that is against the set norm of the Indian society by the women of the family is sure to bring bad name for the family.But all sins are forgiven for the men of the family coz they are the "Khandan ka Chirag
that is the upholder of the family name.
Impressive .. im praying for all of youu guys. & a lot
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Well done! But I expect more.
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We request contact details of the organization in Bahia involved in the project. We would like to visit them when come to Salvador in February 2010
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These videos represent concerns and achievements of rural folks especially women in a direct way and organizations who work in the influencing policy are using these videos in thier work so as to preset the facts in direct words of the rural population and not through consultant reports or presentation. Slowly this will make a difference in the way we do policy influence, and rural population will be able to reach thier concerns directly to higher level decision makers.
i must say that the ate of this violence thing is going...pray everyone pray
It's a matter of risk perception. Where ever you are in term of social status HIV infection is perceived as a death threat while people are living with less than 1 dollar a day. Death is not an issue it's what i are fighting for survival. the link between poverty and HIV spread of Aids. I fact poverty is one of the root causes of the spread of HIV/Aids. And it has to embede all cross cutting issue like gender based violence, litteracy, IGA, comunity rights and development.
Thank you for your informative blog.
I wonder if any of the wonderful tourist resorts in the Dominican Republic have thought of offering their incoming guests from North America and elsewhere an opportunity to support your neighbours. Guests might be able to bring pain tablets, bandages, basic clothing (socks, underwear) and hygiene items for women or be given a list of what is most needed.
Have you heard of anything like this going on?
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Indeed a critically needed brotherly assistance that the Dominican Republic is giving to Haiti. How is the situation now in the Dominican Republic and how do you cope with all the wounded and the refugees on this enormous scale? I think, that the world must help the Haiti and the Dominican Republic very fast with the present and coming problems, which can be of a scale never seen in the Americas, but well known in Africa.
I am a volunteer working with the YP foundation, and Project 19.
The past year has made me realize that there is such a lot we don't pay attention to, when it comes to issues of sexuality and rights. Even after a "sound" education and "frank" conversations with our parents on sex, 'good' and 'bad' touch, etc. my knowledge was Very limited.
The project helped immensely by not just 'imparting' hard facts but also making me and the other volunteers understand why something held true and why other myths were just that, myths.
There is always a lot left to learn, and know, but I feel i'm definitely a step ahead than where I was last year. And hopefully, better equipped to share with my friends and family what I know.
:)
Iam a Graduate of Geography from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. I did my researc work on Global Clkimate Change Issues in Nigeria. I am about going for my post graduate programme. I am very much interested in the latest climate change issues. How do I get involved ?
Thank you.
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Your opinion is truly enriching, Rebone.
Total equality is noted very difficult and may not be possible if we recall to the reality nowadays.
I remember one pastor mentioned in Sunday's worship; when I got married I have given up my rights to date other woman. I also gave up my rights to only take care my self, since my family needs me.
Those above actually doesn't mean we are loosing 'rights'; but we adapted one condition to other's rights and reducing the level for new situation. When we accepted spouse into our lives; we are not alone any more; so the rights is not husband's only or wife's only; but supposed to give both benefits and opportunity to have other aspect's rights. Husband stays home while the wife is sick; he is given his rights of playing chess with friends but he is also given rights to wife received support form husband.
This take and give situation may lead to equality condition between men and women.
Being the best in their roles and let women lead in certain roles is the beginning to start the equality of living together; though when we say women need to stay home and only men could be the bread-earner - we call those are stereotypes. Men and women may have their choices, voices and then forces to keep and stay alive; including supporting to each other in life!
However, the world is changing and growing! There are more men doing fashion, culinary and makeup; as well as many women leaders and executives now. This condition is encouraged since women know women, children and family better due to their lives are mostly surrounding family; women have also leadership potential and wisdom not only men. Thus, their roles are needed to support family survival for better advantages. Some women have been gifted and may help the whole family into advancement. Many men and women worked together in partnership; thus being equality is also possible.
The question now: is it true that most women will always be in the position behind men or as followers?
What about if by luck women received promotion and have higher income than the husband? Will women reject the condition and give it away to men? Will men accept if women take the opportunity for better condition?
Total equality is just impossible to achieve realistically speaking. It is nature that men by default are somehow superior to women, not in all aspects though, but somehow by default a man was created to be the provider and lead. I frankly think us women should stick to our nurturing roles an allow men to be men, stop fighting for equality where the can never be any. Marriage is a team sport, every player is important in order to win. Just because you are not captain of the team does not mean you should not play your role to its best. It also does not mean that you should challenge the captain with the purpose of being on the same level as him. I don't want to bring religion into the matter as that on its own is complex. I just personally feel that before you even go into marriage, you need to understand that you are giving up your independence in order to depend on someone else. Until one comes to terms with that, they will understand their purpose and role in the team.
i really appreciate what you are doing for those victims.just to say continue like that because in Africa many of our mothers are victims of violence.bye
I agree with you Gabriel, women's rights is a must. Moreover that needs to be advocated to put others into equal access, equal opportunity and equal benefits; which implicitly declared in the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW, 1979). The international declaration of human rights 1993 explicitly mentioned that women's rights are integral part of human's rights.
However, when we talk about culture; particularly a patriarchy culture where it put men as number one the situation of women's rights is becoming permissive. Men are easily irritated when talking about your rights and my rights. In fact, even most women believe to patriarchy culture. Thus, we are 'stuck' to practical living and survival.
The egalitarian culture in the other hand promote equality as being put in Millennium Development Goals (MDG) no.3 'Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment'. I would like to remind that equality is not equation of same number but equal access, opportunity, control and benefit between men and women. Likely two hands - the right hand is stronger than the left hand; however we put soap, cleaning, caring as the same to each other. Without left hand we cannot give a hug or pray normally; without legs - the head can not walk. So nowadays, the world suggest for gender and human rights as new concept of running together; to promote better world for men and women. Working with men is promoted to support the MDG3.
Why? Because men are still holding the macro economy, most decision making, most resources; and most of all - the patriarchy culture is already embedded in people mindset. In the Western society where human rights implementation is better; they are still facing domestic violence. This is due to patriarchy culture with lack of communication as the intervening factor.
There is a long way to go nobody can deny it; but we have to try...; increase communication of gender equality and human rights.
May God help us towards harmonious family with the highest enjoyment of living environment within family.
Dear Friend,
Yes its true wat everyone said here but much is to be done then jus saying alone, here in meghalaya north east india, the temperature this winter was not as usual, n the rural farmers are left at their plight no one bothers and everyone willjust talk about it but we as local farmers need action from all quaters.
Sincerely
Robertson Basan
Good work work my dear. Keep it up.
Good work. Keep it up.
I think this is a wonderful piece. I believe the subject of climatic change has not been giventhe necessary attention it deserves.
Good work!!
Don't blame it on the oxymoron "Judeo-Christian"!
Dictionaries define "Judeo" as a combinative form. Thus, the compound word "Judeo-Christian" implies that Judaism (Torah) is no more than a dependent element of Christianity.
In typical supersessionist and displacement Christian tradition (see Oxford historian James Parkes, The Conflict of the Church and the Synagogue), Christians thoughtlessly presume the prefix "Judeo-" to lay false claim to Judaism (Torah) by means of an impossible union of "Judeo-" (pro-Torah) with "Christian" (supersessionist and displacement antinomian=anti-Torah=misojudaism). Thus, the phrase "Judeo-Christian" implies supersession and displacement by Christianity no less than the labeling the Tanakh (Jewish Bible) the "Old Testament," and is disrespectful and insulting to any knowledgeable Orthodox Jew.
Where values are shared, the accurate (and honest) way would be to state "Judaic and Christian…" (values, traditions, etc.) instead of "Judeo-Christian."
Read Parkes' book and familiarize yourselves with the legitimate relevant history.
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its pertinent to note that the issues of climate change comes down to the fact of we individuals wanting a change to the varying challenges that is facing our world, it is the conscious effort of the developed democracies to try to convince and indeed compel states especially China on its emission of green house gases into the atmosphere.
For African and many poor countries in Asia and Latin America, Uganda not unique in this case, equality is still far a dream to come true. many reasons standing in the way for realisation of equality in marriages. In poor countries where traditions are standing in the way for women to acquire property rights and ownership among others that would empower women economically as a good bargain for equality besides the belief in many cultures where men are leaders in initiating marriages, this reduces the discussion to "seeking increased say or rights" but not "equality". More issues that deserve mention include; strengthening democratic governance in developing countries and building strong institutions respecting rights of individuals and education for gender equality will develop into a success story.
HI Tanya
Thanks for the great article. The struggle for equality continues...
Infact the issue of climate change need to be address now. By my own calculation, it seen God will definitely end this world one day with one of the environmental vices and i suspect climate change
This is a healthy discussion indeed. My take: I note domestic violence goes both ways – women beating up and abusing men, and vice versa. However I think the need to belong, or so to speak, puts women at higher risk of domestic violence. For instance, some women feel a broken relationship/marriage is failure to be a complete woman. At times it is purely a societal ‘obligation’ as well as a self-imposed ‘call’ to show the rest of the world that they can sustain a home. When I was about ten, we had a neighbour whose husband was one hell of a WWF champion on her [you would need to be deaf not to hear it] and she would tell everyone the next morning that she had had an accident. I also noted at the time that she was very defensive when asked about the noise; seeking (and accepting) help wasn’t something she was just about to do.
I also knew a girl whose boyfriend did the same and when people tried to help, she called them ‘jealous’. Helping victims of domestic violence can be extremely hard as they are not always approachable. The ones in grave danger can be the most defensive of their partners/spouses. I hate to say it but this notion is mostly common among people from strong cultural backgrounds. I am by no means saying domestic violence is non-existent in the Western world – It exists. Perhaps, its overwhelming prevalance in developing nations has something to do with the fact that in more developed countries (such as UK, USA, Australia and Canada) more help is available than it is [available] in developing countries. In some remote parts of Africa, women give up on finding help on the basis that ‘I am just another victim on the list’. Even worse, ‘I will endure this just so my children can have a normal family’ and to avoid being the village laughing stalk.
Arguing about whose turn it is to take out the rubbish or feed the baby is healthy in any relationship. Of course, this has its own set of limits too. However when it is all about wrestling or abusive language then clearly, someone needs to get packing. There is nothing normal about that. Punching bags are found in gyms, not in the human anatomy. I would ask bodies like the one Erna Surjadi works for to empower women and tell them it is ok to be alone. Let the world judge you as a failed woman, but you will be alive and healthy. In this day and age anyone with such a mindset probably needs separate help for that thought alone. Besides, you can always meet someone else who treats you right.
I also think people don't just 'snap' out of nowhere with violence. They say where there is smoke there is fire: That slap,kick or punch could be an escalation of continuous verbal and emotional abuse.
Ms Surjadi, your paper above is quite a read. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Irene.
This is a healthy discussion indeed. My take: I note domestic violence goes both ways - women beating up and verbally abusing men. However I think the need to 'belong', or so to speak, puts women at higher risk of domestic violence. For instance, some women feel a broken relationship/marriage is failure to be a complete woman. At times it is purely a societal 'obligation' as well as a self-imposed 'call' to show the rest of the world that they can sustain a home. When I was about ten, we had a neighbour whose husband was one hell of a WWF champion on her [you would need to be deaf not to hear it] and she would tell everyone the next morning that she had had an accident. I also noted at the time that she was very defensive when asked about the noise; seeking (and accepting) help wasn't something she was just about to do.
I also knew a girl whose boyfriend did the same and when her people tried to help, she called them 'jealous'. Helping victims of domestic violence can be extremely hard as they are not always approachable. The ones in grave danger can be the most defensive of their partners/spouses. I hate to say it but this behaviour is mostly common in people from strong cultural backgrounds. This is not to say domestic violence is non-existent in the Western world - It is. I note too, that in more developed countries (such as Australia, UK, USA and Canada) more help is available than it is for developing countries. In some remote parts of Africa, women give up on finding help on the basis that 'I am just another victim on the list'. Even worse, 'I will endure this just so my children can have a normal family'.
Arguing, such as whose turn it is to take out the rubbish or feed the baby, is healthy in any relationship. However when it is about wrestling or abusive language then someone clearly needs to get packing. There is nothing normal about that. Punching bags are found in gyms, not in the human anatomy. I would ask bodies like the one Erna Surjadi works for to empower women and tell them it is ok to be alone. Let the world judge you as a failed woman, but you will be alive and healthy. In this day and age anyone with such a mindset probably needs separate help for that thought alone.
Mis Surjadi, your paper above is quite a read. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Irene.
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Hi Tanya,
Great blog. I really appreciate the importance of ending violence against women. It is also interesting that you have cited the importance of women being instrumental in this process. That's the route to change for sure!
Merry Christmas,
Pauline
Dear Wench and all,
Your straight forward comment is remarkable!
I think the understanding of those you have mentioned between alike and equal, namely sensitivity is needed in this modern world; those lead to equality concept which means not alike nor equal nor an equation either.
Equality means for equal access, opportunity, benefit and control. Most women who live in the centre of family don't have same access to information, education, health facilities, economy, development, decision making and so on if compared to men.
In marriage, it has never found two different persons and bodies become one character or integrated character; due to different inner lives, perceptions, background educations, cultures etc.; not even a twin! They may not have similar character though voice and appearance looked similar. Thus, the understanding, tolerance or sensitivity of other's preference, choices, and voices may support the partnership and gender equality between spouses. No body is perfect - women have specific needs that are different than men; however they may become complement to each other if the above sensitivity is addressed well in daily relationship.
Again we have to remember no body is perfect in this world; we could not do all things but together we could do something.
Gender sensitive spouse is supposed to give understanding to the limitation and the need of the partner. Sharing information, communication and technology within family members will bring the family into advancement as the future investment. Growing in family is a daily change for every moment in life: having children, promoting, increasing status, moving house, being sick - the best coping mechanism between spouses and among family members are lesson learnt in the whole life towards equality in marriage life.
Have a brighter New Year 2010 with new equality principle in love!
New Delhi, 22 December 2009
No dowry deaths until the Raj . Due to colonial British taxation, money became important in a previously cashless society. Families needed money just to pay tax to maintain their land and homes. Every source of money, a dowry or a son's pay from working in the British army, became vital.
In any case, Britain soon took most of the land, often at gunpoint, as people could not pay their taxes.
Women lost their own names when they got married and all rights to family property as per British laws. Traditionally stridhan was their inheritance and could include land. British law prohibited women from inheriting family land.
Please do read Dowry Deaths by Dr V Oldenburg and Late Victorian Holocausts by Mike Davis.
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Hey Tanya
Great article! I have always been a firm believer in Women's Rights and the importance of empowerment of women. In our religion( Islam ) I have always read that women are a key role to the household and economic value and to their children and their education. Women take on many roles they are daughters, wives, mothers. We nurture children from conception to birth and beyond, we educated them and teach them and nourish them in the womb. If we ourselves are not educated how can we expect a better future as the children won't be educated.
I know one of the Goals the U.N has I believe is to educate and empower women and I do hope to see these goals achieved sometime in my lifetime sooner rather then later.
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hi,
i want to drag your attention towards basic causes of violence against women specially in indian perspective. these are the value set prevelent in our country comprising - concept of komarya, virginity or satitua, concept of essentiality of marriage, one sided passage of marraige and family and so-on.
I agree with Elga, but depending where you live, I do not agree with Radha. There is power in numbers and when one man tries to take them all on, he will be silenced, put down, laughed at, called a fag etc. etc. After all our 'tough' men can be cruel. They'll find a way to silence the one who speaks up. Now if a group of you stick together and speak up against violence against women like the feminist groups did, you might get somewhere, but you'd have to be awfully brave. I think more men are becoming ashamed but are afraid to say so because of their machou image. I think things have changed ever so slightly. I remember the day when it was joked about and men laughed together about slugging their wives. I believe violence against women and children should be taught in the schools and it should be mandatory and on the cirriculum.
I think that equality between partners is possible, absolutely. I also think it's important to remember that "alike" and "equal" are two separate concepts. One can be alike and not equal, and one can be equal but not alike.
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I wrote this poem this morning, waiting for the Copenhagen Conference to agree:
Brave New World
A boy stands on the farmhouse porch
And looks across the land
The earth is red, the dams are dry
“No rain again, just sand”
Far fewer cattle graze here now
They’ve all been shipped to town
“My boy, it’s gone on far too long
This drought has brought us down”
“The weather’s not the same no more”
He grumbles to his son
“It’s far too hot and dry to farm
I’ve given up…we’re done”
A girl stands barefoot in the sea
That laps now at the door
Her home is close to being swamped
There’s water on the floor
For fourteen years she’s lived here
Growing up and learning skills
But now the elders say, at church
The sea will reach the sills
With polar icecaps melting
As the temperature goes higher
The level of all seas creeps up
And soon will douse the fire
The boy looks over at the girl
He sighs and bows his head
Cos they both see, was long foretold
The world they knew is dead
If only they had acted
When they all still had the choice
But now it’s far too late to try
To alter Nature’s voice
This story takes place years from now
Unless… all adults act
And make decisions, take the steps
So temperatures contract
For all the children of the world
Who’ve yet to live their life
Let’s do what must be done to stop
Our planet taking strife
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I don't understand the difference between culture and religion and think that labels are used for excuses to control the masses who can't think for themselves.
I think that particularly in relation to issues like mutilation it is easy to get lost in outrage about the damage caused but first we must understand the reasons given for the practice and reason why it was started in the first place. WAs it degrade or to control? Or was it to honour or praise?
Only once we have understood why something happens can we start to educate those who practice it as why it is wrong and dangerous
I don't understand the difference between culture and religion and think that labels are used for excuses to control the masses who can't think for themselves.
I think that particularly in relation to issues like mutilation it is easy to get lost in outrage about the damage caused but first we must understand the reasons given for the practice and reason why it was started in the first place. WAs it degrade or to control? Or was it to honour or praise?
Only once we have understood why something happens can we start to educate those who practice it as why it is wrong and dangerous.
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I think saying religion is a root to violence agaisnt anyone is too broad a comment. It is how people interpret any relgious belifs that is the problem.
Christian love , should ,as Rose says treat both genders equal. I think I am seeing that in some Christian based teaching and some countries. Political leaders are influential in how each gender is valued. Power hungry male leaders set a very undesirable example.
Laws that value women and men equally is a start ( lets not forget the value of children in this also - aborting children at will places very low value on them).
Free will will never be perfect so we need a realtionship with our creator also.
Dear farida
I agree that no religion sanctions injustices and subjugation. But some of those who seek to interpret it tend to do. They are reinforced by certain tribal traditions which describe women as a commodity. Honour killing and practice of FMG are two most abominable manifestation of this traditional and tribal mentality.
In order for women to stand up, the society will need to build a supportive network i.e. laws which gurantee protection and strict enforcement of those laws. This is what we, women and men, must work to achieve.
hello!
I am amazed to hear domestic Violence being aprt fo state like NJ, I thought it was mostly a destiny of the woemn of the under developed. Especially with the amount of security and legal help avaialable to the US citizens... its really hard to believe women still suffer these crimes.
It makes me then come to the conclusion... that domestic violence is not alone responsibility of man commiting it but also a responsibility of the woemn who bear it and donot raise their voices aganst it based on limitations of their own mind... Lovestruck women who find themselves dependant on their male counterparts for their lives and almost with no faith on themselves and God, they are the ones who suffer the most....
This psyche is not unusual to be a part of an educated women when it coems to what is being fed to their little minds during their growing up period from moms, teachers, and often asscoaites who they connect with... Its not a new thing for me to hear when my mom says to me... women are supposed to suffer, cuz they are women.... A weak dependant women who dodnot ebleive in her own rights and duties to safe guard herself against crimes gives this statement to ehr daughter in order to keep the legacy alive... why ? probably becasue for her its much more tougher for hrr to think her existence outside her family home (husbands home or parents home)
They i beleive dont have a concept of even a place they can call their home... where they can make their own rules.
Its stated in Quran taht a women who finds herslef being treated unjustly ahs a right to ask for leave from her husband. (divorce) and seek livelihod just like a male would... cuz eventually as per muslim faith god is the provider of not juts the mate , but living and life and everything....
So those who say religion supports their ill treatment of their women or women who beleive tehy are doing a favor suffering unnecessarily , they are only trying to get their means justified wrongly, Its is thus recommended to have these rights and knowledge imparted to women at the school level. making it a must.
For those girls who have never been to school... otehr ways need to be devised to help them know these truths abt their rights and selves
Thank you
Not only women specially women who are the victim ......imagine, realize their experience ! how are they fighting and survive under such circumstances !
It's good to see that someone is finally appreciating our efforts
Big up to all the other poets and those who encourage us to keep writing through their continued support and feedback
I don't totaly agree with what you said about religions. I Believe that women have their place in the society, and women can not do without men. as christianity is concerned, christian's religion promotes love and i think true christians do not have problems of violence against women. because every thing that a christian is called to do must be in line with the word of God, and God doenst promote injustice as well. In contrary I think the christian' s religion has a big role to play in this fight. I will not talk about other religions because i don't master the doctrine of those religions. And I will end by saying that today women have gained a big place as far as christianity is concerned we have for instance women playing role of pastor etc. that was not the case years ago.
What are the disadvantage of economic meltdown
I am a student of mouau.In what way can nigeria of today over come this economic meltdown
I think culture is the only reason FGM happens. There is too much fear out there to offend religions...so much fear that there is a little opposition to the procedure. People need to come out and talk about FGM in the community. But how can that happen with so much male domination in those societies. I know there is sexism everywhere, but no one should be forced to undergo such pain. Unfortunately most of these girls do not receive any anesthesia.
I don't know if FGM/C could/would exist without a cultural context. My impression is that, at least in Africa, FGM/C is often part of a rite of passage and carries all the cultural weight of any longstanding social norm. I also wouldn't be surprised if there aren't cases where folks are driven to retain the practice as a means of maintaining cultural identity in response to Westernization.
That said, I also think that the eradication of FGM/C is just as much based in culture. I know that there are several communities throughout the continent of Africa (The Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Kenya, Sudan, Somaliland, and Egypt) in which women who used to be cutters are leading alternative rites of passage processes. These countries also have programs led by women who have gone through the procedure and have since come to understand how many of their health problems are linked to FGM/C. I'm also pretty sure that there are now several villages where FGM/C had been practiced for generations but has been virtually eradicated over the last 15 years or so because of indigenous efforts to stop it. Of course, these are small scale efforts when compared to the breadth of the problem, but they give me hope anyway.
I agree with Leslie about the outsider part - practices like these are grounded in deep beliefs that often outsiders are not able to understand, much less address. The best we can do from an outsider perspective is support people on the ground who are working to create health and safety for women and girls in their own communities.
It's all about culture. It's clear that this is not a religiously-based practice (at least as far as the major religions are concerned, unless male circumcission which is mandated in both Judaism and Islam and is so a part of the cultures those faiths are practiced in as not to raise an eyebrow, even when, in some regions, this circumcission is done at age 8 when the boy is very much aware of the pain and it must be emotionally traumatic as well). However, across religions, in specific geographic regions, different types of FGM are practiced.
How do you change it? The way that it is being tackled: have the conversation, have women share their experiences with it, the consequences they have had because of it. Culture is dynamic, not static. Challenges come to it from outside and within. What was entrenched as a practice can be modified or removed, if enough people see that it is better for all to change. However, change does not come easily, and in a context of rapid change (globalization, etc.), perhaps culture is the area that people feel the most like they can put their feet down and insist, "No, this is the way of our ancestors."
For those religions where it is not mandated, perhaps there is religion-based language that can challenge the practice. Where it is an instrument of control and fear, perhaps addressing those issues is a way out.
It won't be easy. Iindividual change is already not easy. Once change involves more than one individual, it becomes exponentially harder.
But change is not impossible. And that means there is hope.
I'm not certain what the connection is to culture. But, I do have some thoughts on how to use cultural-based change approaches. I do agree with Leslie S and her posting where she said that outsiders coming in to support change need to partner with folks locally.
There is a model that might support this called "positive deviance." In essence, it's a social change model that looks for people in a system that are "deviating" from the norm in some "positive" way. It's been used in hospitals to reduce HIV transition, in schools to reduce drop out rates, and even in Egypt to form 12 "FGM free" communities.
What I like about the approach is that it looks for people at the margins of a system that are already expressing beneficial or desired behaviors or actions (so in this case, it would be finding men and women, old and young, within communities where FGM is the norm, but are not participating in or resisting FGM). Using a positive deviance approach, you would seek to build a learning community (presumably with both indigenous leadership and other support groups like the UN).
It's a strength-based approach (rather than a problem-based approach). For those who are familiar with it Appreciative Inquiry or Popular Education approaches, it’s similar in some ways. This positive deviance change process says, "hey, there are individuals within this community who face the same issues (resources, culture, etc.) as others, but they are doing something different." You look to see what they are doing differently and find ways to support that.
Sometimes change processes focus just on those at the top (those who have positions of authority, access to resources, or formal leadership positions). It’s important to include them. It’s also important to include those who are marginalized. It’s those at the margins who are working with less and have come up with creative adjustments to get something done with less.
Three steps in Positive Deviance:
1) Define the problem or behavior
2) Look for someone who is doing the desired behavior (the positive deviants)
3) Focus on the behavior, not changing or creating new thinking on behavior
When to use a Positive Deviance approach:
- When a problem requires behavioral changes or social change
- When it’s a seemingly intractable problem
- When there is a presence of a positive deviant(s)
- When there is leadership and positive deviant champions
The process discovers ideas that are already out there. It enables people to act today. It creates culturally appropriate solutions.
The challenges are scaling up. It labor and time intensive. It requires comfort with uncertainty, and for practitioners to be facilitators instead of experts.
Positive Deviance comes from the research of Marian Zeitlin and then experimented with and further developed by Jerry Sternin and Monique Sternin at Tufts University.
More information about this and other change processes at:
http://www.positivedeviance.org/about_pdi/history.html
http://patrickod-blog.tumblr.com/
http://www.potomacgroupllc.com/
its the imege that i like the most
Culture,yes; religion, more so.
Culture plays a huge role! While FGM/C is more prevalent in Africa and with immigrant communities in Europe and North America, it isn't like the culture in the United States is much more welcoming. Look at the Health Care Reform debate around family planning and access to abortion. Look at how women and girls are made to feel about their bodies and the self harm we are driven to inflict from cutting to bulimia. And on top of all of that, the challenge of changing and influencing culture feels overwhelming...
I think culture is the main reason why FGM/C persists. People want to feel like they belong to a culture. For this reason I believe in some cases girls and women (who are old enough to understand that FGM/C is not just something happening to them, but to all their female relatives and friends) would even rather have FGM/C than not. To them the pain that comes with the procedure and the difficulties it causes later in life are better than refusing FGM/C (if this were possible) and being outcasts in their society. Along similar lines, the women who perform FGM/C know full-well the pain and trauma it can cause, as it has happened to them, but I think it is important to them to make sure the girls in the community become a part of the culture.
Because FGM/C is so entwined with culture, I think people working to eradicate FGM/C have to work closely with the leaders of communities which practice it. An outsider coming to a community to describe the medical problems FGM/C can cause will do nothing to reduce its prevalence. However, working together with community leaders to remove FGM/C from initiation ceremonies for young girls, for example, would probably be effective though difficult. If FGM/C could no longer be perceived as part of culture, I think its prevalence would decrease dramatically.
It is sad that most of these decisions concerning women are made by men. Of course every man wants healthy children, but some of them do not give a thought about how this is achieved. Access to contraceptives is not an option in some households and some husbands are too ignorant to seek information about these services. Its a tricky situation in Africa as in the rural areas women are still dependent on the men totally on their upkeep. In the urban areas its a different story as it is the women who keep their households going, especially where the woman is employed. Many urban-based women are now buying their own property and investing in real estate. This is now possible due to the ease of obtaining bank loans which they can pay back from their salaries. There is also now a fund for women that gives loans to women's groups to develop any kind of business ideas that they may have.
Women in war torn countries also have a story to tell. Why is it that men choose to violate women sexually as a form of punishment? Infact, any form of social unrest if a good opportunity for rapes to happen. The men know they are abusing the women, and they do not even bother to use protection. The problem gets bigger especially because in such cases it is difficult for the women to seek medical attention immediately and so reduce their chances of infection. Ultimately many of them get infected and also have children who are infected. After that the women are at the mercy of their family members who may choose to treat them as outcasts without listeni
