Category Archives: Justice and Peace

Ending Violence Against Women now translated in Spanish and French

It is with great pleasure that I post the web version of  ’Ending Violence Against Girls and Women’  in French and Spanish.

New 11  Ending Violence Against Girls and Women  This paper is not intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of violence against women and girls around the world but rather to share information that may provide some insight into the work done by Good Shepherd Sisters in all major regions of the world.

New 11Mettre fin à la violence faite aux femmes et aux filles    Ce document n’est pas destiné à fournir une compréhension globale de la violence faite aux femmes et aux filles à travers le monde, mais plutôt de partager l’information qui peut donner un aperçu du travail effectué par les soeurs du Bon Pasteur dans toutes les grandes régions du monde.

New 11Poner Fin a la Violencia contra las Niñas y las Mujeres  Este documento no pretende abarcar exhaustivamente la violencia contra las mujeres y las niñas alrededor del mundo, sino más bien compartir información que pueda ofrecer una visión más profunda sobre el trabajo realizado por las Hermanas del Buen Pastor en más de 72 países de todas las grandes regiones del mundo en que se hallan presentes las Hermanas del Buen Pastor, según lo expresado por su declaración de misión.

 

Discussion on a new global development agenda have begun at the UN

The Millennium Development Goals  MDG’s set the global development agenda from 2000 to 2015.  There is a push on for their completion by 2015.  At the same time the discussions for a new development agenda has begun around Sustainable Development Goals SDG’s.  The Rio+20 Conference held in Rio de Janeiro in June of 2012 pointed in  ’‘The Future we want’ available in English Spanish and French.  In paragraph 248 (page 46) the resolve was to set up and open working group (OWG) comprising 30 representatives nominated by member states.  This group has been establish and had its second meeting from April 17th – 19th 2013.  I was privileged to deliver the statement on behalf the NGO Subcommittee for Poverty Eradication and the Mining Working Group on Friday morning - A copy of the text is here and the link to the UN WebCast is here (Move to the end of the video about 2.34.

The summary of the three days as presented by one of the Co-chairs is excellent.  Summary as presented by the Co-chair.  I will pick up some highlights to encourage you to read it.  Do these phrases echo with you?  ’We are engaged in a project of joint innovation.  We need and want new thinking.  We all agree that our task is to gradually craft the backbone of the transformative agenda. … The MDG’s a point of departure … we are entering uncharted waters.  This makes our work both exciting and challenging.  … Anxiety giving way to growing intellectual curiosity. …

To achieve complete poverty eradication in a sustainable way we need to address the economic, social and environmental factors  … we need people centered development … calls for strong cooperative global action … we need a narrative of transformative change to realise our vision of sustainable poverty eradication and universal human development , respecting human dignity and protecting our planet  mother Earth, living in harmony with nature for the well-being and happiness of present and future generations.  … We need new thinking on international cooperation beyond the traditional donor-recipient relationship. …”  What I was hearing is the same call that we have set ourselves in our Chapter theme “Energized by the Spirit, we risk together for mission…”

There are times when I find links between the chapter logo and logos that are floating with regard to the new development agenda.  Chapter logo

Compare with the Logo Advancing the Post-2015 Sustainable Development  Agenda

   Logo_Advancing-the-Post-2015-Sustainable-Development-Agenda

Follow the interlinkages:  Poverty and Gender – See the following statement available in French, English and Spanish

Égalité entre les sexes pour mettre fin à la pauvreté                              Gender Equality to End Poverty – Bonn Conference Statement to HLP (2)                                               Igualdad de género para poner fin a la pobreza-Carta de Guadalajara al PAN Post 2015 (1)

I have endorsed this statement:  In our various ministries we are addressing  the increasing feminization of poverty, gender based violence, the structural drivers of girls and women’s poverty and inequality, the impact of climate change on girls and women, their families and communities and the devastating effect of land grabbing and the ‘extractive development model’  on perpetuating poverty for girls and women.   We promote  literacy and equality access of girls and women to quality education, implementation of the Social Protection Floor and urge for recognition of girls and women’s unremunerated work in the care economy.  We seek a new development paradigm that works for girls and women, includes girls and women, particularly the voices of socially-excluded, disenfranchised and marginalized girls and women, as part of the solutions and in the decision making.

Sign on to this statement placing women at the heart of Post 2015 development framework to achieve an end to poverty

Did you read the post of March 22 – Gender Equality to end poverty?    The statement highlights the centrality of gender equality to the achievement of human sustainable development and poverty eradication, as well as achievement of the other development goals.  The statement has been further developed and signatures are invited.  You can read the full statement to High Level Panel  and  Sign here to endorse the call for Gender Equality to End Poverty

 

 

The experiential journey as a three month intern in Geneva

Niluka 2

It was a call from Sr. Susan Chia, Congregational link councilor, who had visited the Sri Lanka/ Pakistan province for a workshop on “Participative model of Leadership” which made me realize the need to get experience in relation to the Human Rights Based Approach and the instruments which were available at international level which could assist us to be more effective at the local level. From that day onwards all the arrangement were made for me to have an experiential learning process in Geneva and I arrived here on 10th January 2013.  Read more…

Congratulation Sr. Niluka Perera from the  Province of Sri Lanka/Pakistan on this achievement and congratulations to your mentors Hedwig and Clare!

Good Shepherd Written Statement for the 2013 ECOSOC High Level Segment 1 – 5 July at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

The High Level Segment will include sessions on the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR). The theme for the AMR segment this year will focus on “Science, technology and innovation, and the potential of culture, for promoting sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals”.

This is a unique opportunity for organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC – and for civil society at large – to be heard at ECOSOC deliberations, as well as to contribute to issues of critical concern to the global development agenda. It will also provide a platform to specifically address the topic of scientific and technological innovation, which is a crucial cross-cutting theme for the achievement of the MDGs.

Here is a copy of what we have submitted entitled ‘Social Protection Floors, Gender Equality and Development’

The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, an NGO present in more than 70 countries addresses the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR)  on behalf of girls and women living in extreme poverty.    The theme of the AMR segment brings to mind the Agreed Conclusion of Commission on the Status of Women 55th session, (2008) paragraph 9, outlining how access of girls and women to participation in science and technology is imperative for achieving gender equality and is an economic necessity leading to the full participation of girls and women in social, economic and political development.  The same Commission noted and this continues to be the experience of our organization that dissemination of developments in science and technology has insufficiently responded to women’s needs.   The persistent feminization of poverty, gender based violence and lack of access to health, education, training and employment reinforced by legal, economic, social and cultural barriers renders void the desires of the Commission.

Much has been reflected on, written up and recommended for implementation but the political will toward adapting innovative ways is lacking and thwarted by the demands of an economic model that prioritizes profit over development.  Cultures carry meaning and unless challenged are the drivers of inequalities and violence – gender inequalities, poverty/wealth inequalities and gender based violence and their resultant consequences.   Cultural mindsets reinforcing gender inequality and profits ‘at all cost’ have perpetuated all sorts of human rights violations and exploitative actions against women and girls, sexually, economically, educationally and politically.

The AMR, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the articulation of a post 2015 development agenda offer new possibilities.  We are on the brink of moving to a new paradigm coupling a human rights based approach with equality.  The Millennium Development Goals did not have a human rights framework nor a gender based violence prevention component.   The dominant economic model has failed to eradicate poverty and has only facilitated growing inequalities.  Poverty reduction, access to quality education, health, water and sanitation, equality between women and men, girls and boys  and the elimination of gender based violence must be addressed.  Science, technology and innovation have much to offer. We are aware of how mobile technology boost health care in Bangladesh and in our programs mobile technology is used to combat violence against women and girls.

One very promising approach which has growing support among member states and non-governmental organization alike is the implementation of nationally tailored social protection floors in accordance with Recommendation 202 of the International Labour Organization.  Our organization advocates for human rights-based social protection floors having a gender sensitive lens, and providing access to essential services and basic income financed from within national budgets.  Human rights are a non negotiable element and more than principles and metrics.  We urge member states to put science, technology and innovation at the service of girls’ and women’s dignity and empowerment through implementation of social protection floors towards sustainable development and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

 

Celebration of International Women’s Day in Sri Lanka

The International Women’s Day  was an enriching experience for all of us the Temporary Professed sisters in Sri Lanka / Pakistan as we joined with our sisters to take part in a rally organized to commemorate this day. For some of us this was the first time to participate at a rally organized for the women on behalf of the women in our land and all over the world.

Read more and see the photographs      The slogans  “No to rape”, “Dharma stands for Justice”, Dharma stands for Life”.      “Religion cannot tolerate violence against women”     Time for Action”, “Wipe out rape from our Land”,    Uphold Women’s Rights” etc.  are the very same issues being negotiated by member states at Commission on the Status of Women 57th Session.  Attached is the text proposed  to member states.  After one week of negotiations there are many contentious issues to be resolved.

 

THUNDERCLAP! WHAT IS IT?

ThunderclapUse your Facebook, Twitter and other social media to NO!    Begin a thunderclap! Say NO to Violence Against Girls and Women

“Violence against women and girls occurs in all countries, contexts and settings and is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights.  Violence against women and girls is a manifestation of the historically unequal power relations between men and women and systematic gender based discrimination (based on E/CN.6/2013/4 para.15)”  Draft Agreed Conclusion  as presented by CSW Bureau   Read the full text

February 20, 2013 – World Day of Social Justice

ban_ki-moon_portraitSecretary-General’s Message for 2013

” As we mark World Day of Social Justice, we see far too many places where there are increasing opportunities for a few and only rising inequality for the many.                                                                                                Growing inequality undermines the international community’s progress in lifting millions out of poverty and building a more just world.                                                                           The fault lines are visible in falling wages for women and young people and limited access to education,health services and decent jobs.                                               We must strengthen and build institutions and develop policies that promote inclusive development.                                                                                           In adopting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), world leaders committed to create a more equal and just world.  Much progress has been made in enhancing decent work opportunities, strengthening social protection and improving public services.                                                                 Despite these advances, billions of people desperately depend on our focused and tireless efforts.  We must accelerate our work to meet the MDGs by the 2015 deadline and also look beyond by beginning to define new goals for sustainable development.                                                                                       As we seek to build the world we want, let us intensify our efforts to achieve a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development path built on dialogue, transparency and social justice.”

The ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder also has a message for Social Justice Day.   Read the text or listen to the video

“Today, there is a pervasive sense of deep injustice that the weakest are being asked to sacrifice the most.”

“… in seeking to escape the traps of joblessness and poverty at home, many women and men are falling into the traps of human traffickers in modern forms of slavery.”

“ 80 per cent of the world’s population lacks adequate social security coverage and more than half have no coverage at all.”

I am Rising: Michelle Bachelet’s Message for the One Billion Rising campaign

UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet stands up for the fundamental human right of every woman and girl to live a life free from fear and violence, as part of the One Billion Rising campaign sponsored by Eve Ensler’s V-day organization. On 14 February 2013, join her and one billion women and men around the world, who will rise up, walk out, dance and demand an end to this violence.

 

Across the world, social movements, organizations, schools and offices are preparing to take to the streets on Valentine’s Day, Thursday 14 February, to dance for a gender justice revolution: One Billion Rising!
The Campaign recognizes the gravity of persistent violence against women in the home, schools, workplaces and public spheres, women and men are mobilizing to call for an end to rape, and end to the normality of violence against women.
Violence against women is a key issue which prevents the realization of gender justice. It is estimated that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.
Paul Quintos, Campaign Manager, said: “Violence against women has enormous social, economic, physical and psychological impacts on all of society – affecting both men and women. Equitable and sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the causes and effects of violence against women.”
“Gender justice is critical to poverty reduction and development. There must be substantive social change to challenge patriarchy. Our social and political systems must be reformed by strong government commitments to create a more equitable and just society for all.” The Campaign for People’s Goals for Sustainable Development supports One Billion Rising and calls for effective and substantive legal and political action to address violence against women and children in all spheres of life, and enacted by all people.
The Campaign for People’s Goals calls for governments to:
  • Recognize gender justice as a key objective to achieve development
  • Ensure there is effective legislation, and enforcement of legislation on rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment and other forms of violence against women.
  • Ensure there are widespread social education and programs through schools, workplaces and public centers to change patriarchal attitudes and negative social and cultural practices.

UN Commission for Social Development February 6 – 15, 2013

 

 “Promoting empowerment of people in achieving    poverty eradication, social integration and full employment and decent work for all.”  Read more here …