Dutch Worldconnectors Issue Statement on “Gender and Diversity”

Posted by sabina on December 2, 2009

Worldconnector Sylvia Borren says we live in a world that treats girls, women, indigenous people, migrants, lesbians and gays very unfairly. That has to change!

Sylvia Borren, co-chair of the Worldconnectors, was a panelist at the recent IPS seminar in Rome. She took the chance to introduce a new resource on gender and diversity from this inter-disciplinary group based in The Netherlands and focused on international cooperation and the global community.

Apart from being co-chair of Worldconnectors Sylvia is also co-chair of GCAP’s Global Council and former Executive Director of Oxfam Novib.

Here is the opening presentation of the Gender and Diversity theme:

” We are extremely concerned that as a result of the global economic crisis the rights and dignity of women and minorities across the globe are under increasing threat. This trend can and must be urgently reversed. But this should not be done based on a philosophy of charity; instead, a rights based approach is needed based on universal agreements of human rights, rule of law and justice. At the same time, we also draw inspiration from enlightened self-interest, that is, securing our collective social, cultural and economic needs.”

Read the full statement here: Justice and Solutions for All: through gender and diversity.

Find further resources and links on gender and diversity in the “Quick Scan“.

Worldconnectors also links to photos and videos.

To react or comment on the statement use this contact form on the Worldconnectors site.

MDG 3 and the Role of the Media, IPS Seminar in Rome on November 26

Posted by admin on November 20, 2009

MDG3 -- What is the role (and responsibility) of the media?

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence (25 November – 10 December) an Inter Press Service (IPS) seminar will give voice to journalists and gender experts from around the world debating how information and communication can contribute to stop violence.

Representatives of the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) and the Global Media Monitoring Project will introduce innovative ways of getting messages across. Prominent journalists Laila Al Shaikhli anchorwoman of Al Jazeera, Najiba Ayubi, Director of the Killid Group (the most important Afghan news agency) and Francesca Caferri reporter of La Repubblica of Italy will be present as respondents. More »

HUMAN RIGHTS: Ominous Silence About Domestic Violence

Posted by admin on April 22, 2009

By Kester Kenn Klomegah
MOSCOW, Apr 22 (IPS) Over a quarter of Armenian women have been hit or
beaten by a family member and about two thirds have experienced
psychological abuse, yet the state grossly fails to prevent, investigate
and punish domestic violence, say researchers and rights activists.

More »

ROMANIA: Media Spotlight on Domestic Violence

Posted by admin on April 11, 2009

By Claudia Ciobanu
BUCHAREST, Apr 11 (IPS) Campaigners in Romania have very effectively used
the media to break the public silence around the issue of domestic
violence against women, and lobby for changes in laws.

More »