La Década de las Mujeres Africanas (2010-2020)

Dinamización del movimiento de mujeres africanas y mentoría de las jóvenes líderes y profesionales, tanto en África como en la diáspora, para que defiendan la igualdad de género y el empoderamiento de las mujeres. Implementación del principio de paridad de la Unión Africana (UA) establecido en sus políticas de género y garantizar que se alcancen las metas de igualdad de oportunidades para las mujeres en cargos de toma de decisiones, en los ámbitos político (poder legislativo), judicial y ejecutivo. Trabajo con el African Union Peace and Security Department (PSD, Departamento de Paz y Seguridad), el Peace and Security Council (PSC, Consejo de Paz y Seguridad) y el Panel of the Wise (Panel de Sabios) de la UA en relación con las resoluciones 1325, 1820, 1888 y 1889 del Consejo de Seguridad de Naciones Unidas, centrándose particularmente en la violencia contra las mujeres, la construcción de la paz y la reconstrucción post-conflicto.

África: Pasar de los compromisos a la acción.

La Década de las Mujeres Africanas se presentó en Nairobi, Kenia, en octubre de 2010. La Década es una oportunidad para integrar y fortalecer vínculos en el trabajo por los derechos humanos de las mujeres, integrando los derechos sociales, políticos, económicos y culturales en una agenda común. Es también la oportunidad para mostrar el efecto multiplicador que el logro de todos estos derechos tiene para las mujeres y la sociedad en general. Para ampliar al máximo posible las metas de la Década ésta debería vincularse con los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio que constituyen la norma primordial para medir el progreso en África. La ideología que subyace aquí no es que el desarrollo está dejando atrás a las mujeres, sino que el desarrollo en el continente se está demorando por la exclusión de las mujeres.

Como el continente experimenta una ola creciente de fundamentalismos, la Década puede ser usada también como un espacio crítico para dialogar sobre posturas progresistas acerca de la cultura, tradición y religión y como un catalizador para acelerar la concreción de los derechos de las mujeres. Como movimiento de mujeres, la Década también nos ofrece una plataforma excelente para trabajar en conjunto, contactarnos con otros públicos, contar nuestras historias, celebrar victorias y logros, y proyectar nuestras propias imágenes de las mujeres y niñas africanas al continente y el mundo.

Los Diez Temas para la Década de las Mujeres Africanas (2010-2020)

1. Combatir la pobreza y promover el empoderamiento económico  de las mujeres y su capacidad emprendedora.

• Lograr trabajo digno para las mujeres; igualdad de oportunidades en el empleo y la promoción; y avanzar hacia la paridad en los puestos de trabajo.
• Crear empleo y servicios apoyando a las mujeres emprendedoras particularmente en los sectores informales, incluyendo a la pequeña y mediana empresa (PyMEs), así como apoyar su crecimiento para que se conviertan en grandes empresas.

2. Agricultura y Seguridad Alimentaria.

• Lograr la seguridad alimentaria y combatir el hambre.
• Aumentar el acceso de las mujeres a la tierra cultivable, insumos agrícolas, crédito, tecnología, servicios de extensión agraria, irrigación y acceso al agua mediante la recolección de agua de lluvia, perforaciones, etc.
• Vincular a las mujeres con los mercados mediante el valor agregado de sus productos, incluyendo las cadenas de suministro de productos agrícolas y la creación de nuevos mercados para sus productos, entre ellos los alimentos orgánicos

3. Salud, mortalidad materna y VIH/SIDA.

• Mejorar la salud de las mujeres.
• Reducir la mortalidad materna.
• Abordar la cuestión de la representación desproporcionada de las mujeres y las niñas en la propagación de infecciones por VIH/SIDA y la sobrecarga laboral que éstas representan para ellas,  así como también su acceso desigual a los antirretrovirales, a la buena nutrición y a los servicios médicos formales.

4. Educación, ciencia y tecnología.

• Lograr la paridad educativa en los niveles secundarios y terciarios, y alcanzar índices más altos de retención escolar para las niñas.
• Aumentar los niveles de alfabetización de las mujeres a través de la educación de adultos.
• Aportes de las mujeres científicas en información, comunicación y tecnología.

5. Medio ambiente y cambio climático.

• Identificar el rol de las mujeres en la mitigación del cambio climático, como guardianas del medio ambiente, asegurando que ellas se beneficien de los nuevos paquetes de medidas globales para luchar contra el cambio climático.

6. Paz, seguridad y violencia contra las mujeres.

• Trabajar con el African Union Peace and Security Department (PSD, Departamento de Paz y Seguridad), el Peace and Security Council (PSC, Consejo de Paz y Seguridad) y el Panel of the Wise (Panel de Sabios) de la UA en relación con las resoluciones 1325, 1820, 1888 y 1889 del Consejo de Seguridad de Naciones Unidas, concentrándose particularmente en la violencia contra las mujeres, la construcción de la paz y la reconstrucción post-conflicto.

7. Gobierno y protección legal.

• Conjuntamente con el Political Affairs, Women, Gender and Development Directorate  (Directorio de Asuntos Políticos, Mujer y Desarrollo) se apoyará la participación de las mujeres en los procesos políticos y electorales en los países donde se desarrollen elecciones durante la década así como también en la implementación de temáticas de género en los African Peer Review Mechnisms (APRM, Mecanismos Africanos de Revisión por Pares ) y los planes nacionales de acción.

8. Finanzas y género.

• Incrementar el acceso de las mujeres a los recursos financieros de los presupuestos gubernamentales a través de presupuestos con una mirada de género; del mercado financiero a través de paquetes de estímulo económico y de la cooperación internacional a través de fondos especializados para apoyar proyectos dirigidos por mujeres y empoderarlas económicamente; movilizar recursos a través de FAWO como así también para la implementación de las actividades de la década en general y las áreas prioritarias para alcanzar los objetivos de la década.

9. Las mujeres en cargos de toma de decisiones.

• Implementación del principio de paridad de la UA establecido en sus políticas de género y garantizar que se alcancen las metas de igualdad de oportunidades para las mujeres en cargos de toma de decisiones, en los ámbitos político (poder legislativo), judicial y ejecutivo.

10. Movimiento de mujeres jóvenes.

• Dinamización del movimiento de mujeres africanas y mentoría de las jóvenes líderes y profesionales, tanto en África como en la diáspora, para que defiendan la igualdad de género y el empoderamiento de las mujeres.

“Sisterhood’s” date with Ruchu Girls!

Saturday February 19^th 2011 was to be the second fun filled day at Ruchu Girls with “Sisterhood”. Accompanied by great minds in the persons of Phyllis Nyambura founder of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Control Outreach-Kenya, Floyd Chanda a humanitarian and philanthropist from Zambia and of course the girls favorite, Miss Lilian Nyaga a law student who plans to major in Land Law.

With such a knowledgeable and capable panel it was quite in order to have them talk about a topic which is hardly ever discussed and often buried under the carpet.-Sexuality and Behaviour!It has often been assumed that sex-education is being conducted in our schools curriculum following a government directive from the Ministry of Education a couple of years ago. How true this is remains the big question as some teachers shy away from this discussion at all costs. Parents and the church seem to live this burden with the school and make little or no attempt to fill the void which is evident. With these unclear roles naturally young teenagers are finding themselves seeking answers and advice from ill-informed peers and the some-what misleading media.

Because “Sisterhood” aims at empowering young girls to make informed decisions in all spheres of life, we take it upon ourselves to ensure that these young inspiring ladies are getting the correct information and that they do not make our mistakes but learn from them. Speaking to teenagers has never been a tea party. You must be exciting and entertaining and our day’s facilitators knew precisely how to…it was quite evident in the pensive faces of the keen listeners.

Phyllis& Floyd-Facilitators of the day!



Mr.Floyd Chanda and the girls!



It was particularly important to get a male perspective to address the issue and Mr.Chanda gave his candid and valuable view on the same. It was worth noting that the girls were very comfortable with him and I am thrilled that the message was received loud and clear! Miss Phyllis being a peer educator on sexual abuse and exploitation was best placed to address the issue. Her presentation was more interactive that the norm and the discussion was very lively and informative, questions and answers were thrown around the room in a relaxed atmosphere. I couldn’t help but wonder if these young girls had ever had a listening ear to talk about Sexual Exploitation, Rape and Gender Based Violence, Sex, Boyfriends,HIV&AIDS,STIs and other related issues….and if so with whom? And if not…why the hell not?

Granted we can do only so much and so little-what a wonderful world would it be if we did not wait and hope passively that someone else will talk to our daughters and sons, nieces or nephews (etc) about some topics that we are not exactly comfortable with. And isn’t it a parents’ inherent right to educate his/her children on this? And doesn’t all religious institutions have a role to play in this issue as well?

“Sisterhood” has a long way to go to ensure all teenage girls are well equipped with knowledge on fundamental issues, but we are encouraged to know that we have positively influenced the lives of over 400 students to date all at Ruchu Girls High School. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us in terms of time and expertise -our facilitators who come to talk to the girls for free!Mr.Richie Miriti-an author, mentor and motivational speaker who thoughtfully donated over 200 sanitary towels to the girls and others for their kind wishes, prayers and support.



Elated girls having recieved the donation!



We are looking forward to the next session at the school on the 5^th March 2011…..and we’ll definitely keep you posted on the great progress “Sisterhood” and the girls are making! Till next time…....................................................xoxo!

       

Getting Beyond the Myths of Singles…….

Its February again….and many singles out there may be dreading the day symbolized with heart-shaped outlines, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.

Just last week I had a reunion with some of my old classmates….I would love to indulge you into what interesting kids we were but that’s a vowed secret. We however engaged in a heated debate on singles and several myths that surround this “marginalized” class of people. The list is far from exhaustive but these are probably the most common perceptions:

Singles are immature-We tend to see relationships, marriage and children as the true bench marks of maturity. Therefore we automatically think that singles are immature because they do not know what it means to be in a serious committed relationship.

Singles are incomplete-I hear that A LOT…..Granted human beings are social beings who seek relationships, love and ways to express their sexuality. We think couples are normal and that single people are….uhm…perhaps a bit abnormal!

Singles are unstable-Because the myth of restlessness persists, it is difficult for many singles to get jobs, obtain credit, buy a home, be taken equally as serious as married/engaged/dating counter parts in career growth etc.

Singles are damaged-If people don’t follow the “norm” we wonder what’s wrong with them! And conclude that some tragedy befell them hence their different views.

Singles are dangerous-few couples are 100% secure in their relationship. When singles arrive, couples’ internal radar system starts flashing. They wonder whether this is an innocent friendship or a subtle flirtation.

Singles are inconsequential-Some believe numbers represent truth. Singles may be regarded as “marginalised”and not en-vogue with society’s ‘big picture’. Hence their opinions aren’t really a big deal and can be ignored from time to time.

Singles are unacceptable-for all the reasons stated above and others you might probably want to add, singles may feel unacceptable and unwanted in society.

Being single may be a choice that others must learn to respect. I do acknowledge that some of the above myths may be some-what true but they do not apply discriminately to single persons only! So whether your single, dating, married, engaged, divorced, widowed…..do have a Happy Valentine’s Day:

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,
And dupp'd the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5

My 21-to-do list!

Stumbled upon this…everybody has a wish/want /to do list…this was my 21-to-do list..and yes one reflecting my age now is in the pipeline….and I’ll let you know how this went too-

Dedicated to all the wonderful people in my life who influence the person I am...

1. Do be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

2. Do love yourself and all of you...If you can't achieve self love who then can love you?

3. Do believe in yourself, even if others have their doubts.

4. Do take time to love; it is the privilege of God.

5. Do take care of your health; it is no one else’s responsibility but your own.

6. Do take time to read, it is the fountain of wisdom.

7. Do remind yourself the value of self love, self acceptance and self pride, constantly acknowledging my achievements and failures without being vain or conceited.

8. Do take time to give; no matter how big or small, it is the mission on Earth.

9. Do keep in mind your sexuality is your liability; make good choices with consequences you can live with.

10. Do take time to work; no matter how noble your job, for it is the price to success.

11. Do take time to laugh; and to tickle the funny bone in others, it is the music of the soul.

12. Do know when to be assertive and when not to be too pushy.

13. Do take time to play, it is the secret for perpetual youth, or you could get the Japanese ancient peach……

14. Do as far as possible without surrender; be on good terms with all persons.

15. Do have an IT guru on speed dial….in this day, you will need one…plus marks if he’s cute.

16. Do speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant.

17. Do take time to dream, it is the way to the moon.

18. Do take time to save; it is the surest secret of security.

19. Do take time to listen, and take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrender the things of your youth……in simple terms accept your age, even if we all want to be 18 forever…

20. Do avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

And finally……

21. Do keep peace with your soul.

I Believe...

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . Relax . . . And read this slowly..

I Believe...
Just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
We don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I Believe..
No matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while and
you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
True friendship continues to grow, even over
the longest distance..
The same goes for true love.
I Believe..
You can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
You should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
You can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
Either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
Money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
My best friend and I, can do anything, or
nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
Sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them and
less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe..
It isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
No matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
Our background and circumstances may have
influenced who we are, but.
we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the same
thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
Your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
Even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you -
you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
Credentials on the wall do not make you a
decent human being.


'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.'