#NGO Working for Girl Education

[khushi156]

The Gyan Kanya Shakti Initiative for Girls Education by Mobius Foundation

The Gyan Kanya Shakti Initiative by Mobius Foundation focuses on empowering girls through education. It aims to provide quality education, resources, and opportunities to underprivileged girls, fostering a brighter, sustainable future for them and their communities.

[goodworkstrust]

The Vital Importance of Girl Child Education in India

In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, ensuring the education of every child, especially girls, is paramount for social progress and economic development. The significance of girl child education cannot be overstated—it is a transformative force that uplifts families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Despite strides made in recent decades, challenges persist, making the role of NGOs like GoodWorks Trust pivotal in bridging educational gaps and empowering young girls across India.

To read complete post, visit here: https://goodworks.org.in/the-vital-importance-of-girl-child-education-in-india/

[mahi85sharma]

Importance of Girl Education in India

The issue of girl education in India has remained a matter of immense importance over the years. Education is widely acknowledged as a pivotal tool for empowering girls and women, capable of catalyzing transformative changes not only in their lives but also in their families and communities. Despite notable strides forward, numerous challenges persist for girls in India when it comes to accessing education, leading to many being unable to attend school or complete their studies.

The significance of girl education in India transcends mere academics; it has the potential to address a myriad of social issues such as poverty, gender inequality, child marriage, and population growth. Education equips girls with critical thinking skills, enhances their economic opportunities, and empowers them to make informed life choices. Educated girls are more likely to postpone marriage and childbirth, thereby yielding better health outcomes for themselves and their offspring. Additionally, they are better positioned to contribute to their family's income, thus aiding in breaking the cycle of poverty.

However, despite the evident benefits of girl education, significant challenges persist in India. Cultural norms often dictate that girls prioritize household duties and marriage over pursuing education, while financial constraints prevent many families from sending their daughters to school. Furthermore, a notable gender gap persists in terms of educational enrollment, completion rates, and literacy levels.

Both governmental initiatives such as the 100 School Program and non-governmental organizations are actively working towards improving access to education for girls in India, resulting in some progress in recent years. Nonetheless, there is still a considerable journey ahead to ensure that every girl in India has the opportunity to access quality education and realize her full potential.

Despite the recognized importance of girl education in India, numerous obstacles hinder its widespread achievement. These challenges include:

Social Norms and Cultural Beliefs: Traditional beliefs often prioritize girls' domestic roles over education, leading to lower enrollment rates.

Poverty: Economic hardships prevent many families from affording education, with girls often being the first to drop out to assist with household duties or due to early marriage.

Safety Concerns: Particularly in rural areas, safety issues such as long travel distances and fears of harassment deter girls from attending school.

Lack of Access to Education: Many girls reside in areas with inadequate or absent schools, limiting their educational opportunities.

Child Marriage: Widespread child marriage practices result in early dropout rates among girls.

To surmount these challenges, a comprehensive strategy involving the government, civil society organizations, and communities is imperative. Measures may encompass expanding school accessibility in rural locales, providing financial incentives to families prioritizing girls' education, increasing the recruitment of female teachers, and enhancing safety measures such as improved lighting and transportation. Successfully overcoming these hurdles is paramount to realizing maximum girl education in India.

Numerous ideas and initiatives can be instrumental in enhancing girl education in India, including:

Expansion of School Infrastructure: Constructing additional schools, especially in rural areas, facilitates easier access to education for girls.

Enhancement of School Facilities: Upgrading school infrastructure by providing amenities like clean water and sanitation facilities creates a more conducive and safe learning environment for girls.

Recruitment of Female Teachers: Increasing the hiring of female educators fosters a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, encouraging girls' participation and retention in schools.

Girl Education Programs: Implementing targeted initiatives like Gyaan Kanya Shakti 100 School Program directly address the specific needs and challenges faced by girls in accessing education, furthering their empowerment and educational opportunities.

Collaboration with NGOs: Partnering with non-governmental organizations like Mobius Foundation Focusing in girl education facilitates the implementation of effective strategies by leveraging their expertise and resources.

These strategies, when implemented by the government, civil society organizations, and communities, can collectively advance girl education in India. However, sustained commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders are essential to ensure that every girl in India receives access to quality education.

In summary, the significance of girl education cannot be overstated in shaping a more prosperous world. Educating girls not only empowers them individually but also triggers profound ripple effects across families, communities, and societies at large. It fosters heightened economic growth, fosters enhanced gender equality, yields superior health outcomes, diminishes poverty, stimulates greater civic participation, facilitates improved family planning, and bolsters literacy rates.

Investing in girl education transcends mere moral obligation; it stands as a strategic investment capable of delivering substantial returns in terms of social and economic advancement. Ensuring universal access to quality education for every girl is paramount, granting them the opportunity to realize their utmost potential.

Looking ahead, prioritizing girl education emerges as a fundamental pillar in constructing a brighter future. This necessitates unwavering commitment and concerted action from all stakeholders, encompassing governments, civil society organizations, and communities. Together, we can forge a world where every girl thrives, contributing to a more promising future for all.

[poojalate]

Things women should know about women’s rights 

All over the world, women continue to experience several obstacles despite their daily progress. These include discrimination in healthcare and education, violence against women, and a lack of representation in decision-making processes. Everyone in a country must work together for educating a girl child. Society and the government should also work to improve the lives of girl children.

The following actions can be taken to guarantee that women’s rights are upheld:

Be informed:

Learn about the legal protections that apply to you, your rights, and the tools that can be used to get assistance. To ensure you are ready to protect your rights, keep up with any changes to the law.

Speak up:

Speak up without holding back if you experience any kind of violence, harassment, or prejudice. Speak up against unfairness and make it clear to others that you will not put up with any abuse of your rights.

Seek support:

Seek assistance from friends, relatives, or support groups if you face difficulties defending your rights. Helping women in need is the focus of organizations and hotlines.

Document incidents:

Keep track of instances, including dates, times, and details, if you are the victim of abuse or harassment. If you help in educating a girl child, they can handle their problems on their own.

Report violations:

Notify the proper authorities of any rights violations you may have experienced. Reporting illegal activity is the first step in obtaining justice, and it should never be accepted. A local police station or a government commission for women are good places to file a complaint.

Encourage others:

Speak up for women's rights in your community and inspire others to follow suit. You can all work together to create a society where every woman's rights are valued and upheld by fostering an environment that is inclusive and supportive.

Common questions on the rights of women:

What are the five important rights of women?

The fundamental rights that constitutions of countries guarantee to women are those that are essential to guaranteeing their empowerment and equality. The five fundamental rights encompass the following: protection from domestic abuse, political engagement, education, healthcare, equality, dignity and decency, and rights at work.

How can women protect their rights?

Women can take steps to safeguard their rights, such as becoming informed about the laws and rights that pertain to them. They should speak out against violence and discrimination, ask for help from family or organizations, keep records of incidences for future use as proof, and report infractions to the appropriate authorities.

What are the challenges faced by women?

Women face numerous obstacles, including discrimination at work, inadequate participation in decision-making processes, unequal access to healthcare and education, and violence motivated by a woman's gender.

Why is gender equality a must for inclusive living?

As it guarantees that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and rights, gender equality is essential for creating an inclusive society. It helps to create a society in which women are empowered to live happy, fulfilled lives with dignity and respect, free from discrimination.

Final thoughts

Educating women about their rights and finding sponsor for education is essential to creating a society where they can freely pursue their dreams. Therefore, let's work together to create a country where all women may assert themselves with pride.

[lovelyfoundation]

Serving Communities" delves into the Lovely Foundation, a charitable food-donation ngo. This compact book digs into their crucial goal, emphasising their unwavering dedication to eradicating poverty and nurturing disadvantaged populations through their powerful projects. Discover the inspiring stories and transforming influence of this vital organisation.

[digimarksposts]

Each One Eduacte oNe is an NGO working for education of the underprivileged sections of the society. Ypu can be a driving force of this noble venture by sponsoring a child's education . <a href="https://eachoneeducateone.org/">eachoneeducateone.org</a>

[aurovedacharitable]

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Refugee Rights NGOs and Nonprofits | Auroveda Foundation

Auroveda Operating Foundation Charitable Trust works to help refugees around the world. This organization works to protect the human rights of refugees and advocate for their rights. Provides assistance to refugees, including health care, education, and economic aid. This organization provides medical assistance to refugees and other needy people. The organization works to protect the rights of children, NGO Support Refugees, NGOs That Help Refugees, support the refugees in India, NGO Working for Migrants, NGOs Working for Refugees, and provide them with education and other support. Organizations that work to help refugees, and it is important that you do your own research and find an organization that aligns with your values and goals.

[djuvlipen]

Here is an NGO that helps Ukrainian Romani women!

Svitlana’s eyes began to shine with happiness as she entered the hotel room in Odesa. She had never spent a night in a hotel, or any place that to her seemed so beautifully decorated. She had come here to change her life.

Svitlana* was attending a women’s leadership training from CARE and the charity foundation Winds of Change.

Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Svitlana had lived in a compact settlement for Roma families in Odesa region. Women’s health was never discussed there. She didn’t go to school, because she had to take care of her younger siblings.

Only recently, at 28, has she learned to write her own name.

Winds of Change, a CARE partner organization, has been working with the Roma community for over four years.

Roma, also called Romany, is an ethnic group of traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India but now live principally in Europe.

The word “Roma” means “man” and refers to different communities, including Kalderash in southeastern Europe, Romanichals in England, Sinti in Germany, Italy, and France, Kalé in Wales, Finland, Spain and Portugal, and Gitano from Spain, as well as many others around the world — there are an estimated 400,000 Roma people in Ukraine.

As part of CARE’s Women’s Lead in Emergencies model, Winds of Change is working with the Roma communities in Ukraine to train women to take part in leadership.

‘I dreamed of being an artist’

Svitlana was 15 when she got married. She married her husband “under the Roma law.” They have no legal marriage documents.

“He stole me from my parents, and since then we have been living together,” Svitlana says. “This is how most Roma girls live. [They say] women should only look after children, clean and cook… But when I was a child, I dreamed of being an artist. To paint beautiful patterns on the facades of the house. It’s a pity that I never did.”

Some 80 percent of girls in the Roma community have similar stories. From a young age they help their parents look after younger children, and between the ages of 12 and 15 they are coerced into marriage where they then start their adult life.

Now she has six children.

She dreams that all her children will be educated. So, this year, with the support of the Winds of Change Foundation, three of her six children went to the first grade, and two went to the second grade.

For Svitlana, it was an indescribable joy.

A double standard

“Very often, representatives of local authorities, especially in rural areas, turn a blind eye to Roma needs,” says Yulia Hladka, a Winds of Change representative. “Children may not go to school, because it is their tradition. They are Roma; they are married early and have different ‘duties’” — this is how social services often react to the remarks of Roma human rights organizations. If a Ukrainian woman was in a similar situation, she would have been noticed and social services would have intervened.”

Roma people feel this indifference, even from the medical community. When Svitlana fell ill, the local hospital was reluctant to admit her. It was the same with the pediatrician. He simply recorded the visits in a log, although he did not actually examine her children.

It was only with Yulia Hladka’s help that Svitlana finally decided to see a gynecologist to find out the cause of her irregular cycle and heavy bleeding. But it wasn’t easy, because of ethnic discrimination. Only at a private medical center was Svitlana thoroughly examined and found to have cervical erosion, a damaged cyst, and critically low hemoglobin.

Now she is undergoing a long course of treatment.

A double discrimination

As Winds of Change has learned, changing the lives of Roma women is not always easy. These women have suffered discrimination, and sometimes violence, and are understandably reluctant to trust.

Human rights organizations call the Roma community one of the most discriminated against social groups in Ukraine.

Roma women in Ukraine are subject to double discrimination — on ethnic and gender grounds. They face limitations in various aspects of their lives, such as being compelled to marry at a young age and having more than two or three children. Because their community considers them responsible for caring for younger children, they also have restricted access to education compared to boys. They face challenges in finding employment and accessing healthcare.

Life undocumented

Many problems are caused by the lack of documents, as usually Roma people live in isolation and very rarely turn to government institutions. Women give birth at home and do not even apply for birth certificates. The absence of passports also makes it difficult for Roma to obtain documents, so they cannot receive assistance from the state, and their number in the country cannot be officially counted.

According to Roma NGOs like Winds of Change, charitable foundation “Planet of Good People,” just over a third of Ukrainian Roma are employed. For Roma women, this is often complicated by the fact that they are mothers of many children, so they face discrimination on this basis as well.

This was the case with Svitlana. She has been dependent on her husband’s decisions almost since childhood. All her time was taken up with housework and caring for her six children and her husband’s sister’s 13 children.

“At one of the focus groups, we realized that a very big problem for Roma women is the lack of access to basic services and jobs,” says Yulia. “They usually live in rural areas where there are not many employment opportunities.”

“But even if vacancies do appear, Roma are usually rejected, because of stereotypes and ethnicity.”

“We came up with the idea to create a social enterprise where these women could get hard skills — sewing home textiles and clothes — and soft skills, like communication, psychological self-regulation. We organized a small sewing company in Odesa called Petalenca, where Roma women sew bedding and home clothes. We train them and help them promote their products.”

After the escalation of the situation in Ukraine, many internally displaced women also found their place here and started working together with Roma women. Some women had some stereotypes about Roma before but working together helped to dispel them. Now this company employs Roma and women who have been displaced.

*name changed

They accept donations!

[bellamonde]

Update on Afghanistan

Taliban continues its repression of women. 

Here’s a summary of the situation of women in Afghanistan:

Banned from university education

Banned from attending school above 6th grade

Banned from entering parks, bathhouses, gyms, and other public places

Banned from working for domestic or foreign NGOs

Banned from working in the media, including acting

Banned from working outside the home, except for a few sectors and particular roles (which have been ever decreasing)

No women in cabinet and there is no Ministry of Women’s Affairs, effectively removing women’s right to political participation

Women are required to have a male chaperone when they are travelling more than 78 kilometres.

Women have been ordered to wear head-to-toe covering. 

However, brave and courageous Afghan girls and women are protesting. They are taking to the streets, posting their stories online and not giving up. And we have also seen young Afghan men join the fight by walking out from their exams. The women, girls and boys who are protesting are all risking their lives. 

Afghanistan is no longer alone and the women of Afghanistan have millions of women around the world supporting their cause. They will not be silenced. And we have to make sure their voices are amplified. So, please post about Afghanistan and put pressure on your representatives. Taliban is a terrorist regime who has hijacked Afghanistan and is destroying a beautiful people, a beautiful country and an amazing culture. 

Don’t forget, this was Afghanistan in 1970s:

But Afghan women are strong and brave and continue their fight against repression:

And now Afghan men have joined them as well as a group of Afghan university students walked out of their exams. 

Above is a photo of male students at Afghanistan's Nangarhar University walked out of their exams in solidarity with their female peers. 

These brave women and men are endangering their lives. Videos have come out showing Taliban shooting at them with live bullets. But they will not be silenced. Afghan women have been fighting for and demanding their freedom for the past 30 years and they will not stop. And they are no longer alone in this fight. 

#Education is Human Rights

# Women’s Rights = Human Rights

[stargirlsbraincontent]

Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) harbours deep wounds that the world often overlooks. In recent years, the country has been plagued by a complex web of conflict, corruption, and human rights abuses that continue to devastate its people.

Conflict and Instability:

Congo's tumultuous history of conflict is rooted in a struggle for power, control over vast mineral resources, and ethnic tensions. Armed groups, often backed by neighboring countries or international interests, have fueled decades of violence, leaving communities shattered and displaced. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic healthcare and education.

The Disturbing Use of Rape:

One of the most harrowing aspects of the Congolese conflict is the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war. Women, men, and children alike have been subjected to brutal sexual violence perpetrated by armed groups, soldiers, and even civilians. This horrific tactic inflicts profound physical and psychological trauma, tearing apart the social fabric of communities. While women and girls bear the brunt of this violence, experiencing it on a larger scale and more systematically, men and boys are also targeted, facing similar horrors that result in stigma, ostracisation, and enduring health challenges, including HIV/AIDS and reproductive complications.

Humanitarian Crisis and International Response:

The humanitarian crisis in Congo remains dire, with millions in need of assistance. Humanitarian organizations struggle to provide essential aid and protection in the face of ongoing violence and logistical challenges. International efforts to mediate the conflict and support peacebuilding initiatives have had limited success, as underlying issues of governance, corruption, and economic exploitation persist.

Calls for Action:

As global citizens, we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering in Congo. We must amplify the voices of those affected, advocate for justice and accountability for perpetrators of violence, and support grassroots efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. Addressing the root causes of conflict, including economic inequalities and political instability, is crucial to fostering sustainable change and rebuilding communities.

Conclusion:

Congo's story is a painful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for collective action to protect human rights and promote peace worldwide. By raising awareness, supporting humanitarian efforts, and demanding accountability, we can contribute to a future where the people of Congo can live in dignity, free from fear and violence.

Let us stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Congo and work together towards a brighter and more peaceful future.

Here are some ways you can help and donate to support relief efforts in Congo. Times are tough for many right now, but even small contributions can make a big difference. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing these resources and spreading awareness can also help.

International Rescue Committee (IRC): Provides emergency aid, healthcare, and protection services to displaced people in Congo. Donation Link: IRC Donation Page

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders): Offers medical care and humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict in Congo. Donation Link: MSF Donation Page

GoFundMe Campaigns: Search for verified campaigns specifically supporting relief efforts in Congo on platforms like GoFundMe.

Local NGOs: Support local organisations and NGOs actively providing aid and support on the ground in Congo. Research reputable organisations through platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to ensure your donations are impactful and legitimate.

[corpsebasil]

Hey!!! Just a quick message to my followers: As someone with anxiety life can feel really hard sometimes. I woke up this morning extremely anxious and felt worse than I have in a while. Remember this: A SMALL ISSUE WILL NOT END YOUR LIFE.

Need I repeat it?

A SMALL ISSSUE WILL NOT. END YOUR LIFE. IT WONT.

No matter what you’re anxious about right now trust me, you can do this. YOU CAN.

Remember the last time you worried over something small and it worked out?

:) exactly. Give it a second, I know we can all giggle over something we’ve been anxious about that was totally fine.

You’re okay. Trust me.

On that note, there’s an amazing NGO called Ale Askar that’s accepting cards for Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. It’s an organization that keeps those precious kids off the streets and gives them an education. It prevents young girls from marrying too early, it provides food, hygiene, and shelter, and helps these kids avoid being trafficked. I’m channeling my anxious energy into making cards for them this morning.

If you want details about sending cards let me know. :) It’s completely free.

REMEMBER: CHANNEL YOUR ANXIOUS ENERGY INTO SOMETHING GOOD!

[khushi156]

Top NGO in India for Population Stabilization | Mobius Foundation

Mobius Foundation is the best NGO in India works on population stabilization, family planning, sustainability, and girl education to create a sustainable future and empower communities across India.

[beardedmrbean]

Invisible, and now silent. Three years after the Taliban's return to power, Afghan women continue to see their few remaining rights dwindle away.

A Taliban ministry promulgated a new set of laws on August 21 that it said “will be of great help in the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice”. The laws aim to control all aspects of the social and private life of Afghans, especially of Afghan women.

Among the rules in the 114-page text published by the ministry is the requirement for women to cover their bodies and faces completely if they leave the house as well as a ban on women making their voices heard in public.

The new laws are “attacking their very existence”, Chekeba Hachemi, president of the organisation Free Afghanistan, told FRANCE 24.

“We no longer have the right to hear the sound of a woman's voice, or to see even a glimpse of a woman's body. It's as if we were telling them: ‘We want to kill you slowly’.”

“The only right we are allowed is to breathe. And even then ...” Hamida Aman, the founder of Begum TV, a Paris-based channel aimed at educating Afghan women and girls, told France Culture.

Just going by my own personal abuse healing…the left don’t know jackshit about what natives and marginalized groups without victims complexes want

The UN, the European Union, human rights groups and Afghan organisations have expressed their deep concerns over the new set of laws, which include some provisions that have already been in effect informally since the Taliban seized power again in August 2021.

But there is only so much the international community can do to help Afghan women.

Short-lived optimism

“After decades of war and in the midst of a terrible humanitarian crisis, the Afghan people deserve much better than being threatened or jailed if they happen to be late for prayers, glance at a member of the opposite sex who is not a family member, or possess a photo of a loved one,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, in an August 25 statement in which she said the laws evoke “a distressing vision for Afghanistan’s future”.

The UN has called for the immediate repeal of the text.

The NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) denounced a “new attack on the rights of women and girls”. The EU said it was “distressed” by the decree, which was “a new blow” to the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

The EU also said the new laws create “another obstacle to the normalisation of relations” with Afghanistan, signalling that European recognition of the Taliban regime can only be achieved if Kabul “fully respects [its] international obligations and [those] towards the people of Afghanistan”.

The Taliban, in return, have denounced the “arrogance” of the West in its condemnations of the restrictions on women – which UN officials including Secretary General Antonio Guterres have described as “gender-based apartheid”.

On the same day the Taliban ministry published the new laws, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said in a statement that the regime had banned him from entering the country.

International condemnations no longer seem to have any effect.

“In the first year after the regime change in Afghanistan, the situation was not as bad as people might have feared,” said Mélissa Cornet, a specialist on gender issues in Afghanistan, pointing out that journalists were still working and women were still attending university.

“The Taliban really wanted to be recognised by the international community. They made lots of reassurances and there was a real hope they had changed,” said Cornet, who lived in Kabul while overseeing research on women's role in Afghan society for local and international organisations beginning in 2018.

This optimism, however, was short-lived. “As soon as the Taliban realised they would not be formally recognised by regaining a seat at the UN and the frozen assets of the central bank, there was a U-turn,” Cornet explained. “They said to themselves, ‘If we play the game and get nothing in return, we'll do what we want at home’.”

'Nobody wants another conflict'

The Taliban first came to power in Afghanistan in 1996 and were overthrown in 2001 by a NATO intervention following the September 11 attacks. But despite 20 years of war and occupation by US-led NATO troops, the Taliban slowly regained control of the entire country and outlasted the United States, despite the latter's military superiority.    

“There's a very proud side to saying, ‘We were in power in the 1990s, the United States came but we beat them in the end, so now you Western states have no right to come and lecture us and tell us what to do’,’’ Cornet said.

Ironically, since the international community made women's rights its focus, it has now become very difficult for the Taliban to compromise on this issue, she said. “If they ever announced that schools were reopening [for women], it would be seen by Taliban ultraconservatives as a kind of defeat, a concession, to the internationals.”

From one law to the next, human rights in Afghanistan – and women's rights in particular – are being eroded without the international community being able to intervene.

“For three years, we've seen the status of women go [from bad to worse], and we've reached a stage where it's unacceptable that the world isn't reacting,” said Chela Noori of the Afghan Women of France organisation.

The world is moving “towards acceptance of this situation, [because] nothing stands in the way of the Taliban”, said Begum TV's Aman.

“Unfortunately, there's not much we can do, which is why it's difficult to continue proposing solutions,” Cornet said.

Without a resistance movement in Afghanistan, the situation cannot change, Cornet said. “After all the decades of war, nobody wants another conflict, another war, or an invasion.”

And the Taliban regime is capitalising on the situation, said Cornet, pointing to the fact that the country is at peace for the first time in 20 years, poppy production has declined by 95 percent (almost all the heroin consumed in Europe comes from Afghanistan), there are no prominent terrorist groups operating in the country and the borders are under control, preventing any wave of migration to Europe.

“Security issues are more important to Western countries than women's rights in this distant country,” Cornet observed, calling out the “cynicism” of such an assessment.

'The UN has to work with the Taliban'

Heather Barr, deputy director of the Women's Rights Division at HRW, deplores the fact that the crisis in Afghanistan has been relegated to a secondary concern by the Ukraine war. “The lack of an effective international response gives the impression that women's rights are not really a concern for world leaders,” she said in February.

“No one cares about Afghan women or human rights in this country,” Aman told France Culture, recalling the conditions under which the Doha III conference, the third UN meeting on Afghanistan in the Qatari capital, took place in late June.

The Taliban, which had not taken part in the two previous conferences, made their participation in the third conditional on the exclusion of civil society organisations, and particularly women, from the talks.

The UN once again called for the “inclusion of women” in public life during the discussions, a request that did not prevent the Taliban from continuing to harden its policies towards women.

“The United Nations is silent in the face of the Taliban,” Aman lamented.

Cornet noted the UN needs to maintain contacts with the regime to continue providing aid to the country.   

“The UN works in Afghanistan and therefore has to work with the Taliban,” she said. “If it takes a very hard line on women's rights, it will be expelled from the country and no one will be able to talk to the regime and help Afghans.”

Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world. According to the latest World Bank report, “poverty affects half of the population, with persistent high unemployment and underemployment”.

The United Nations Development Programme said in an April 2023 report that over 90 percent of the population was unable to meet its basic food requirements.

The International Crisis Group, an NGO focused on monitoring and preventing deadly conflicts, explained in a January report how Afghanistan's neighbours have been seeking to re-establish relations with Kabul in areas such as security and trade.

Regional nations “are convinced that the best way to secure their countries’ interests and moderate the Taliban’s behaviour in the long term is patient deliberation with Kabul, rather than ostracism”, says the report.

“If you don't talk to them, you can't influence them,” Cornet said simply. “The Taliban couldn't care less about being sanctioned by the international community. The fact that they can't travel or can't use their bank accounts doesn't bother them.”

For their part, Afghan women are doing what they can to be seen and raise awareness of their plight. After laws called on them to hide their faces and lower their voices, several women filmed themselves singing, protesting online under the hashtag #LetUsExist.

“You are afraid of this voice, and this voice will be stronger every day,” wrote Taiba Sulaimani, a young Afghan woman, on X in a message accompanying a video of a group of activists singing in chorus.

In another video, the young woman sings while adjusting her veil in front of the mirror.

“A woman's voice is her identity,” she says. “Not something that should be hidden.”

[coochiequeens]

Considering that three exploited women were killed in a brothel maybe the Austrian government can start dealing with violence against women by adopting the Nordic Model

Vienna, Austria's serene capital, renowned for its musical heritage and architectural beauty, was plunged into shock and mourning as authorities investigate the harrowing murders of four women and a 13-year-old girl in two separate, yet equally chilling incidents. In the heart of the Brigittenau district, a brothel became a crime scene with three women found brutally stabbed to death. Mere miles away, in an unassuming apartment, a mother and her young daughter were discovered lifeless, feared to have been strangled or choked. The Austrian capital's day of horror has not only ignited a fierce debate on femicide across the nation but also cast a glaring spotlight on Europe's battle with violence against women.

A Day of Despair and Questions

In the early hours, the tranquility of Vienna was shattered. Three young women, their dreams and aspirations cruelly ended, were found in a brothel, victims of fatal knife wounds. A 27-year-old man, arrested nearby with a knife believed to be the murder weapon, remains a suspect under tight scrutiny. The air was thick with unanswered questions and the pain of lives lost too soon. Meanwhile, not far from the first crime scene, a family tragedy unfolded in silence. A woman and her daughter, bound by blood and now by tragedy, were found dead in their home. The father, enveloped in suspicion, became a prime suspect in this grievous act. This series of homicides has not only left a city in mourning but has reignited conversations about femicide, the most extreme form of gender-based violence.

The Unseen War Against Women

This isn't an isolated narrative. Between 2010 and 2020, Austria recorded 319 women killed, the majority by partners or ex-partners, peaking at 43 victims in 2019. These numbers are not just statistics; they are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void. The outcry following these incidents has put pressure on the Austrian government, which has pledged to increase funding for victim support organizations. Yet, NGOs argue that while funding is crucial, preventative measures are vital to curb this escalating violence. Femicide, a term that encapsulates the killing of women and girls because of their gender, is a grotesque manifestation of ingrained societal inequities and prejudices that require more than just reactive policies.

Looking Forward: Action Beyond Words

The Austrian government's commitment to address this issue is a step in the right direction, yet the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. Legislation, education, and societal change must work hand in hand to dismantle the patriarchal structures that perpetuate violence against women. The recent horrific events in Vienna serve as a grim reminder of the urgency with which we must act to protect and empower women, ensuring that safety and equality aren't just ideals, but realities. As Vienna mourns, the collective call for action against femicide grows louder, echoing across Austria and beyond, urging societies to confront and eradicate this pervasive violence.

[parth-copypro]

Marpu Foundation: Transforming the World Through Youth Power

Marpu, a Sanskrit word signifying ‘transformation’, is the heart of our foundation’s ethos. We believe in the extraordinary potential of youth to be catalysts for positive change. Our mission is to harness this energy through innovative, empathy-driven projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our long-term vision is a world characterized by equity, compassion, and sustainability – a world built collaboratively through partnerships. To achieve this, we focus on four key areas:

Environmental Sustainability

We are committed to protecting our planet for future generations. Our environmental initiatives focus on two critical areas:

Clean water and sanitation: We are working to provide access to clean water and improved sanitation through the implementation of biosand filters in rural communities. These filters are low-cost, sustainable solutions that can significantly impact public health.

Affordable and clean energy: We are promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources through the development of community microgrids. By providing access to affordable and clean energy, we aim to improve livelihoods and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Economic Development

Our economic development programs focus on creating opportunities for all, especially marginalized communities. We are working to reduce inequality and achieve zero hunger through the following initiatives:

Zero hunger: We are implementing blockchain-based distribution systems to ensure efficient and transparent delivery of food aid. This innovative approach helps to reduce food waste and improve food security.

Reduced inequality: We are empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship and skill development programs. By providing access to financial resources and training, we are helping to create a more equitable society.

Social Development

We believe that every individual has the right to a decent standard of living, access to quality education, and equal opportunities. Our social development programs focus on:

Quality education: We are working to improve access to quality education, especially for girls and young women. Our programs include building schools, providing teacher training, and implementing early childhood development initiatives.

Gender equality: We are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women. Our initiatives include women’s empowerment programs, leadership training, and advocacy for women’s rights.

Partnerships

Collaboration is essential to achieving our goals. We believe that by working together, we can create a greater impact. Our partnership programs focus on building strong relationships with government agencies, businesses, NGOs, and community-based organizations. We also actively involve young people as partners in our work, recognizing their invaluable contributions.

By focusing on these four key areas, Marpu Foundation is working towards a future where young people are at the forefront of creating a sustainable and equitable world. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey.

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"We organized the very last show in 2023..."

Whether to address societal issues or personal traumas of people, forum theatre coupled with psychodrama have been used by NGOs in a number of tormented African nations.

The Brazilian theatre practitioner, Augusto Boal, is known as the creator of forum theatre – an interactive form of theatre in which the audience becomes “spect-actors” when they intervene and change the course of the play. Psychodrama occurs as the actors portray their real-life struggles and explore their anguishes. Spreading messages of awareness and resilience through masquerade and embryonic dramas has been around in Africa since times immemorial. But Boal’s method of forum theatre is now being applied in an effort to unite Africans in regions of tension.

In the book Art and Conscientization (2015), Claus Schrowange writes about his experiences of developing and organising plays with groups in Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo “for the promotion of peace, human rights, and sustainable development”.

According to him, “The ideal Forum Theatre performance is indoor with 20 to 100 spectators, in a hall of the size of one to three classrooms. The larger the audience, the less intense the program. ... Actors should not use microphones, not even during open air performances. Microphones destroy the natural voice which is necessary to project emotions to the audience. ... Our actors only wear uniform T-shirts, most of the time in black and white, with black trousers or skirt. They remove wristwatches, necklaces, earrings and any other item that attracts unnecessary attention. In order to open the senses and energy flow and make better use of their body, they always perform barefoot. ... The play is the heart of the activity. Our goal is to leave the audience astonished, inspired, confused, and enlightened at the same time. We motivate them to become active in their daily lives and within their limited means and powers, to act against all kinds of injustice, violence and Human Rights abuses. ... The actors don’t need to be experts in theatre, but they have to be open to discover themselves and share their real emotions on stage. Actors should act in the language they are using in their own daily life. When it is not possible, more emphasis should be given on the non-verbal expression and the verbal part should be reduced to a minimum.”

However, theatrical attempts to unite different African communities, especially those engaged in decades-long violence against each other, aren't easily welcomed. In areas prone to violence between militant groups and government forces, many adults and children end up becoming soldiers to survive in the absence of employment or education opportunities. The children get drugged and the women and girls are raped by armed men. The forcibly-displaced surviving civilians have deep emotional scars and distrust for NGOs.

“Africa independence was a masquerade, and most of the scourges that devastate this region are consequences of government irresponsibility, and the lack of some politicians’ awareness. They promulgate laws and change them, but they don’t ensure that the entire population has understood them: the first victims of this situation are not enlightened. This is the environment in which our Theatre of the Oppressed group is working,” writes Eliezer Kasereka who, along with his friend, once violently protested against plays organised by Schrowange in Kiwanja because his Theatre of the Oppressed mixed Rwandans and Congolese when there were allegations that Rwanda supported the rebel groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. But Schrowange and his group were able to influence Kasereka into experiencing “the power that Theatre of the Oppressed has to change minds and heal hearts”.

Since the beginning of 2016, Joseph Tsongo, the founder and CEO of Amani-Institute ASBL, and his friend Eliezer Kasereka, supported by the NGO APRED-RGL, began to use “participatory forum theater in psychodrama style” to help the child soldiers, who had managed to escape from the deadly clutches of armed groups, reintegrate into the society that feared them. They used to host theatre workshops at least once a week in the north-eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last month, we contacted Mr. Tsongo to learn when the last forum theater was held by him, considering the present crisis in the country. On April 2nd, 2024, he said, ...we organized the very last show in 2023 due to the deteriorating security situation in the region, as well as due to a lack of necessary resources. (His original reply in French: En effet, nous avions organisé le tout dernier spectacle en 2023 et cela en raison de la détérioration de la situation sécuritaire dans la région mais aussi par manque de moyens nécessaires.)

In this regard, worthy of mention is Milo Rau’s solution-driven political theatre, The Congo Tribunal, involving the “victims, perpetrators, witnesses and analysts of the Congo War in Bukavu/Eastern Congo”. It explores the war in Congo – triggered by the West-sponsored Rwandan Genocide (1994) and fuelled by the powerful capitalists’ greed for the country’s natural resources necessary to run the technology of the 21st century – that has claimed the lives of over six million Congolese people. Based on The Congo Tribunal, Rau’s opera called Justice is “the first lyric work on the crimes of transnational companies ever” developed with the victims of the Glencore copper mine accident at Kabwe, aiming to raise funds for them. Justice will be taking the audience "to the heart of the Congolese mining industry", at Tangente St. Pölten Festival in Austria on 30th April, 2024.

However, the Congolese people, struggling with the harsh realities of civil wars and continuous exploitations by the economically powerful nations, need much more international attention than they are receiving now.