Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tribute to Teacher Brima Kiawu, Bandor Public School
Kids2day! regrets to share the sad news of the passing of Teacher Brima Kiawu of Bandor Public School. He died on Saturday, January 9. For a period nearing ten years - 1995 - 2005, Teacher Brima was principal of Bandor Public School. He stepped down for health reasons, but remained teaching.
Teacher Brima was supportive of Kids2day!, especially in getting the school to participate in inter-school competitions.
May his soul rest in Peace!
Teacher Brima was supportive of Kids2day!, especially in getting the school to participate in inter-school competitions.
May his soul rest in Peace!
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Challenge of 2010
AT THE CLOSE OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING HELD IN WUILOR, GRAND CAPE MOUNT ON JANUARY 3, 2010 KIDS2DAY! PROPOSED ITS PROGRAMS FOR 2010 UNDER THE THEME
AN ENGAGING AGENDA OF SERVICE TO SOCIETY AND HOPE FOR THE BETTER!
THROUGH THIS ENDURING AGENDA, WE PROPOSE TO INCREASE OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE WORK, AND TO SEEK ADDITIONAL AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH ALL.
SPECIFICALLY, WE WILL INCREASE OUR WORK IN ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN ISSUES - INCLUDING HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SAFETY CONCERNS. WE WILL ALSO FOLLOW UP WITH GOVERNMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN DETERMINING THE RIGHT APPROACH TO MAKING THIS WORLD SAFER FOR CHILDREN.
AN ENGAGING AGENDA OF SERVICE TO SOCIETY AND HOPE FOR THE BETTER!
THROUGH THIS ENDURING AGENDA, WE PROPOSE TO INCREASE OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE WORK, AND TO SEEK ADDITIONAL AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH ALL.
SPECIFICALLY, WE WILL INCREASE OUR WORK IN ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN ISSUES - INCLUDING HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SAFETY CONCERNS. WE WILL ALSO FOLLOW UP WITH GOVERNMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN DETERMINING THE RIGHT APPROACH TO MAKING THIS WORLD SAFER FOR CHILDREN.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
A Plea for Primary Education in Liberia
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
-A Kids2day! Opinion by K. Abdullai Kamara
Early in December the University of Liberia hosted its 88th Commencement Convocation at the SKD Sports Complex near Monrovia. This commencement saw nearly 2000 persons earning undergraduate and graduate credentials in a wide range of disciplines. This was very exemplary to the mass of Liberian people, because this was the second convocation in a space of 10 months, and there are claims that there will be another convocation by July 2010.Wonderful!
In addition, the activities leading to the convocation was a lot more organized than we have seen in the last 10 or more years. The weeks preceding commencement have normally been tumultuous - to say the least. No wonder, there were claims of grades buying and selling. Without attempting to clarify or confirm the allegations, I would rather proffer that such uncoordinated activities give in to rumor mongering, which could as well be the truth.
However these activities, concern is drawn to the stark statistics of the candidates. While accounting showed some 454 candidates in the face of widespread accountability and transparency concerns in Liberia, there were rather 197 management candidates to at least counter the gross mismanagement of resources in this country. With an economy as challenging as ours, another 145 candidates earned degrees in economics, and we are hoping that they can come forth with the research that will change the circumstances in the country.
But more than that and of most concern was the sad statistics from Teachers College. Of the 50 candidates who earned qualifications in educational related disciplines, 13 earned graduate degrees in educational administration and supervision, 36 earned undergraduate degrees in secondary education and a paltry 2 graduated in primary education. This is frightening and requires some attention. This means that something is wrong and must be corrected, pretty early.
What then could be the cause of this? Do we agree that teachers are significant and necessary for the fulfillment of a role in the education of the Liberian youth? Do we believe that more teachers would relate to an increase in the literacy rate in Liberia, and eventually an increase in the development capacity?
The task of identifying the very poor level of students in education may be numerous, but for the purpose of this work we need to limit to the following:
- the terribly poor state of salaries and emoluments for teachers, both from the government or private sectors;
- limited opportunities for teachers to seek advancement in the educational sphere;
- the lack of accreditation for people who enter the teaching profession;
- widespread parental disapproval of children who want to enter the teaching profession;
- the near poverty that the average teacher is accustomed to; etc.
Furthermore, because teachers have not had any special privileges in Liberia, including the privilege of engaging in wealth-making corruption, people do not encourage, and in fact discourage their children from pursuing teachers’ education. If this trend continues, I predict a day where there will be no teacher with a professional teacher accreditation.
There are limited scholarship opportunities for teachers. Students of education pay like all other students, even though the mainstay of their future employment is a low level government position.
Because there are no accreditation and licensing for teachers in Liberia, nobody wants to study teacher education. In the sad event that they do not get a job in another field, they take a teaching job as a temporary occupation. As a result, someone with a degree in economics or management will be seen teaching economics. Of course, he might shed light on some theory, but with the absence of teaching methodology or pedagogy, this so called teacher will be more interested in the students earning grades than understanding the subject matter. For the primary school level this is a disaster as the pupils will not get any basics.
How do we address this?
Teachers’ education programs must engage students at secondary school level and encourage them to enroll in education program. This can be done through career day programs that will teach the virtues of teaching and indicate how it will serve the future of our country.
The government must insist on the licensing and accreditation of teachers before they are permitted to teach. The examples should begin within the public school sectors. This would not mean driving away all of those without teaching education, but at least providing them beginning level courses that will ensure certification and accreditation for anyone with other qualifications serving as teachers.
Additionally, no new person should is employed to teach in public schools without a teaching certification, which should be concurrently instituted on a full time basis.
Increase salaries and emoluments for teachers, to create a moral incentive that would attract people to teaching. Do we recall that doctors have been given a base salary? Do we know that government lawyers are also given a base salary? Why not teachers?
More than that, government must endeavor to provide free education for people who are endeavoring to provide education for the Liberian children as their career choice. This will be a form of encouragement that will yield greater results for all.
We recall that the Government of Samuel Kanyon Doe as an attempt to increase scholarship in agriculture made studies at the College of Agriculture (UL) tuition-free. While the circumstances of agriculture has not changed much for the better, there is now a source of ready reference on agricultural issues which can sooner or later contribute to the increment in the amount of food on the Liberian table.
The challenge is now upon the government, and I believe that that can happen without changing the case for many other services. Otherwise, we risk sending our kids to Ghana and the US for primary school, and that could translate into another theater of conflict. Already, debate is rife about the perceived domination of foreign-based Liberian professionals in government positions. Of course, Liberia does not deserve any situation that will be based on privilege for one group as opposed to another.
I am hopeful that making room for improving the capacity of people to impart knowledge to the Liberian children would improve the educational fortunes of Liberia.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Kids2day! Convene Strategic Planning January 3
December 8, 2009: Ahead of activities for the 2010 fiscal year, Kids2day! will host an over night and all-day strategic planning session in Wuilor, Grand Cape Mount on January 2-3.
The session will be arranged to follow up on activities hosted across 2009 and to detail programs and events that the group will organize in 2010.
Participants at the session will include Community Liasions from the 10 kids clubs, program staff, as well as representatives from other communities that are desirous of setting up Kids Clubs and other affiliates.
The day and a half event will review expertise in programming, budgetting and planning, and will as well increase participants understanding of issues in human (including children) rights; education and innovative best practices.
Discussions at the session will also include partnership building, communication and project identification.
Kids2day! was developed to get kids to play a creative role in their development. It enhances their personal development, and lays the basis for their future.
The emphasis is on ensuring their rights - whether through education, health care, and other welfare, fully guided by the notion that they are kids today, preparing for a fully functional future tomorrow. For now, today, they remain kids and must be encouraged and prodded to develop.
Further information about kids2day! can be gleaned from kids2day4liberia.blogspot.com; You can also contact us at : +231 (0)6-522-334.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Kids2day! Campaigns To Help Eradicate Violence Against Women and Children
Kids2day! is supportive of and a participant in the 16 days of activism against violence against women and children.
As part of the advocacy, we are posting pictures from prior events that sought to send the same message.
Observing 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children
Also as part of this observance, Kids2day! is drawing attention to these points posted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
http://www.unfpa.org/public/News/events/16days/
16 Forms of Gender Violence & 16 Ways to Stop It
Violence against women takes many forms: sexual assault, child marriage, incest, wife beating, prostitution, female genital mutilation, dowry-related violence, trafficking, sexual violence during wars, femicide, sexual harrassment, 'honour' killings, forced sterilization, date rape, pornography and bride kidnapping. Violence against women may also take many forms of psychological abuse, intimidation and harassment.
All are unacceptable violations of human rights. Together they form a huge obstacle to gender equality and genuine human progress.
Each year, for 16 days, bookended by the International Day to End Violence Against Women (25 November) and Human Rights Day (1 December), groups from around the world join together to speak out against gender violence. Because all too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned.
This year's theme is one of empowerment: Commit. Act. Demand. We CAN End Violence Against Women. It reflects the fact that gender violence is increasingly being recognized as a stain on humanity and something that must and can be dealt with.
Sixteen Ways UNFPA Works to End Gender Violence
1. Uniting against the problem
Through the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works with a host of United Nations agencies and offices to galvanize action across the United Nations system to prevent and punish violence against women. See also the statement of the Executive Director of UNFPA.
2. Generating empowering conversations about the issue
UNFPA provides a social media space where people can bring their experiences, research and insights to the question, “How can we overcome this pervasive violation of human rights?”
3. Documenting successful approaches
Gender-based violence is a deeply rooted problem that demands strategic, comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches. In ten countries, UNFPA has applied such approaches and documented the experiences for development practitioners as well as other interested parties. See the multi-media exhibit. See also these new case studies.
4. Presenting positive images of men as role models
Any successful effort to end violence against women must involve the men who commit or tacitly condone it. A new photo exhibit commissioned by UNFPA shows men as positive role models at home, in the community and in the workplace.
5. Using the power of popular culture to prevent couple violence
The Chilean band Kudai, hugely popular with Latin American youth, has teamed up with UNFPA to spread the message that hurting your partner is decidedly not cool.
6. Calling attention to sexual violence as an instrument of war
Congo/Women, an international photography exhibition and educational campaign, compels viewers to acknowledge and respond to the suffering endured by women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to recognize the human faces behind it. See also this documentary.
7. Partnering with men to end violence against women
A new publication features five case studies from Eastern Europe and Central Asia of programming that has been successful in changing men’s attitudes. A global forum in Rio de Janeiro sought to redefine ideas of masculinity that permit gender violence, and the city’s programming is experimenting with therapeutic approaches. See also this roundup of ongoing activities to partner with men in the Asia and Pacific region.
8. Speaking out against female genital mutilation/cutting
Over 100 million women have been subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting, a practice that still puts up to 3 million additional girls at risk each year. UNFPA, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a $44-million programme to end this harmful traditional practice within a generation. Read about UNFPA's holistic approach to the issue.
9. Addressing the needs of women in refugee camp
Refugee camps are intended to be safe havens – but displaced women often face many forms of gender-based violence. UNFPA is part of an interagency team that sends gender advisers to humanitarian settings to ensure that women’s needs are being addressed. The Fund has also partnered on an interagency field manual that includes guidelines for addressing sexual and gender-based violence in refugee camps.mps
10. Highlighting the injustice of child marriage and too-early pregnancy
Child marriage is a health issue as well as a human rights violation. Because it takes place almost exclusively within the context of poverty and gender inequality, it also has social, cultural and economic dimensions, including high rates of maternal mortality and injury. See the award-winning video about child marriage in Ethiopia and read about the consequences of adolescent pregnancy.
11. Partnering with others to end sexual violence against girls
UNFPA has partnered with many organizations through the Clinton Global Initiative to take a new approach in addressing the rights violations and health impacts of sexual violence against girls. According to the World Health Organization, in 2002 approximately 150 million girls experienced some form of sexual violence.
12. Working with religious leaders to end tolerance for gender-based violence
UNFPA values the influence of religious leaders in preventing violence within families and reducing maternal mortality.The Fund works hard to build bridges between faith-based practitioners and development practitioners.
13. Publicizing the issue of acid burning and other unusual forms of gender violence
Every day, women are subjected to violence in many forms, such as acid attacks. Last year, the Fund publicized five stories that the global media might have ignored, under-played or simply been unaware of. Read the news release and related features from the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.
14. Offering alternatives to ‘survival sex'
In the capital of Haiti, which is plagued by political and social unrest, 11- and 12-year-old girls trade sexual favours for spending-money. A drop-in centre offers them other options. Read the feature story.
15. Calling attention to a new form of slavery
UNFPA works closely with governments to address the ever-widening threat posed by human trafficking and supports women and girls in their recovery and return home.
16. Assisting survivors of domestic violence
Most violence against women occurs in the home. But women often stay with abusive partners because they have no other place to go. UNFPA-supported shelters offer an alternative. Read the feature story, view a related video and learn more about programming approaches to the issue.
As part of the advocacy, we are posting pictures from prior events that sought to send the same message.
Observing 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children
Also as part of this observance, Kids2day! is drawing attention to these points posted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
http://www.unfpa.org/public/News/events/16days/
16 Forms of Gender Violence & 16 Ways to Stop It
Violence against women takes many forms: sexual assault, child marriage, incest, wife beating, prostitution, female genital mutilation, dowry-related violence, trafficking, sexual violence during wars, femicide, sexual harrassment, 'honour' killings, forced sterilization, date rape, pornography and bride kidnapping. Violence against women may also take many forms of psychological abuse, intimidation and harassment.
All are unacceptable violations of human rights. Together they form a huge obstacle to gender equality and genuine human progress.
Each year, for 16 days, bookended by the International Day to End Violence Against Women (25 November) and Human Rights Day (1 December), groups from around the world join together to speak out against gender violence. Because all too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned.
This year's theme is one of empowerment: Commit. Act. Demand. We CAN End Violence Against Women. It reflects the fact that gender violence is increasingly being recognized as a stain on humanity and something that must and can be dealt with.
Sixteen Ways UNFPA Works to End Gender Violence
1. Uniting against the problem
Through the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, works with a host of United Nations agencies and offices to galvanize action across the United Nations system to prevent and punish violence against women. See also the statement of the Executive Director of UNFPA.
2. Generating empowering conversations about the issue
UNFPA provides a social media space where people can bring their experiences, research and insights to the question, “How can we overcome this pervasive violation of human rights?”
3. Documenting successful approaches
Gender-based violence is a deeply rooted problem that demands strategic, comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches. In ten countries, UNFPA has applied such approaches and documented the experiences for development practitioners as well as other interested parties. See the multi-media exhibit. See also these new case studies.
4. Presenting positive images of men as role models
Any successful effort to end violence against women must involve the men who commit or tacitly condone it. A new photo exhibit commissioned by UNFPA shows men as positive role models at home, in the community and in the workplace.
5. Using the power of popular culture to prevent couple violence
The Chilean band Kudai, hugely popular with Latin American youth, has teamed up with UNFPA to spread the message that hurting your partner is decidedly not cool.
6. Calling attention to sexual violence as an instrument of war
Congo/Women, an international photography exhibition and educational campaign, compels viewers to acknowledge and respond to the suffering endured by women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to recognize the human faces behind it. See also this documentary.
7. Partnering with men to end violence against women
A new publication features five case studies from Eastern Europe and Central Asia of programming that has been successful in changing men’s attitudes. A global forum in Rio de Janeiro sought to redefine ideas of masculinity that permit gender violence, and the city’s programming is experimenting with therapeutic approaches. See also this roundup of ongoing activities to partner with men in the Asia and Pacific region.
8. Speaking out against female genital mutilation/cutting
Over 100 million women have been subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting, a practice that still puts up to 3 million additional girls at risk each year. UNFPA, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a $44-million programme to end this harmful traditional practice within a generation. Read about UNFPA's holistic approach to the issue.
9. Addressing the needs of women in refugee camp
Refugee camps are intended to be safe havens – but displaced women often face many forms of gender-based violence. UNFPA is part of an interagency team that sends gender advisers to humanitarian settings to ensure that women’s needs are being addressed. The Fund has also partnered on an interagency field manual that includes guidelines for addressing sexual and gender-based violence in refugee camps.mps
10. Highlighting the injustice of child marriage and too-early pregnancy
Child marriage is a health issue as well as a human rights violation. Because it takes place almost exclusively within the context of poverty and gender inequality, it also has social, cultural and economic dimensions, including high rates of maternal mortality and injury. See the award-winning video about child marriage in Ethiopia and read about the consequences of adolescent pregnancy.
11. Partnering with others to end sexual violence against girls
UNFPA has partnered with many organizations through the Clinton Global Initiative to take a new approach in addressing the rights violations and health impacts of sexual violence against girls. According to the World Health Organization, in 2002 approximately 150 million girls experienced some form of sexual violence.
12. Working with religious leaders to end tolerance for gender-based violence
UNFPA values the influence of religious leaders in preventing violence within families and reducing maternal mortality.The Fund works hard to build bridges between faith-based practitioners and development practitioners.
13. Publicizing the issue of acid burning and other unusual forms of gender violence
Every day, women are subjected to violence in many forms, such as acid attacks. Last year, the Fund publicized five stories that the global media might have ignored, under-played or simply been unaware of. Read the news release and related features from the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.
14. Offering alternatives to ‘survival sex'
In the capital of Haiti, which is plagued by political and social unrest, 11- and 12-year-old girls trade sexual favours for spending-money. A drop-in centre offers them other options. Read the feature story.
15. Calling attention to a new form of slavery
UNFPA works closely with governments to address the ever-widening threat posed by human trafficking and supports women and girls in their recovery and return home.
16. Assisting survivors of domestic violence
Most violence against women occurs in the home. But women often stay with abusive partners because they have no other place to go. UNFPA-supported shelters offer an alternative. Read the feature story, view a related video and learn more about programming approaches to the issue.
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