UUA International

No Longer in My Name: Faith-Based Response to Faith-Based Intolerance in Uganda

ntiedeman — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:03 +0000

The Unitarian Universalist United Nation’s Office and the Unitarian Universalist Association’s LGBT Uganda Fund, in collaboration with the United Nations NGO Committee for Human Rights, cordially invite you to:

No Longer In My Name:

A Faith-Based Response to Faith-Based Intolerance in Uganda

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, 5-9pm

United Nations Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza, NYC

Wine and Cheese Reception: 5:00pm

Program: 6:00pm

Special Screening of the new film: GOD LOVES UGANDA
Interfaith Clergy Panel Discussion
Personal Messages from LGBTI Ugandans and Ugandan Faith Leaders

Since 2008 Western Evangelical missionaries have inundated Uganda, spreading a gospel of Homophobia, resulting in the draconian “Anti-Gay” Bill and violence against the Ugandan LGBTI Community. This inspired the
murder of rights leader David Kato. Join us in reclaiming faith as a tool for peace, love, tolerance and dignity for all!

About the film

The feature length documentary God Loves Uganda is a powerful exploration of the evangelical campaign to change African culture with values imported from America’s Christian Right.The film follows American and Ugandan religious leaders fighting “sexual immorality” and missionaries trying to convince Ugandans to follow Biblical law. God Loves Uganda premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Watch a preview of GOD LOVES UGANDA here!

About Faith-based LGBTQ Advocacy in Uganda

Today the only outwardly LGBTI friendly religious clergy in Uganda are UU Minister Mark Kiyimba and Bishop Christopher Senyonjo. They have formed a coalition called The Eddoboozi, composed of eleven Ugandan faith-based organizations that oppose the anti-gay bill and call for a more tolerant, non-violent approach to homosexuals. Rev Kiyimba, Bishop Senyonjo and The Eddoboozi have communicated that what they need most are faith allies to join them in Uganda in their call for religious tolerance. Rev. Kiyimba believes that a public well-attended symposium can help change the atmosphere of intolerance. He suggests creating a “Symposium on Reconciliation” conference in Kampala, where international faith leaders will come and teach a gospel of tolerance and love.

The UU –United Nations Office is working with Rev. Kiyimba and Bishop Senyonjo to organize a high profile symposium conference in Uganda where famous and influential faith leaders like Bishop Desmond Tutu and Rev. Jesse Jackson travel to Uganda and publicly teach and workshop with local clergy and citizens in Uganda. At this conference, we can screen films like “God Loves Uganda” and bring in experts to talk about both science and values. We think that this will have the greatest impact with respect to changing the hearts and minds of the Ugandan people.

About the UUA LGBT Uganda Fund

The UUA LGBT Uganda Fund is dedicated to empower LGBTI affirmative religious leaders in Uganda. Funds support LGBT Homeless Youth resources, HIV+ Orphanages, and the creation of an annual Symposium on Reconciliation Conference, where influential faith leaders from all over the world come to Uganda to preach against violence and intolerance. LGBT Faith-Based Advocacy has been shown to be the most effective vehicle for change in religious nations, yet it is the most underfunded area of LGBT activism. Help make an invaluable impact for LGBTI people living in Uganda with your generous tax deductible donation to the UUA LGBT Uganda Fund. Please consider making a generous donation to the UUA Uganda LGBT Fund, supporting these local progressive faith leaders who are LGBTI Allies in Uganda. Donate today!

Co-sponsored by:

The Unitarian Universalist Association -United Nations Office

United Church of Christ

Muslims for Progressive Values

Union of Reform Judaism

JQY Jewish Orthodox Queer Youth

GLAAD

Love Beyond Borders

You Are Welcome: Every Child is Our Child Site Visit

kjacob — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:24:37 +0000

This year the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office sent three office members, UU-UNO Envoy Coordinator Kamila Jacob, New York University Social Work Intern Jacklyn Booth, and Fordham University Social Work Intern Anida Fregjaj to Ghana for the annual Every Child is Our Child Program Site Visit. This site visit was a unique opportunity for staff and interns to engage the community at different levels, to learn from the experiences of community leaders, families and children, and to bring these stories home. Following is the beginning of a collaboratively written diary of the experience. Read more about the relationships strengthened and built, the challenges that exist in the communities and the lessons brought back to share by clicking on each day below.

Kamila Jacob, Jacklyn Booth and Anida Fregjaj

The car ride from Accra to Odumase, where the Every Child is Our Child (ECOC) program is located, provided the first opportunity for us to observe our surroundings. As we moved from the urban region to more rural spaces, the potholes began to act as streetlights. Slowly, the poverty became more apparent and we were struck by the socio-economic disparity surrounding us as we drove through the landscape. A huge walled-in mansion on one-side of the road, what seemed to be a pile of aluminum and clay rubbish (but was actually a home) on the other. And yet, the marketing and display of the shops alongside the roads was impressive; it was easily accessible, organized, and aesthetically pleasing. Again our eyes traveled to the half completed construction sites, some looking abandoned (with plant life starting to take over) while others sheltered families. We couldn’t wait to start our journey in Odumase.

Our day by day diary:

Day 1: Saturday: Meeting with the Queen Mothers and ECOC Children

Day 2: Sunday: Ghanaian Spiritual Culture and Engaging Families and Communities

Day 3: Monday: Visiting ECOC Schools and Exploring Universal Education through the eyes of Teachers

Day 4: Tuesday: Spending Time with two students Grace and Macy; Meeting the ECOC Board

Day 5: Wednesday: Expanding Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Intervention in Ghana: Local and National Levels

Day 6: Thursday: Departing Thoughts and Future Work

Inspired by Indonesian Unitarians

Rev. Eric Cherry — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:02:14 +0000

The Unitarians of Indonesia are an inspiring part of our global faith with tremendous commitment, good organization, an evangelical attitude, and a strong focus on ministry with youth and young adults. It was a pleasure to visit with them for 4 days in April 2013.

Gereja Jemaat Allah Global Indonesia (JAGI) - the Unitarian Christian Church of Indonesia, was founded in the mid-1990’s by Rev. Aryanto Nugroho and currently has around 500 members. Rev. Nugroho has published highly regarded theological books, and is very well connected in interfaith circles and with national leaders.

JAGI is headquartered in Semarang, where the church owns and operates a large building that houses the sanctuary, classrooms, offices, a library, and space for a future NGO. A maternity clinic – Bhaki Ibu – operated by the wife of the founder of the church sits across the street from the church building; Mrs. Nugroho estimates that she has been a midwife at more than 200,000 births.

JAGI is administered by a National Leaders Board that includes a Council which supervises a Board of Elders and an Executive Board (responsible for daily operations). JAGI has 8 ordained ministers and an executive director. It consists of 4 Churches (Semarang, Jakarta, Solo and Sukorejo-Pasuruan) and 3 Mission Areas/Fellowships (Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Klaten). Semarang is the most established congregation and at the center of JAGI.

Worship services are held on Saturdays, in the Sabbatarian tradition, with charismatic and engaging worship leaders. Sabbath begins with a prayer service, followed by religious education in age groups, followed by an intergenerational worship service. After worship, the community gathers for lunch. And, after lunch various church activities take place. The Youth and Young Adults meet each Saturday afternoon for 2 hours.

JAGI’s Unitarian theology is based on strong monotheism and relies on Jewish and Christian scripture. JAGI doesn’t celebrate traditional Christian Holidays (Christmas, Easter), but does celebrate Passover and the Lord’s Supper (2x/year). JAGI recommends a kosher diet for its members, but does not enforce this strictly.

Ministry with Youth (including Young Adults): JAGI is realistic about its future – its leaders want to build strong Unitarian families whose children will become committed Unitarians. They hold terrific activities for their youth – including annual camping excursions. And, the youth have strong bonds – in fact, the entire Unitarian community is closely bonded and committed.

Ellen Kristi, the Religious Education Director, is well versed in cutting-edge educational practices that she uses for the Sabbath School classes. She hopes to eventually establish a Unitarian school. JAGI is now familiar with UUA RE curriculum and plans to mix/match pieces of it that can help their Sabbath school. The older Youth – university students – are very interested in creating connections with Unitarian youth in other countries.

It is exciting and inspiring to know that JAGI is growing our global faith in Indonesia.

Please enjoy an online photo gallery from the visit

Half the Sky Film Screening

kjacob — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:27:10 +0000

The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office has partnered with the Half the Sky movement which raises awareness about critical women’s rights issues, opening a space for a deeper discussion and action steps. The UU-UNO has developed a resource packet so that congregations can host screenings and guided discussions. Suggestions for immediate action steps that can be taken by individuals and congregations are also outlined in this packet.

On April 12, Arun Lobo, a UU-UNO intern through Fordham University, flew to Durango, Colorado to facilitate the discussion at the Half the Sky Screening at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Durango.This film was inspired by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s bestselling book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.” Hidden in the overlapping problems of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality is the single most vital opportunity of our time – and women are seizing it. From Somaliland to Cambodia to Afghanistan, women’s oppression is being confronted head on real, meaningful solutions are being fashioned.

Arun Lobo

UUFD is a small congregation, but it is not a barrier for them – they took the initiative to host this screening and discussion in their Sanctuary. Maureen Maliszewski, the Chair of the Social Justice at UUFD, organized this event with 48 participants who participated actively in an enlightening discussion. The event began with lighting of chalice by Arun and an introduction of UU-UNO. Arun is a Franciscan Priest from India who has worked on many of the issues described in the film. He was able to provide the audience with firsthand accounts to reinforce the Half the Sky film. One of the participants said, “Maureen, we are so fortunate that Arun was able to come to Durango to share firsthand experience with us related to issues covered in Half the Sky. Arun brought home hard realities that often seem far from our daily lives in Durango.” Nine people who attended the event were so inspired that they are in the process of forming a local ‘Half the Sky’ action group and as a whole, the attendees raised over $500 to support the work of the UU-UNO on critical women’s rights issues.You can read more about this screening in the Durango Herald here.

Audience in Durango, Co.

The next screening of this film will be held in New York City at the Community Church of New York, on May 12th. If you would like more information about the upcoming screening or you are interested in hosting a screening of the 40 minute, condensed version of Half the Sky, please contact us at unitednations@uua.org.

Sex, Love and Violence: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in a Globalized World

kjacob — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:43:06 +0000

The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office hosted the annual Intergenerational Spring Seminar on April 4^th through the 6^th. The title this year was Sex, Love and Violence: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in a Globalized World. We had 135 attendees of all ages from all around the United States and Canada. The seminar illustrated two different perspectives on how to advance equal rights for all humans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The first perspective examined the importance of governments and inter-governmental organizations, such as the United Nations, working on equal protection under the law, by passing laws (countries) and setting global standards (United Nations). The second perspective explored changing the hearts and minds of people, thus creating sustainable change. This can be created through efforts in different constituencies in our communities: Religious communities and sports are two important examples. Change starts within yourself, one person at a time.

Panel on Global Discrimination & Criminalization of LGBTQ.

At the heart of our Unitarian Universalist faith is a call for universal salvation. In humanist terms this salvation is not contained under the rubrics of “acceptance” or “tolerance” but rather the rubric of “love.” Similarly, this salvation is not inert or predetermined but is instead living and fluid. In other words, for Unitarian Universalists, salvation is lived. The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office’s 2013 Spring Seminar on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity took up this issue of lived salvation in a myriad of ways.

Through each of the speakers, panelists, and creative presentations of the participants, the seminar strove to explore the question of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) through an international lens. Key themes that were focused on were those of the power structures replicated through use of certain language, the facts and figures demonstrating oppression of non-heterosexual youth globally, and what individuals situated in our cultural context can do in our everyday lives to live with love and not ignorance.

Intergenerational Seminar Attendees outside the United Nations.

During the morning of the second day of the Spring Seminar (Friday), a young Ugandan refugee, stood up and shared his story. This was a turning point in the seminar, marking the point where the planning, the people, and the panels all stopped and everything came into clear focus: The reason we work for awareness, education, and advocacy on these critical human rights issues is for individuals. We are promoting the inherent worth and dignity of ALL people, we are fighting for the right that people can love whomever they want without fear or death, we are working to unlearn stereotypes and assumptions about SOGI and LGBTQ persons. Being a part of the international community, it is easy to get caught up in the logistics and policies, but as we continue building bridges in our communities and moving forward in our work in SOGI rights we must not forget the individuals. We will stand, speak, and act in solidarity!

During the envoy lunch, we talked about multigenerational work and how envoys take the lead in showing how empowering congregations to participate in multigenerational, multicultural service and structures are beneficial not only for congregants, but also for the Unitarian Universalist movement.

Spring Seminar Attendees at the Interfaith panel held at the United Nations.

Coming out of the 2013 Spring Seminar there was a common conclusion held among the participants that nature creates diversity and that life cannot be accurately described in binary terms. There are many sexual orientations and many gender identities. Whatever our sexual orientation or gender identity, we all deserve a safe and dignified life. Our Interfaith panel affirmed that no matter how we worship, there is no justifiable theology in any religion to oppress people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In fact, scriptures were discussed from Islamic, Jewish, Hindu and Christian sources which affirmed the dignity of worth of every person regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. There is no scripture in any religion which calls for people to be killed, deprived of an education, health care, housing, employment or the love of the adult partner of their choice.

Check out a detailed list of the panel discussions and panelists and view video from the Interfaith panel:

Dublin Unitarian Church: Walking the Talk

international — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:27 +0000

Currently located in Dublin, Ireland, Ron Campbell and his partner Vicky have been members of the UU Congregation of Princeton for over 34 years. Below, Ron shares their moving experiences with the Dublin Unitarian Church.

I have thought of myself as a Unitarian Universalist (“UU”) ever since my college days over 50 years ago. In fact, I entered through the Unitarian door prior to our 1961 merger with Universalism. My wife Vicky and I were married in a Unitarian Church over 48 years ago in Detroit, MI.

Thus it was that, when I was offered an assignment from my company to work in Dublin, Ireland, we were delighted to discover the Dublin Unitarian Church (“DUC”) on St. Stephen’s Green in the City Centre of Dublin. We were warmly welcomed when we went there the first time last November. Especially inspiring was witnessing the DUC’s strong and active leadership in the greater Dublin community, working to heal the wounds and scars of the decades-long religious and political difficulties, commonly referred to as “The Troubles.”

Not only were we welcomed, we immediately had the opportunity to attend a seminar recognizing Francis Hutcheson, a long overlooked native son of Ireland, who had spent several influential years in Dublin at the start of his prominent early 18th century career. This seminar was organized in large part by members of the DUC and involved the unveiling of a plaque honoring Hutcheson on a historic old church. Hutcheson seems to have been overlooked as one of our key pre-Unitarian forbearers, who had espoused and strongly influenced the free thinking egalitarian principles of our 18th century Unitarian founders and spiritual ancestors.

The organizers used the occasion to invite and include about twenty ex-prisoners from “the other side of the border to the North.” Members from opposite sides of “The Troubles,” some of whom have spent 20 years in prison, came down from the Belfast area to attend the event. We learned afterwards that they came here on the same bus to participate in this process of reconciliation. A photo was taken of them, all standing together with their warm smiling faces, standing in apparent celebratory unity. Later that evening, my wife and I were honored to be invited to join everyone in an Irish pub, together with the ex-prisoners, to listen to some traditional Irish music, with contributions from a mixture of highly talented musicians, and, of course, drinking a pint or two of Guinness.

A couple of days ago, the DUC had its 13th annual Good Friday reading of the names, alphabetically, one-by-one, to commemorate all those killed in “The Troubles,” now a total of about 3,500 names. It takes about 3 hours to read all the names. Different congregants take turns reading the names. No commentary, just the names. If two names are the same, the year, and the month, if needed, of each death is given, making certain that the inherent worth and dignity of every person whose life was cut short by “The Troubles” is truly commemorated individually.

Being of Northern Ireland descent, I listened closely as they approached the part of the alphabet when the name of a Campbell might be read, wondering whether a single Campbell name would be included. I counted the names of 27 Campbell’s. That’s almost 1% of the victims. Some are likely not-so-distant relatives. As I sat there, I wondered if I could have read through all those Campbell names, without stumbling. The mere thought brought tears to my eyes. In that moment, I felt deeply connected to all 3,500 people killed. I also felt deeply connected with this Emerald Isle, whichever side of the line I may come from. In addition, I felt privileged to be sitting in that pew, connected with the DUC.

The Dublin Unitarian Church is walking the talk of our common traditions, boldly, simply, and powerfully. We are proud to be a witness to the DUC’s active leadership in promoting love, acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness.

As one final note, the DUC is now celebrating the 150th anniversary of the building of their traditional Christian church structure, with its large and magnificent stained glass windows, standing as a historic site right on St. Stephen’s Green in the City Centre of Dublin. They are also now heavily engaged in the start of their ambitious 250,000 Euro restoration of their impressive organ.

I am writing this with the hopes that others of our UU or Unitarian backgrounds, from the US or elsewhere in the world, will be motivated to make a point of including the DUC in their itinerary when they come to Ireland, and certainly if they come to Dublin. I’m sure our many new Irish friends, the Minister Bridget Spain, Chairman Rory, Josh, Fergus, Mary, Tony, Jennifer, Aubrey, Ray, Caroline, Marcus, Dorene, Jane, Allison, Betty, and many others, would warmly welcome you as they have Vicky and me.

Justice Con: JUUstice for All Souls

kjacob — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:56:52 +0000

The UU-UNO Youth Conference, “Justice Con” was first executed at First UU in Brooklyn, NY with the help of the Metropolitan New York Youth/Adult Committee (YAC). “Justice Con” was designed to work across districts with flexibility to include district-based schedules and traditions while updating workshops as needed.

The Joseph Priestly District Youth Steering Committee (JPDYSC) hosts 4 Youth Conferences (Cons) a year – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. JPDYSC routinely works with guest presenters in the Winter, but this year took on something new; JPDYSC partnered with the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office for the annual Social Justice themed WinterCON.

We worked together to set the schedule, structure the workshops, and include JPD CON traditions. We had meetings, we had conference calls – so many conference calls – and next thing we knew, registration was open! Justice Con: JUUstice for All Souls was being advertised in JPD congregations, on our webpages, and – of course – on Facebook. As the date got closer and closer, we had more and more participants register. The participant total reached a new record high at WinterCon, 137 participants!

Opening night, we started off by learning about JPDYSC and the CON Covenant. Participants were introduced to the youth and adult leaders who ensured us we would have a wonderful weekend at the congregation of All Souls DC. We then played a rousing game of UU-UNO Trivia: Are UN or are you out? The Friday night worship was joyous, celebrating the international language of laughter.

The next morning we woke up bright and early for our jam packed day of justice work. We started off in small groups to reflect on our past, current, and future work around social justice. What is social justice? What do I actually do? All participants created their own Social Justice Suuper hero character. We then shifted into a growth activity. The purpose of the activity was to understand the intricacies of privilege and the impact of support systems that were in place before we began making our own life choices. We highlighted factors that re-enforce and widen gaps in resources and access to opportunities. At the conclusion of the activity, participants were invited to reach out to one another in love and to support one another through change and fear (read aloud as a closing was a poem by Sara Moores Campbell entitled: Love Casts Out Fear).

The workshops offered were all youth-led and covered different social justice topics with an international lens: indigenous rights, women’s rights, climate change, race and immigration, and lgbtq rights. We also had workshops that focused on constructing and taking action; how to tackle international human rights issues through Unitarian Universalism. These workshop themes included how to challenge discriminatory policies and laws, multigenerational work in congregations, the UU-UNO Envoy program, and SUUper hero improvisation. We also had a change agent workshop which allowed all participants to learn and practice different facilitation techniques to use when leading multigenerational discussions at their congregations and within their youth groups. Participants were also asked to role play and problem solve with different facilitation styles and characters.

The All Con activity of cape making was a great success. WE HAVE SO MANY SUUPER HEROES. Following cape making we met in small groups from the same congregation and/or from the same area to come up with an social justice event we would bring back to our home congregations. Each group was given a worksheet to fill out to help with the organization of the event; how do you reserve a space? Who do you call? Who will call this person? When will we meet to plan? Copies of each event plan were given to the UU-UNO Envoy Coordinator to follow-up and assist anyone with materials or other needs upon request. During Coffee House (or Cawfee Hause as it is commonly known) we had a cape Fashion Show. Although it was music-less at first, with the help of the audience participation and a volunteer host, the room was quickly filled with excitement and cheers – everyone got to strut for social justice! The second worship service called for participants to look at stereotypes based on age. Worship leaders encouraged one and all to hear these stereotypes and remember that what stereotypes are not full of truth. Wise words of advice and comfort were also shared, inviting us to remember that we are all beautiful, we are loved by one another, and to stay confident as we are all wonderful human beings.

Sunday morning was slow to start as the realization that we would be parting ways began to set in. As the smell of fresh biscuits filled the congregation, participants filled out their evaluations and packed their Purple Cow (JPD photo and contact packet for all participants). Our closing circle was brief with complex and yet message: go out there and save the world by being the change you want to see. The UU-UNO was so thankful to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with JPDYSC. Justice Con: JUUstice for All Souls was a great success and the UU-UNO can’t wait to partner with another youth group or District Leadership team in the very near future.

If your youth group or district is looking to host a UU-UNO youth conference please contact:

Envoy Outreach Coordinator, Kamila Jacob at kjacob@uua.org.

*Photo credit to Wendi Winters, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis

The 57th Session of the Commission for the Status of Women at the United Nations

kjacob — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:24:25 +0000

The Commission for the Status of Women’s 57th Session (CSW 57) took place from March 4th-15th, here in NYC, at the United Nations. The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office took an active role in the CSW events. Below you will find summaries of all of the CSW panels and events attended by our office representatives.

What exactly is CSW? Every Spring the CSW meets for two weeks to develop recommendations for international communities on a specific topic. This year, the focus of the meetings was on the Elimination and Prevention of all Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls. CSW events are attended by UN agencies, NGOs, government representatives and others. For additional information on CSW, click here. To read panelist papers from some of the CSW meetings, click here.

Engendering Bottom-Up Justice Reform- A Grassroots Women’s Approach for Securing Access to Justice, hosted by UNDP and Huairou Commission.
Date: March 4, 2013

Research conducted across 7 African countries supports that efforts to secure access to justice for women in the global south must move away from the trickle-down approach and instead move to empower and promote women-led grassroots efforts. Community women must be acknowledged as leaders in these efforts and be fully engaged in all stages and steps of change processes. These efforts are most powerful when they collaboratively engage women alliances and men allies, and are supported through enabling environments. Women in community-based programs know there is more power in numbers, and they are coming together to create forums to make their voices heard and increase their presence in decision-making processes, both locally and nationally. “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” They are challenging governments and governmental systems, asking critical questions and exposing injustices. Major challenges still exist in overcoming language barriers in legal systems and in harmonizing traditional and national laws.

Strategies of resistance: Combating Violence against Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Women, hosted by ILGA, Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights, Swedish Government Offices
Date: March 4

The event covered the work of L(G)BT organizations from different parts and continents of the world, sharing knowledge about how to raise awareness and increase visibility of LBT women, and violence against LBT women but also violence in same-sex LBT relationships. The prevalence of violence against LBT women is probably higher than officially reported due to criminalization and cultural oppression of LBT relationship in certain countries. The panel and attendants called for increase the reporting of data to increase awareness about this situation that is often overlooked when discussing violence against women.

Violence against Women in Gender-Equal Societies, hosted by The Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud’s Office in Norway and FOKUS-forum for Women and Development, Norway
Date: March 4, 2013

Gender equality is a highly valued principle in many gender equality friendly societies, such as Norway, where the public discourse and the development of public policy is anchored within an equal opportunities framework. While the equal opportunities agenda has paved the way for significant advances for women and girls in the public sphere, it has not been equally effective in addressing gender based-violence. Sexual harassment and violence against women and girls is a matter of particular concern. Hence most of the discussions were on the strategies and measures that can effectively address the root causes that underlie the persistence of gender based violence. Though Norway is considered as gender equal society, it is only in cabinet that the numbers of ministers are equal in both genders. The country still has 40:60 ratio in all other aspects in society. LGBT people do have problem and risk for violence, and above all women are still not reporting violence. Though the panels on women are all over this week, one cannot deny the patriarchy that still exist in gender equal societies because we do not have equalization of gender role. Dr. Michael Kaufman, rightly concluded saying that we take away men from the violence against women, the actual title should be “Violence by men against women.”

Women’s Economic Empowerment as a Tool for Combating and Eliminating Violence Against Women, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Israel, the UN Economic Commission for Europe and the Coalition against Trafficking in Women.
Date: March 4,

Measures must be engaged to promote the economic empowerment of women as part of the international agenda; assisting women in being active participants in realizing enhanced livelihoods and improved quality of life. Research has shown that when mothers have money, the family benefits as a whole; the children have more opportunities to education, health care, and adequate nutrition. Violence against women is a cross-cutting issue and is deeply embedded in issues of poverty and access to resources. One way in which violence in impoverished women is sustained is through dependency; by opening up opportunities for women to generate their own incomes we can break barriers to overcoming violence created by a dependency on perpetuators. Further sustainers and challenges include poor education, a lack of sufficient professional training, and access to markets. Improving awareness through research, capacity building, creating gender sensitive policy, and open exchange of best practice are just a few of the measures suggested by the hosting agencies. We must move away from dependency and foster INDEPENDENCE!

Documenting Violence Against Lesbians, Bisexual Women and Transgender (LBT) People in Asia, hosted by IGLHRC

Date: March 5^th

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission’s Asia Pacific Program Coordinator, and research project partners from Asia will highlight challenges, strategies, and unexpected takeaways from a three-year project documenting violence against lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Asia.

This year’s theme, ‘Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls’ of the Commission on the Status of Women, has a particular resonation for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) communities. LBT people are often subjected to violence on many levels, at home, in society, and from police or other state actors.

Panelists in this event are participating in a three-year project documenting the violence that lesbians, bisexual women and transgender (LBT) people have experienced in five Asian countries. Grace Poore is coordinating this regional action research project, which has involved training in-country partners to conduct human rights documentation and data analysis, and editorial assistance with reporting. Partners are currently developing reports to will be released in 2013.

Mental Health Implications of Violence Against Women and Girls, hosted by The World Federation for Mental Health

Date: March 5, 2013

An excerpt from UU-UNO Intern, Jacklyn Booth’s speech, ”Although I strongly advocate for education and economic empowerment as avenues for fighting oppression and violence against women, I do not believe that either can be fully successful independent of the other. Furthermore, neither can be fully successful without taking into account the need for mental health services. This is especially pertinent in countries which suffer from political and social instability and conflict, as well as in countries that report high incidents of gender-based violence, all which greatly impact the mental health of women.

Take for instance, the thousands of women around the world who have lost their husbands or other male relatives during wars. In a country where the future of a woman depends on her husband, widows are often powerless. This results in a loss of identity and one’s place in the society. Depending on men emotionally and financially, and finding it difficult to cope with the loss, often results in these women falling into a state of depression. The most immediate service needed may be directed towards lifting these women out of poverty, but what about her psychological state? Mental health services provide a space to build a foundation of coping skills and support for women that will last beyond when crisis interventions or emergency relief services are gone.

Although, mental health may not be the direct target of a project, mental health cannot be ignored. This includes considering the implications on individuals and communities when mental health services are integrated into policy and practice. For instance, at the program level, how is a woman’s role in her home and community impacted if she begins working in a sewing collective outside the home? While this may decrease the social isolation for this woman, it may also result in violence from her husband who feels his role in the household is being threatened. Similarly, what are the effects when a girl attends school in a community where the girl child is needed in the home to help with household duties? How does this girl adjust and cope to these dual demands? In some countries girls must sneak out to go to school, with deadly consequences if they get caught learning. This is not a call to remove these activities, but a reminder that we must consider the additional risks women and girls are exposed to through development programs, as well as consider what physical and psychological protective factors are in place. The oppression and psycho-social barriers experienced by women are socially created and by changing the balance of power in the home or community, women may experience positive and negative effects.”

Innovative Approaches to Challenge Cultural Practices the Promote and Fuel Violence Against Women, hosted by Open Society Foundations, International Women’s Program

Date: March 6, 2013

Culturally acceptable roles or behaviors that exist for women and work to oppress and perpetuate violence must be challenged and examined. These restrictions are often stigmatizing and result in punishment for those women who fail to conform to such roles or behaviors, holding the women responsible and guilty for provoking violent acts and reactions by men. This only works to promote wide spread tolerance and privatization of violence against women, instead of viewing these acts as pervasive and grave violations of human rights. Strategies aimed to address gender violence must start at the cultural level, working on behaviors and relations between men and women in their daily lives. Successful efforts are documented with programs which target girls and boys generally in the school system, the families, and the media.

Zero Tolerance of Violence against Girls, hosted by International Presentation Association, Working Group on Girls, Congregation of our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.

Date: March 6, 2013

The panel and discussions were interesting with Swarnalakshmi, a visually impaired girl, a young boy Muthu Selva from India, who is the executive members of Child Parliament in the state of Tamil Nadu. The neighborhood groups or communities seek to promote direct democracy and governance by people through multi-tier networks of neighborhood parliaments. The main discussions were on bringing the girl child freedom and providing her protection by peer groups and adults. They narrated success stories of stopping child marriages and rescuing the child brides with the help of child parliamentarians. The idea of these groups to prevent atrocities over women and girls are modeled by neighborhood-based basic communities of Latin America. Here the families in the neighborhood came together, learned together, discussed together, decided together and acted together. Hindered of thousands such communities came up all over the continent. The basic characteristics of these communities are they were small in size because in a smaller forum even the small voices of the small people could get listened to and be taken seriously. The session was diverted from violence against women to children involvement in preventing violence against children in rural India.

Eliminating all Forms of Violence against Girls and Women of all Ages, hosted by Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, Institute for Women and Girls.

Date: March 9, 2013

The Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in 1995 had reaffirmed dignity and equal rights to women and pledged to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence. However, we find that violence against women and girls has increased considerably. The condition of women’s safety and rights everywhere particularly in India continues to be critical as women try to become more independent. The dichotomy of the status of women still continues to exist, as we see woman swaying on the heights of success and lowering to the depths of misery. On the one hand women are gaining excellence in education, jobs, politics, technology, etc., breaking free from various chains that had been tied to them. At the same time she remains vulnerable to male domination and a patriarchal structure with strong social-cultural practices that bind a woman from her full attempts to freedom. Empowerment is freedom of choice or right to make decision. A woman is challenged in her choice to make a choice. In a society whth the norm of son preference the birth of a male child is considered good fortune and is celebrated. India is party to the UN CEDAW (UN Convention on the Elimination on the Discrimination on Women), India also has national provisions in the form of Constitution Guarantees and some laws in the Indian Penal code that protect women specially victims of rape and sexual assault, there are also gender specific laws to address rights to abortions, dowry deaths, domestic violence etc. But the role of Social worker goes beyond laws and codes. Today rural women need agents to bring out their potentialities and help them stand for themselves.

Educating Women and Girls for Communities Free of Gender Based Violence, hosted by the UU-UNO.

Date: March 11, 2013

The speakers on our panel included: Tiloma Jayasinghe, the Executive Director of Sakhi for South Asian Women, a non-profit organization working to end gender-based violence. She was formerly a Social Affairs Office at he United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, where she was responsible for analyzing and identifying policies and practices eliminating violence against women from an international perspective. Pauline Park, Chair of the New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy (NYAGRA) and president of the Board of Directos as well as Acting Executive Director of Queens Pride House, which she co-founded in 1997. Dr. Jean D’Cunha, Global Policy Adviser for Employment and Migration UN Women, based at UN Women HQ. She was the Regional Programme Director for the former United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) East and Southeast Asia Regional Office and the Regional Advisor/Programme Manager for the former UNIFEM Asia-Pacific and Arab States Regional Programme on Empowering Women Migrant Workers in Asia.

In order to combat and eliminate violence against women and children, further efforts must be directed towards prevention. The panelists illustrated international models for using education as a tool to combat violence against women as well as considering other tools. The panel discussed some of the successes and failures these models present as well as recommendations for the international community for moving forward. Some of the questions considered included: Is education a useful tool? How can we utilize and integrate education in a culturally sensitive way? What additional factors must be considered when developing policies and programs that utilize education as a means for addressing the issues surrounding gender based violence? Panelists also discussed other methods to protect women and children from abuse that go beyond education. The panelists illustrated the importance of educating communites against the disrimination of women to reduce violence and the significance of engaging all stakeholders in the conversation of violence. The causes and felt individual and community impacts of violence against women are complex and will only be effectively addressed through collective action. This panel provided an opportunity for information exchange among international experts on successful gender rights campaigns, programs, and policies using education to prevent and eliminate violence against women.

Girl Rising, hosted by UN Foundation

Date: March 11, 2013

There are variety of factors that keep girls and women worldwide trapped in a cycle of illiteracy and poverty – from lack of quality health services to restrictive home environments – and there is only one proven solution: equal access to education. Yet for many girls in marginalized communities worldwide, the problems keeping them from attending school go far beyond just literacy rates and school fees. The movie Girl Rising is the story of nine such girls who have crossed the stereotype of rural women and have changed their future by adamantly pursuing their education. The Director Richard Robbins says “when girls go to school and get an education, they stay healthy. They save money. They speak up. They build businesses. Then they pass it all on…poverty declines. Challenges become opportunities; progress happens.” Around the world, girls face barriers to education that boys do not. But when you educate a girl, you can break cycles of poverty in just one generation. Statistics offer insights on the current status of girls’ education, and also illustrate the lasting impact education has on girls, families, communities, and nations around the world. Globally, 66 million girls are currently not enrolled in either primary or secondary education. 80% of all human trafficking victims are girls. In a single year, an estimated 150 million girls are victims of sexual violence. Girls with eight years of education are four times less likely to be married as children. Educated mothers are more than twice as likely to send their children to school. A girl with an extra year of education can earn 20% more as an adult. Girl Rising gives an awareness of the status of women and an inspirational movie to everyone to work for the wellbeing of girl children.

Increasing Momentum for VAW Prevention, hosted by The GBV prevention network: Isis-Women’s International Cross Cultural Exchange (WICCE), The Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA Uganda), mentoring and Empowerment Programme for Young Women (MEMPROW), Raising Voices

Date: 3/13/13

This panel addressed statistical analysis, solidarity, and collective action as methods for challenging, combatting, and eliminating gender-based violence. These three methods, with solidarity highlighted in particular, work best when we can recognize that this is emotional, goal-oriented, a process, and a state of being. We need to address infrastructure and institutional and cultural stigmatization. We mustn’t only be reactionary. There is a feminist approach to address root causes and the impact of power. This calls us to recognize imbalances, work to remove boundaries that prevent us from working together, take a multidisciplinary approach to educating constituents, and work collaboratively on strategy/agenda setting. There is much work to be done and it can be accomplished as long as we work together. Not just organization to organization, but also educating one-another, educating regardless of gender, age, and ethnicity – we must connect with each other, get informed, acknowledge and respect each contribution, and very importantly, trust. We must trust and affirm our actions for positive change.

Japan Earthquake: Two Years Later

international — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:21:36 +0000

Guji Yamamoto of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine conducts a memorial ceremony at the site of a Tsubaki member’s demolished home. June 2011.

Today is the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.

The massive destruction and loss of human life was compounded by the threat of radiation from four damaged nuclear reactors. Two years later, reconstruction is still uncertain in many areas hit by the disaster because of the dangerous radiation levels. Unitarian Universalists gave very generously to a joint UUA-UUSC emergency relief account, eventually donating over $560,000, of which the UUA granted half to historic faith partners in Japan carrying out relief and UUSC granted to Japanese social organization focusing with women and immigrant workers.

The UUA supported historic faith partners,the Tsubaki Grand Shrine, Konko-kyo, Rissho Kosei-kai and the Dojin Universalist Church in their relief efforts which combined spiritual and tangible assistance to their constituencies in Sendai. This support quickly provided relief supplies, made it possible for worship halls to serve as community emergency centers, and provided trucks to reach isolated people.

Later UUA support helped to rebuild sanctuaries and worship centers devastated by the Earthquake. Most recently, support has gone to Rissho Kosei-kai’s long term recovery support work installing radiation indicators in the Fukushima area, and portable radio-scopes for their Fukushima Division office. Throughout this partnership work the deepest appreciation expressed by our partners has been for our solidarity and care – a priceless contribution as every one of us knows from our own experiences of crisis and tragedy.

The UUSC focus on marginalized groups in disasters led it to develop programs with immigrant workers in Japan with an emphasis on non-Japanese speaking immigrants, including the high number of non-Japanese women married to men from the northeast. These included immigrant run multi- lingual radio programs with call in shows to provide information, advice and support to those isolated by language, and establishing a multi-cultural, multi-lingual community support center in MinamiSanriku run by immigrants and Japanese. This provided legal aid, volunteer coordination, support services and communal dining.

UUSC also helped establish a multi-lingual domestic violence hotline providing immigrant women with a range of supports and connections to available services. Finally, UUSC worked with a network of women’s groups to “engender” Japan’s national disaster response.

International Inspirations: Ela Bhatt

international — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:04:44 +0000

The Faith Without Borders program is re-launching as a new individual/congregational resource for UU’s interested or currently engaged in international work: uuinternational.org

Encompassing the diversity and scope of current international UU projects and opportunities, Faith Without Borders represents a streamlined and unified web presence for the collaborative work being done between: The UUA’s International Office, the UU Service Committee, the International Council of UU’s, the International Convocation of UU Women, the International Association for Religious Freedom, the UU Partner Church Council, the UU United Nations Office, and the UU Holdeen India Program.

As the site develops its collection of resources in the coming months, Faith Without Borders is pleased to share a new series of web-based resources called “Inspirations,” which tell the story of global Unitarian Universalism through our international partners and the work they are engaged in.

Inspirations: Ela Bhatt

This week’s Inspiration comes from the UU Holdeen India Program:

Ela Bhatt, founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), a UU Holdeen India Program partner, received the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize earlier this month. The prize is one of India’s highest accolades. Learn more about the inspiring work of SEWA in this brief video clip!