The Importance of "Umoja" in the Fight for Gender Equality

2013-06-16T21:35:03-04:00

Video from abc40 news, wggb.com

By Erin Corbett

For many around the world, the third Sunday of June (celebrated widely on other days as well) is a day dedicated to celebrating dad: it’s Fathers Day! It’s a day to show fathers how much they are appreciated, while honoring and celebrating fatherhood, and the influence of fathers in society.

What is especially important to think about is, in fact, this immense influence of fathers (and men) in society. This year, I decided to think about fathers in a global context, particularly their role in the fight for gender equality.

I reached out to third year Hampshire College student, Elizabeth Wright. Elizabeth is an intern with Burundian based organization, Umoja Now. The organization works to achieve gender equality and end gender based violence by bringing men and women together. Umoja translates to “unity” from Swahili, a name perfectly suited for this organization as it seeks to fight for gender equality by strengthening the unity between men and women. Umoja Now, with offices in both Burundi and Western Massachusetts, combines law, policy, social work, and development to accomplish this mission.

I asked Elizabeth to tell me a little bit more about an event that Umoja Now organized to be held this year on Fathers day in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Elizabeth discussed the event, known as One Billion Fathers Rising, which is organized by, for, and about men working to end violence and abuse in their communities. The event brought together activists, educators, musicians, and dancers, while raising awareness about the important role of fathers in ending violence and abuse, which is why the event is held on Fathers Day.

Why is it important to engage men and fathers in the fight for gender equality?

Wright explains,

“Equality cannot be accomplished if both genders aren’t involved equally. Fathers play a crucial part as role models for their sons and daughters.”

One Billion Fathers Rising was a success, gaining significant media attention. The many performers and speakers attracted locals around Downtown Northampton, who stopped by to listen to the music and speeches and learn more about the work of Umoja Now.

It is important to remember, in the fight for gender equality and ending violence against women, that using “umoja” or unity as a lens paves the way to embracing peace.

Click for more information about Umoja Now.

Parliament Raises the Roof for Tar Sands Protesters

2013-06-13T20:58:09-04:00

Photo credits to http://campusprogress.org/campus_files/uploads/images/tree.jpg

Environmental activists against tar sands, which is a form of fuel producing more GHG emissions than conventional oil, have posted a video of themselves visiting the parliament in Canada. The activists managed to climb the roof of the parliament with t-shirts saying "oil out of politics," in hopes of disrupting the prime minister, Stephen Harper's address. Three demonstrators have been arrested.

The Guardian states the following:

"The Love Canada Hate Tar Sands site said: 'We have entered parliament to interrupt Harper's speech. We have managed to climb onto the roof with T-shirts saying 'oil out of politics', 'stop Harper' and 'stop the tar sands'. Two campaigners spilled molasses on the floor outside of Parliament'"

The activists said in a statement: "Cameron's government opens its arms to Harper and his cronies … Harper should be shamed internationally but he is instead invited to address both houses of parliament. Harper has taken Canada down a dangerous climate path, destroyed whole ecosystems and overriding centuries-old treaty rights."

Other protesters have demonstrated outside of the parliament as well. The UK Tar Sands Network protested as the Canadian prime minister arrived, with close to 50 people campainging against the extraction of oil from tar sands in the boreal forests of Canada.

"The group wants the UK government to support EU measures to label tar sands as more polluting than conventional oil and to discourage its future import."

EarthAction

The Importance of "Umoja" in the Fight for Gender Equality

Parliament Raises the Roof for Tar Sands Protesters