Strategic Advocacy for Gender Equality Investment

Addressing Violence Against Women in Politics.

Missed the leadership lab? Learn more about the key takeaways from the session! 

WHAT WAS THE SESSION ABOUT? 

The session focused on strategic advocacy for gender equality, addressing violence against women in politics, and the role of men in promoting gender equality. Throughout the session, we heard from various speakers and young feminists who shared their experiences on women’s objectification in politics and the workplace, the role of men in promoting gender equality, and the importance of education and income support for women.

The session paved the way for plans for activism, including a proposed in-person leadership lab and face-to-face brainstorming sessions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Advocating for Gender Equality in Politics: There is a need to involve young people in advocacy efforts and to hear their insights on advancing gender equality and combating violence against women. Given the underrepresentation of women in political spheres, where women hold only 25.5% of seats in national parliaments worldwide, it is crucial to address violence against women in politics and explore strategies for achieving gender equality.
  • Violence Against Women in Politics: The session emphasized the wide-ranging effects of violence against women in politics, including physical injuries, mental health issues, loss of income and career opportunities, reduced self-esteem and confidence, and reduced participation in public life. It is crucial to consider the needs and perspectives of women when crafting policies. It is crucial to implement zero-tolerance policies to protect women against violence in politics, promoting gender equality within the party, support legislation and policies that address the issue, allocate resources for prevention programs, and holding perpetrators accountable.
  • Patriarchy is a key driving force. The judicial system has often failed to respond adequately towards violence against women in politics.
  • There is a moral responsibility for men to challenge and dismantle structures of inequality. Grassroots initiatives play a major role in shaping society’s attitudes and policies related to gender-based violence. It is crucial to create safe spaces for dialogue and educating individuals and communities about gender issues.
  • Strategies to fight Gender-Based Violence: economic empowerment programs and gender-responsive policies, educating both men and women about gender issues, and improving the human development index through education and income support for women.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SESSION 

  • Understanding Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP): Provide an in-depth understanding of Violence Against Women in Politics, including its forms, perpetrators, and impact on women’s political participation. Examine the intersectionality of VAWP, considering factors such as age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, and political affiliations
  • Advocacy Approaches: Explore successful global advocacy strategies to address VAWP. Share case studies of campaigns and initiatives that have raised awareness and brought about positive change.
  • Data Collection and Awareness: Discuss the challenges in data collection related to VAWP and explore innovative approaches to capture the magnitude of the issues. Highlight the importance of raising awareness about VAWP to overcome stigma and encourage reporting.
  • Intersectionality and Inclusivity: Emphasise the intersectional nature of VAWP and the need for inclusive approaches in advocacy efforts. Discuss strategies for involving diverse voices, including youth leaders, in the fight against VAWP.
  • Investment in Prevention: Highlight the role of gender equality investment in preventing and eliminating VAWP. Explore ways to advocate for increased investment from governments and other stakeholders in programs addressing VAWP.

MODERATOR OF THE SESSION

Merab Ochieng

Merab Ochieng holds a degree in Law from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, a Masters Degree in Gender and Peace-building from the United Nations University for Peace, Costa Rica and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Transformation with a specialization in Sustainable Peace and Security. She is keen on creating major platforms for democracy and governance, gender and community development, human rights advocacy, civic education and mobilization to motivate and empower individuals and communities. She has worked with Women Empowerment Link, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Volunteers Network of Kenya, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

SPEAKERS FOR THE SESSION 

Rijve Arefin

Rijve Arefin is a highly skilled and experienced professional in the field of community development and youth activism. He is the Co-Founder of the global non-profit Awareness 360, through which he is empowering young people in 40+ countries in the Global South to advance the UN global goals. Rijve’s has assumed the position of Vice Chairperson of the Commonwealth Students Association and has established multiple award-winning social enterprises and has received numerous accolades for his work. This includes being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and a Featured Honoree for Social Impact, as well as being the recipient of the prestigious Diana Award. With a background as an Advisor to the United Nations Global Compact’s Target Gender Equality Programme, Rijve is an exemplary advocate of gender equality. He is also a US State Department Alumnus, a TEDx Curator, a Royal Commonwealth Society Fellow, a UNDP Youth Co: Lab Fellow, a member of the Climate Action Champions Network, Plenary Lead and International Taskforce Member of the last Commonwealth Youth Forum, a Global Youth Ambassador of Theirworld UK.

For his gender equality efforts last year, he was recognized as a 30 for 2030 Young Leader by UN Women. Furthermore, he was listed as a USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Fellow in Dubai. He has served as a Youth Development Consultant in South Africa for CIVICUS and has taken up leadership and advisory roles for multiple international organizations in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa. He has worked with youths from 100+ countries, governments, corporates, and various UN agencies. For his outstanding commitment to promoting the values of the Commonwealth and working to improve the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens, Rijve was invited to the Royal Commonwealth Society International Meeting in London, UK, and spoke with Her Majesty Queen Camilla, wife of His Majesty King Charles.

Andrea Cruz

Andrea Cruz, Social Worker is one of the founders of “Nosotras la preferimos sencilla” in Honduras.I She has been working with the promotion of SRHR, menstrual health and prevention of violence against girls and women for almost 6 years.

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