Papa’s Post

When women take to the streets you should listen. Women took to the streets so we could vote. They were despised and denigrated by the majority of the population, including other women. Especially other women. And yet - thanks to women who took to the streets, we have the right to have our own bank accounts, to own property in our own name and to vote. And… to Run for election. Isn’t it time to acknowledge women who protest loudly and thank them for the courage and commitment to changing what’s really wrong with society. Women already have too much to do - when they take to the streets - loud, but non violent- join them. And if you can’t join them, acknowledge them, celebrate them Why would you not want a world free from violence? Is it enough that we settle for a bank account and a vote? Vote then. Vote against violence against women. I spoke with 2 police officers this week who are called out over and over again for gender based violence. It’s not a class or money issue. It’s rooted in a system that thinks women are property and worth less. Even in leadership positions. Even with money. Systemic issues need all of our energy to make positive generative change for all. We can change this.

Let's Choose Love Over Violence At Girls and Women Empowerment Network - GWEN, we aim to create a world where relationships are built on love, respect, and equality. We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness. But the truth is, gender-based violence is still a harsh reality for many. 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual abuse, and 1 in 2 women experience psychological abuse. It's time to say enough is enough! We're working to create a world where love and respect triumph over violence and fear. Our Couples' Picnics and workshops are just the beginning. We're bringing people together to learn, grow, and support each other in building healthy, equal relationships. Will you join us on this journey? Let's choose love over violence and create a brighter future for all

I know many people in my network care deeply about the health and safety of their #workforce, women's rights, and #financialinclusion, so this article may be of great interest to you. My dear friend Dale Margolin Cecka wrote a terrific piece in Salon on "It Ends With Us" and the true cost of domestic violence. Please read and share. https://lnkd.in/e3KzBrZs

#RecognizingAllVictimsofDomesticViolence. In the ongoing battle against domestic violence, our focus has predominantly been on advocating for women who suffer at the hands of abusive partners. While this is undeniably a critical issue, it is equally essential to recognize and address the less acknowledged victims – children and men. In the realms of gender-based violence (GBV), our efforts often center around combatting violent husbands. Walk through the slums, and you'll likely encounter walls adorned with the resounding call to "STOP GBV!" Yet, amidst the prevailing advocacy, a significant category of victims remains in the shadows. Children, often the silent casualties of toxic family dynamics, receive disproportionately less attention. The trauma they endure in their formative years can cast long shadows into adulthood. It's vital to remember that the seeds of today blossom into the fruits of tomorrow. Equally important, but frequently overlooked, are the men who endure emotional violence. While they may not manifest physical aggression, the scars of emotional abuse run deep. The challenge lies in reporting such abuse – how does a man provide tangible evidence of emotional victimization to a police officer? Today, I urge everyone, especially feminists and women activists, to broaden our perspective on domestic violence. Justice is synonymous with fairness, and fairness dictates that we acknowledge and address the emotional suffering of men and the silent struggles of children. Let us be advocates for justice that encompasses everyone. It's time to break free from gender biases and stand together for a world where justice knows no gender. Justice for men and children is not a call for special treatment but a plea for equal consideration. Let us champion a cause where every victim finds their voice, regardless of gender or age. Together, we can build a society where the fight against domestic violence is truly inclusive. @UNWomen @CREAWKenya @FeministsInKenya @UNICEF @FIDA-Kenya #DomesticViolence #GBV #JusticeForAll #Equality #EndTheSilence.

Varvara Gulina highlights a critical issue: our churches can be unsafe for daughters, sisters, and mothers, as the problem of violence against women in the Orthodox Church is frequently overlooked. How widespread is this issue, and what actions can we take to make a difference? Let's start the conversation. #ViolenceAgainstWomen #OrthodoxChurch #SafeSpaces #WomenEmpowerment #FaithCommunity https://lnkd.in/eAgridCh

While listening to an audio book recently, a thought-provoking question was posed: "If you were given a million pounds today to make a difference in the world, what would you do?" This question resonated with me, especially considering the self-help book I wrote this year, which initially appears to be about overcoming busYness but ultimately delves into deeper drivers. If I were fortunate enough to receive a million pounds, my focus would be on tackling violence towards women and children. I strongly believe in the power of awareness and resources to effect change. With this in mind, I would work with others to create more initiatives that enable men to express their emotions and comprehend the impact of their actions. I would prioritise educating parents on how to raise boys in a manner that allows for healthy masculinity and respect for others, and girls to understand healthy boundaries. Being a parent myself, I know this is a gap. By equipping parents with the knowledge and tools they need, we can lay a solid foundation for a more compassionate and equitable society. To support survivors of abuse, I would be a voice for them as well as establish specialised programmes and communities that not only provide education and support but also celebrate the strength and resilience of survivors. These communities would serve as safe spaces, promoting understanding and striving for gender equality by bringing men and women together. Recognising the importance of professional support, I would invest in training programmes for therapists, counsellors, and law enforcement personnel. By enhancing their skills and knowledge, we can ensure that survivors receive the highest quality care, while also emphasising the rehabilitation of perpetrators and the development of healthier relationships. Lastly, I would dedicate efforts towards improving the justice system to ensure that violent individuals are held accountable for their actions, while survivors receive the justice they deserve. This would involve advocating for policy changes, enhancing support services within the legal system, and exploring alternative approaches to rehabilitation. By addressing these various aspects comprehensively, I am confident that we could make significant progress in reducing violence towards women and children, ultimately striving for a safer and more peaceful society for all. This week the College of policing released a report showing violence against women and girls has increased to epidemic proportions, with 3000 crimes reported every day. Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth stated ‘Violence against women and girls is a national emergency.’ Its interesting … that this came from if I had a million pounds… So now what? Could I do some of this without the money? Yes I can and I know that I will… it’s my way to turn the thorn I was given into a rose 🌹 What would you do with your million?

We have evidence based risk factors and greater frameworks to tilt practice. But none of this can compete with the complexities of coercive control. We need to build connections, between agencies and those involved in the violence. We need to be curious, take the time to explore the dynamics. Suggestions to issue mandatory Intervention Orders after serious assault, 48 hour remand for each Order breach, optional confidential counselling when Triple Zero is called (whether an offence occurred or not), electronic monitoring of offenders charged with a criminal harm, compulsory behaviour change programs for people who use violence, a National education program about Family Violence offered in upper primary, through high school, tertiary education and available in the community (it needs to highlight that fatalities can and do occur, even if there has NEVER been physical abuse, because it is about power and control, not being physically harmful) and a Nation wide disclosure/access program, should all be taken seriously. There's so much more that we can do.

Gender violence does not only affect the survivors but also their supportive family and friends. For mother's who are survivors, healing takes years. After their physical wounds are healed, there is regret and self pity to deal with. There is loss of years of happiness & fulfilment to try to catch up with. Daily, I interact with these women whose self esteem is so battered, they don't believe they have any beauty or ability or praiseworthy talent left in them. They are unable to believe that they achieved a lot in raising children amid brutality, shielding others with their own bodies and at risk of their mental welfare. The effectiveness of personal interactions, of retelling of stories from their perspectives is priceless. Allowing the tears to flow in an atmosphere of understanding; allaying the fears and social myths that allowed the violence to go on without condemnation or question from surrounding family and friends who allowed the violence is part of the sessions. More and more, we must allow survivors to name the perpetrators of gender violence. They must be named and shamed, whether alive or deceased. Supporting relatives of defilers and abuser must be named as accomplises. Injustice to one is injustice to all. I continue to be that listener in sad conversations, that I may encourage, uplift and empower. At Miale ya Imani CBO, we spare entire days to allow the telling, the remembering, the crying and we embrace pain. We continuously share experiences, but only for the purpose of proving that no matter how much pain was inflicted, the survivor was never to blame. The survivor can and will move on . That joy and laughter and new developments will be realised. That love will be experienced again. Together, we can. Women empowerment is not just a goal, it's a sustainable cultural experience re- invented. #endgbv #yeswecan #welisten #metoo

Gillian’s Place extends our heartfelt condolences to Ashley’s family and friends during this extremely emotional and difficult time. As this article highlights, during such a prolonged period of heartache and hope, Ashley’s family and friends have helped support Gillian’s Place and have been strong advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people are disproportionately high when compared to rates of violence against non-Indigenous peoples. Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than non-Indigenous women and 16 times more likely to be murdered or missing than are white women, with many factors playing into the role of disproportionate violence that include racialization and mental health. In 2020, one in five women killed in Canada was First Nation, Métis, or Inuit While every population is part of reconciliation, it is of utmost importance that the voices and recommendations of Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront. To read Ashley's story visit gilliansplace.com/commnews

One25 are a vital partner of ours who meet women who are deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society. Many are in crisis and many are street sex-working. Izzy Collyns from our Specialist Housing Service is currently on secondment from One25 as the Ara Womens Housing Specialist worker. In Izzy’s own words... ‘I work in partnership with One25 and Ara as a Women’s Housing Specialist. I support vulnerable women to either maintain or attain safe and suitable accommodation so that they can begin to thrive and live lives that are meaningful to them once they have a solid base to start from. Through this partnership I am able to reach those that are most vulnerable and most in need of support and unconditional positive regard. Many of the women I work with are intrenched within cycles of substance misuse or domestic abuse. The most important part I’ve found regarding working with these women is being non-judgemental, being kind and being genuine – often these women have spent their whole lives being told their actions are wrong, they are wrong for staying with an abusive partner, and that society generally thinks of the essence of their experience and decisions as ‘wrong’. This perpetuates the cycle and goes no distance into empowering women to try and find a path that is healthier and happier for them.’ #One25 #housing #homelessness #endviolence #women #domesticviolence #empowerment