War Child UK’s Post

🌟 This year the BMJ's annual appeal supports ActionAid UK because periods don’t stop for disasters. 👩⚕️ Unfortunately, as Michael Noyes (head of ActionAid UK's humanitarian team) says, “Far too many marginalised women are forced to use torn pieces of clothing or dirty rags instead of safe, clean period products, and this puts them at risk of dangerous infections." 🌋 And women are hit harder by emergencies: “more women and girls [than men] are killed by rapid onset disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes” according to CEO Halima Begum, “and violence against women increases during all emergencies. There is nothing natural about this increased vulnerability. It is the result of the gender inequality and discrimination.” 🚑 That’s why, when a disaster strikes, ActionAid does things differently. We empower local women to lead the response. ✊ So, if you want to support a cause this Festive Season - choose The BMJ's appeal and give generously to change the world with women and girls: https://lnkd.in/enaX2gQ5

The war in Ukraine is a crisis for women - and housing is a key component of it. - 90% of those who fled the country are women and children - 61% of internally displaced people are women Watch Habitat for Humanity Great Britain's National Director Dr. Henrietta Blackmore discuss our work in the country and important partnerships to help secure vital shelter for vulnerable women and families with FRANCE 24 https://loom.ly/HKc3PR0

Myanmar is ranked as the world’s most violent and ‘fragmented’ armed conflict, with hundreds of small militias contesting the military’s February 2021 coup. (ACLED) It is also among the world’s most overlooked and least understood. This symposium will explore what is happening in Myanmar today: a People’s Revolution uniting groups across multiple divides. Facing sustained brutal suppression, the massive nonviolent Civil Disobedience Movement has connected with decades old armed political resistance to militarized state oppression of ethnic peoples. Although historically divided, multiple movements are now united in the goal of overthrowing an oppressive military dictatorship. Many are now working to lay the foundations for an inclusive federal democracy, in which all the peoples of Myanmar can experience self-determination within the unity of a responsive and accountable state. Elected parliamentarians and activists have formed the National Unity Government and a broad-based advisory body. They developed a Federal Democracy Charter to guide the revolution and to prepare for ‘the day after’ by creating local governance and transitional structures. All these developments grow out of a deeper revolution within the mind and societies of Myanmar. Youth are at the forefront, challenging old ways of thinking about gender roles, ethnic divisions, anti-Muslim and Rohingya exclusion, and reverence of the military. There is more willingness to recognize historic trauma and the need for healing to lay the foundations for a more equitable and just future. The transformative potential of this revolution builds on decades of peacebuilding initiatives – with significant involvement of EMU-connected people playing leading roles. Yet it also sparks challenges to some of the ways peacebuilding has been conceived. While the peoples of Myanmar have been tremendously resourceful, they are also suffering under the military’s bombardment and lack of humanitarian assistance, while the international community has mostly looked away. Learn both about the challenges and opportunities currently faced in Myanmar – as well as the lessons it offers for many post-colonial states struggling to create a future more beneficial for all. Nang Raw is a member of Myanmar’s National Unity Consultative Council, advisor to the Women Advocacy Commission - Myanmar and visiting senior expert at USIP and visiting practitioner in residence with EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. She has led peacebuilding efforts in Myanmar for decades with the Nyein Foundation. Catherine Barnes, PhD is affiliate faculty with EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and a peacebuilding practitioner and researcher, who has been involved in support for Myanmar peoples since 2008. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eDc3BGQs

Your blood rushes into your ears, muffling people’s screams as machetes slice through the air. You run faster, but you can’t escape the saccharine metallic smell coming at you from everywhere. A sudden burst of pup-pup-pup-pah-pah urges you forward, your feet peddling the air. Bullet casings fall to the ground, sounding like pennies rattling in a tin can. *** As violent conflict rages across our world, the need to prioritize peacebuilding in government budgets has never been so necessary. Read how Search for Common Ground's peacebuilding initiatives saved lives in Cote d'Ivoire and what happened when enough resources for peacebuilding initiatives were not allocated. #peacebuilding #impact https://lnkd.in/gpqcxada

Why Funders should invest in Grassroots refugee leadership? Today, millions of refugees in America confront these challenges, compounded by a hostile political environment that targets their very existence. States like Florida and Tennessee are ramping up measures that criminalize and marginalize refugees, further exacerbating the difficulties of starting over. Despite these hurdles, refugee communities are organizing and advocating for change. Funding local refugee leaders, as organizations like Unbound Philanthropy have shown, drives impactful social transformation. These leaders understand their communities' needs and are key to fostering resilience and justice. Funders, it's time to support grassroots refugee leadership and make a difference. 📖 Read more about this curated partner article by National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/edDSQ_Rv  #RefugeeLeadership #Philanthropy #SocialJustice #GrassrootsChange #CommunityAdvocacy #InvestInChange #NCRP #GivingCompass

Women are disproportionately impacted by gaps in adequate housing at the 'best' of times. During a conflict, they are at increased risk of homelessness, violence, forced evictions, exploitation and other problems. Safe housing is a critical component of protecting woman and girls during conflict and must be included in all relevant decision making. The conflict in Ukraine is no different: * 90% of those forced to flee the country are women and children * 61% of those displaced within the country are female * $56billion in damages to housing sector already (37% of the total damage caused by the war so far, according to the World Bank) * 10% of the total housing stock (approx 2 million units) in Ukraine has been damaged or destroyed Habitat for Humanity International has been working with partners in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Germany and Slovakia to support the short and long term housing needs of people impacted by the conflict. Ukrainians, and all people impacted by conflict around the world, deserve a better future: they deserve equal access to safe, affordable, decent homes.

“The systems of dominance and oppression are orchestrated in such a way that there is no war in this world that we’re not somehow implicated in, whether it’s through our tax dollars, pension funds, university endowments, especially if you’re located in the global north.” - Dr. Nisrin Elamin Our shared humanity, feminism, and commitment to the world we dream of demands our collective efforts. We must keep our eyes, heart and action on Sudan, Palestine, and Congo. Call to action from our Sudanese community: 📢Listen and amplify: Listen to Sudanese activists, especially girls and women and amplify their voices and leadership and ensure you are amplifying their needs and demands. 🌱Move resources: There continues to be almost no funding going to Sudan. Sudanese activists are asking for key resources for internal efforts as well as those displaced and in exile - in the immediate and long-term. 🔗Connectivity support: Internet shutdowns are continuing all across Sudan. There needs to be more attention and support to ensure vital digital connectivity across all Sudan. ✊🏾Hold governments accountable and ensure support for Sudanese refugees: Sudan is facing its most severe refugee crisis to date, necessitating immediate and coordinated humanitarian action and support for refugees. Call on your representatives and agencies to respond and meet this urgent need. In Canada, you can sign the Sudan Solidarity Collective's open letter: https://lnkd.in/g3VFSZpD Art by the brilliant Amanda (eyes.on.Sudan) -- Learn more: 🌐Sudan Solidarity Collective: www.sudansolidarity.com/ 🌐Move resources directly to girls and young feminists responding to crises: https://lnkd.in/ekvXZeW 📰The Black feminists that broke philanthropy’s inaction in Sudan https://lnkd.in/dyC8mCH4 📰Sudanese Feminist Sisterhood: At the frontline of radical resistance and solidarity: https://lnkd.in/ge6yy-en #KeepEyesOnSudan #KeepEyesonRafah #EyesonCongo #OurStrugglesAreConnected Nisrin Elamin Black Feminist Fund Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network WHRDMENA Coalition The Institute for Journalism and Social Change

We've published a briefing paper highlighting the ongoing efforts of women-led and LGBTQIA+ organizations in Ukraine. These orgs are providing crucial humanitarian assistance for the last 2 years. Learn more about their experiences and challenges in our report. Voice of Romni https://lnkd.in/dJWf2se8

MenEngage Alliance, along with our over 1,100 members from 92 countries around the world, collectively express our deep sadness and dismay at the horrifying attack on the refugee camp in Rafah, Palestine by Israeli forces. According to Save the Children, at least 66 people—including children—were killed. This violence and killing must end now. Those responsible must be held to account. Once again, we collectively appeal to the international community and the responsible authorities for an immediate cease fire. We reiterate our call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. And we stand in solidarity with international calls for the end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and for the liberation of Palestinians, for a future based on principles of peace, reconciliation and human rights. We re-share our statement of 10 November 2023, with a deep sense of dismay, grief, and anger that the killing of Palestinians has continued unabated in the seven months since then. We urge the entire international community, policymakers, and world leaders to work for peace and human rights - NOW! 👉Read our statement here: https://bit.ly/3VncuVr As an intersectional network that strives for gender justice and inclusivity for all, we join the call of all the feminist voices that have raised how the occupation in Palestine is indeed a feminist issue. We urge leaders and all who support the cause of peace and justice to heed the calls of feminist peace movements and networks, including statements and resources by: 📢The Palestinian Feminist Collective (a sign-on from 2021 that remains urgent and relevant today) 👉  https://bit.ly/4c5IKSA  📢Coalition of Feminist for Social Change 👉 https://bit.ly/3X7zfOc  📢Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (a resource page with information on the situation in Palestine)  👉https://bit.ly/4bLvvXf

In my experience working with youth fighters in challenging conditions, I learned that gaining their trust requires patience and understanding. These young people, often intoxicated with local poisons and suffering from hunger, were initially very difficult to approach. It took time to carefully observe and comprehend their infrastructure, values, norms, and social fabric. By investing in this understanding, I was able to engage them in discussions about mutual respect and dignity. Treating them with genuine respect and dignity helped open doors that had previously been closed to humanitarian support. While this approach may not be universal, it tends to be effective in internal conflicts. It is a place-based and space-based experience that we can learn from one another. I believe that this method can significantly enhance #humanitarianaccess and #protectionofcivilians in similar situations. #peace #Humanitarianwork