WUNRN
http://www.mamacash.org/publications/who-counts/
Direct Link to Full 27-Page Mama Cash Report:
http://mamacash.org/content/uploads/2013/06/Mama-Cash-report_Who-Counts.pdf
An
Inclusive Vision for Ending Gender-Based Violence
What is
gender-based violence? Who experiences it? What and who gets left out of
mainstream definitions? The groups Mama Cash funds are not only committed to
ending violence, but are also redefining and challenging the very definition of
what violence is, including who experiences it. To capture the lessons from
this ground-breaking work, Mama Cash has developed a report that documents the
work of 27 groups around the world.
‘Who
Counts? An Inclusive Vision for Ending Gender-Based Violence’ highlights
the successful strategies activists are using to address instances of
gender-based violence, which takes many different forms. Three examples of
these strategies are:
Arts and
Direct Action
The use of creative, visual approaches to activism in public – such as art,
street theatre and flash mobs – can be both memorable and reach beyond the
usual audiences. In addition, it sends a powerful message that people who
are often invisible have a right to public space.
For
example, one goal of the One in Nine Campaign in South Africa is to highlight
the exclusion of black lesbians from low-income communities from the broader
LGBTI movement in South Africa. One strategy the group used in October 2012 was
to lie in the path of an LGBTI pride march that had been predominantly
organised by middle-class, white South Africans. The protest was a powerful and
visual strategy to claim space within the LGBTI movement and opened up a
broader conversation about racism within this movement.
Changing
the Language
How we use language is not only a reflection of society’s ideas and beliefs,
but can also help shape them. Many of our grantees challenge prejudicial and
stigmatising language, and promote using words and meanings that are important
to them, and that reflect the realities of their lives and identities.
For
example, Empower Foundation Chiang Mai, a sex workers’ rights group in
Thailand, developed the ‘Empower Dictionary’, which lists the words that sex
workers use to describe themselves. The group uses the dictionary at meetings
or press conferences to challenge people’s use of language that promotes
stereotypes and prejudice.
Broadening
the Leadership Base
A common challenge in many organisations is that the leadership is often
concentrated in the hands of just one or two people. Shared leadership,
particularly with younger members and constituencies, can be an effective way
of embracing diversity and ensure the sustainability of the work.
For
example, the Namibian Women’s Health Network advocates for the health rights of
women. One method the group uses is to organise dialogues for HIV-positive
women. The leadership of the organisation noticed the absence of younger women
from these dialogues and partnered with a young woman that is passionate about
working to end the violence and exclusion faced by women living with HIV. As a
result, 30 other young women have become active in organising workshops and
campaigns, and raising national and international awareness about the coerced
sterilisation of HIV positive women.
Learning
for Change
We hope that Who Counts? will provide greater insight into
the incredible work that is being done by women, girls, and trans groups around
the world, to end gender-based violence. By documenting these amazing examples
of activism we hope to inspire further action and contribute to the ongoing
learning of the social justice philanthropy sector, and of women’s rights and
feminist movements around the world.