reflections of an aid worker in the time of COVID-19

As a humanitarian, I’ve worked in health emergencies around the world. Alongside many amazing colleagues, I’ve responded to Ebola epidemics, malnutrition outbreaks, and set up programs for victims of conflict and violence. I work with communities to try and understand their needs, and adapt our responses to their concerns. I’m used to working in times of stress, intensity, and danger. For the first time since I’ve started this work however, I’m scared of what I’m seeing and what we are collectively living through.

gender at work-supporting a global workplace

As a transnational feminist network, we believe in addressing deep structures and social norms within organizations and society and strive to build cultures of equality, inclusion, and peace. The perpetual fight for social change and justice requires a continuous effort, especially in trying times like these. To respond responsibly to these abrupt and unpredictable changes will require adjustments in the way we do our work, and the way we support our staff, associates, consultants as well as our partners.

Episode 13: Insubordinate Leadership

We are living in a time, which adrienne marie brown describes as apocalyptic – a time that demands that we draw our imagination to think beyond what is politically possible, which she says is “simply not enough”. What does feminist leadership look like in such times?

Jatou’s Story

As a change team on School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV) we wanted an environment free from SRGBV in all forms and settings to guarantee the full participation of all, especially of women and young people. Our first responsibility now was to give Jatou counselling and empathise with her. 

Gone Are The Days When SRGBV Went Unnoticed

I believed that women were supposed to sit on mats while stools and chairs were for men. As a young boy, I started imitating what I was observing and I used to refuse to sit on a mat. Whenever I was told to go and put firewood in the cooking stones, I would do it hesitantly because I knew it was the work of women and girls.

Teacher Advocacy Is A Key To Creating A Safe Learning Environment for All

The SRGBV initiative had helped me to find my voice again. This learning space helped me and other teachers to reject acts that seek to dehumanize me or others. I hope that as I continue to advocate against SRGBV I will activate many more activists to find their voices. I believe that when the voices of activists come together the vicious cycle of SRGBV will be broken and schools will be free from SRGBV.

The Power of Words in Fighting SRGBV

He walked in with a cane and with just that gesture, the class fell silent. His presence was not only intimidating but also somewhat unsettling. The way he looked at us through his glasses, one felt as if he could see right through your soul and know exactly what you were thinking about him. He seemed to like the fact that we all seemed scared of him.