Today's Reports

Engaging Men of Faith to be champions in the fight to end gender based violence
We will speak Out U.S, IMA World Health

2016-03-14          Eirwen Pallant

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

Facilitator – Jimmy Briggs of Man Up, , 2 male –Episcopal Church Bishop from Liberia, Co-Director of Connect(USA) 1 female –Catholic Minister from Burundi and leader of Interfaith Coalition against GBV. (2 other conversationalist denied visas so not present)

“You don’t preach a sermon with words but by the way you live your life “ – Martin Luther King Jnr

•             Working with faith based allies considered one of the quickest ways to change attitudes

•             Need to challenge our pastors and congregations to have the difficult conversations. Takes moral courage.

•             Men’s apathy makes them complicit in GBV – they do not challenge it   

•             Men respond differently as individuals than as groups. Individually condemn but not in group settings

•             Intersecting issues such as drugs, gang culture, migration provide way in to discuss GBV

•             Telling people should not do it doesn’t work, need to engage with them

•             Approach boys where they are. Understand state violence & race discrimination and how it affects them. Discuss as continuum of violence GBV on that continuum

•             Need proactive response to GBV before crisis occurs

•             Approach Gender Justice as a discipleship issue

•             Gender equality often seen as not hitting your wife. Needs explanation that involves far more.

•             Need to foster accountability to counteract power imbalance. Pastors seen as less powerful- poorly paid, lack of respect and power. Perpetrators more wealthy, exert power through wealth and control of livelihoods.

•             Faith congregations and leaders to concentrate on working together instead of judging one another

•             Approach FGM through health education.

•             Lessons in school/church can be unlearnt at home. Work with families, men & boys together. Engage with Men’s ministries

•             Apply lessons learnt from working with HIV. Need to address the issue not hide it or sweep it under the carpet

•             Training for faith communities to discuss and address the issue. Creation of a ‘sacred space’ for discussion

•             Address the issue with all involved not just the perpetrator  

•             Use specialist organizations so pastor not expected to be expert in all areas of social work

•             Challenge parents where their children are getting their ideas as a stimulus for parents to discuss issued with their children

•             Use of partnerships/teams to address issue –example from panelist as black male practitioner works with white woman theologian

•             Restoration of trust in the church needed

•             Churches reputation of judge & punish needs to be changed to one of ‘works with’

•             Church needs to have forgiving and listening attitude

•             Include minorities such as LGBTIQ with listening attitude, not preaching

•             Recognise others with different theological perspective, arises from different interpretation of the bible. Start with ‘made in the image of God’ in discussions

•             Mentoring for making positive contribution to society

•             Social life training for both boys and girls

•             Entry points for youth- music, sport
What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
•             The church has a central part to play to achieve gender equality and to combat gender based violence

•             Churches and church leaders need to have the moral courage to address the issue with their people

•             Conversations can start with the biblical understanding of all made in the image of God
Weblinks for More Information
www.wewillspeakout.org

 www.manupcampaign.org

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Ensuring gender equality and sustainable livelihood in post disaster situation

Global Fund for Women (GFW), MADRE and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Legal Aid and Consultancy Center (LACC) and Women's Rehabilitation Centre, Nepal (WOREC Nepal)

2016-03-14          Captain Kathy Crombie

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

A gender-centred approach is important

1. Sneha Campaign – Aims to spread love and compassion post earthquake Nepal, 2015, create support system and stand together with other women to provide relief with dignity.

* Important that self esteem be maintained in providing shelter, food safe space, psycho-social counseling and health camps in 12 of 14 districts affected by earthquakes.

* Challenges or difficulties faced included: co-ordinating with other agencies, in finding safe spaces because of scope of devastation, hiring staff because many people’s own lives affected, transport extremely difficult because of rainy season and terrain affected by road blocks because of earthquake, language barriers, threats from political perpetrators or leaders associated with them, limitation of existing legal support and processes in place made elderly women and widows, and girls  who are already marginalized, more vulnerable. Because of lost documentation as houses were lost, it was hard for people to receive relief.

* Outcomes – safe spaces established for women and girls to talk; leadership training for women commenced; awareness raised concerning gender based violence (GBV), human trafficking, breast feeding, family planning and immunization; increased self esteem among women especially as they began to speak openly about problems they experience with GBV.

2. Madre

The people who are most affected are poor, widows, elderly, disabled. Sexual violence and human trafficking can be exacerbated in times of disaster making vulnerable people more vulnerable. Responses at community level using needs assessment is good approach, using already existing grass root organizations.

3. Global Fund for Women (GFW)

* Grants available for the following aspects:

Immediate emergency relief; long term recovery for community; relief kits – hygiene, medical, blankets, clothing, temporary shelter, safe space, community training, generating livelihood and raising awareness about women’s right.

* Caution against aspects of passive recipients of aid creating dependence compared to raising up leaders

4. UNFPA – lessons from Nepal:

* Gender equality and women’s rights still remain in times of disaster, war. Whatever disaster it is, the worst affected are women – young, HIV, LGBT, disabled. Sexual health is a primary concern – 60%of women who die in child birth are in a disaster setting. Women are 14 times more likely to die in disaster setting.

* Sexual health services are often over looked and not provided in disaster situations. 

* Priorities include prevention and management of sexual violence, prevention of HIV, prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths, provision of contraception, planning for comprehensive packages of services in clusters, dignity kits.

Need to provide access to clinically manage rape within 72 hours – most people think sexual activity is not affected by disaster but research shows sexual exploitation and violence increases.

Need to put referral networks in place at community level, including creation of safe space (if possible, not just  a tent), sexual services, counseling, provision of coping mechanisms to deal with disaster stress and heal the mind – eg theatre, psycho-social support activities.

Need for livelihood programs to be integrated with gender equality programs and livelihood experts is crucial.

Dignity is crucial – a survivor centered approach where people are consulted and given chance to feel valued, safe and empowered by services/response otherwise they can be re-traumatized if dependency is created.

Women must be included in decision making plans and funding proposals for disaster relief.

Data must be gathered, harvested and shared to reflect services that are put in place, reflect reality that in times of disaster pregnancies do not disappear, women still menstruate and GBV still happens.
What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
Dignity and inclusion of women in disaster response and recovery is essential.

Sexual health services must be included in program planning at disaster relief and recovery phases because sexual violence and exploitation increases at times of disaster.

Livelihood programs that include gender empowerment and creation of safe space are of great importance for women who have been violated in disaster recovery. 

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Protecting Human Rights of Women Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Bulgaria, Council of Europe -2016-03-14 -Jane Paone

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

The European refugee crisis has brought to public attention the growing amount of displaced people.  The overwhelming amount of migrants and asylum seekers have been male.  What happens to the women and children who are left in countries which discriminate against them?   No public discussion addresses this issue of women/children: they also remain excluded from multi-lateral policies. 
There is an increasing number of women and children who undertake the perilous journey, seeking refuge.  During transit, they are rarely considered and gender-based violence is frequent. Collecting of data and analysis can help provide evidence that women and children at risk need safe spaces in refugee camps.  The 'Oasis' program has been set in place with positive results, empowering women economically, in self-esteem and benefitting the household.  Over half of refugees helped by thr UNCHR had been in transit for 5 years. More safe and legal routes are needed.
Training needs to be set in place for those in contact with these vulnerable refugees: police, military, medical personnel, psychotherapists, since they must be aware how to deal sensitively with traumatized individuals.  Claims should be handled more quickly to speed up the process.
Reports have been made by the women's refugee commission, outlining the fears or women for their daughters in dome countries where forced marriages are practiced.  Women have no say in the future of their children. Many, during transit, have been sexually abused in order to pay for their passage. Little information is provided for women to know their rights.  Safe spaces, such as the 'blue dot centers' are necessary to support vulnerable women and children.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

With a growing number of displaced people throughout the world, we have an opportunity to welcome those who may feel particularly vulnerable and alone into our communities.  With a presence in many of the countries affected, TSA can also help in providing a safe place and linking up families.

Weblinks for More Information

womensrefugeecommission.org - reports, refugee protection

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Women's Leadership for Community Led Development

The Hunger Project & the Movement for Community Led Dev.

2016-03-04   - Heidi Bailey

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

The presenters shared how organizations can be advocates for others in our communities:
1.  We must have our ears to the ground.
2.  Women know best what is best for women.
3.  Listen and collect women's voices.
4.  We must understand that technology has changed the meaning of 'community'.from just being a space and place, to being mobile, heterogeneous,  IT savvy,  urban and rural, etc.
5.  To be advocates, we must be able to answer the question, "Who is my new global community?"

IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES:
1.  Women must be at the decision making table.
2.  Strengthen the present structures you already have, instead of trying to start all new ones.
3.  Women in leadership facilitate access to other women, which promotes communication and relationships.
4.  Women in leadership continues to have new and higher aspirations.
5.  Working as equals changes our posture, our confidence, our presentation.

OUTCOMES:
1.  Advocacy results in  helping women develop communication skills to connect w/ decision makers, which helps the women in other areas of their lives as well.
2.  Connecting women and girls around the world at the community level affects the national level which affects the global level.
3.  Raising voices shifts from tokenistic participation to authentic, empowered voices!

Eleanor Roosevelt said: "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?  In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world.  Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
With our rich, counter cultural heritage, women leaders in The Salvation today are standing on the shoulders of women who have gone before us, and we desire to continue the legacy of effective,  empowered leadership, using our God-given gifts through Kingdom living.  Women are agents of change, but we must share the space around decision making table.  Leadership development must be inclusive to be sustainable. We don't need to start over in The Salvation Army....we need to build on and strengthen the systems we already have.

Impact Testimony - The Reality of Prostitution's Legal Frameworks on the Ground

SPACE - Survivors of Prostitution-Abuse Calling for Empowerment

2016-03-04   - Luke Cozens

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

All the speakers at the meeting were self-termed survivors of prostitution. As a group they support only one legal framework for prostitution - the Nordic or Swedish model. This model decriminalises the sale of sex but criminalises the buying of sex.
The speaker from Canada linked prostitution with a "pandemic" of murdered and missing indiginous women.
Speakers from the US highlighted the need for appropriate exit support services to enable women to leave prostitution, strong links to human trafficking, the problem of women/girls aging out of the residential care system with no viable skills and the need for "higher-end" buyers to be held accountable. They also said that many women in prostitution gather associated charges when they are forced into criminal activity, but they noted hope in the recent Kentucky HR6 bill in suport of CEDAW. (http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/)
The speaker from the UK roundly critised the criminalisation of children, the lack of country wide consistency and a pilot "safe zone" in Leeds where the police determined not to intervene in sex work.
The speaker from Germany said that legalised prostitution in the country had very little regulation, and the horrific sexual, social and economic exploitation of women in prostitution, particularly those from Eastern Europe.
The panel were clear in their beleif that virtually all prostitution is a form of exploitation and the moderater concluded by noting that buyers of sex are almost always men and asked why such a specific demographic was not being challenged.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
-The education, punishment and accountability of men is crucial in addressing issues around prostitution. Demand is a key issue.
-Support for children leaving residential care and other vulnerable groups is important to help those who may otherwise enter into prostitution.
-Criminalisation, associated charges and lack of appropriate exit support are powerful barriers against those who wish to leave prostitution.

Weblinks for More Information

SPACE website: http://spaceinternational.ie/

Launch of Brief for UN Women on Emerging Issues in Gender, Water and Sanitation

UN Women - 2016-03-14 - Kathy Crombie

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?

(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

Equality in access to basic sanitation is both nec­essary and a universal human right, regardless of income, gender, ethnicity, caste, religion, sexuality, or location. Inadequate access to this basic service prevents the realization of a range of human rights and of gender equality.

Men and women, and girls and boys, have very different sanitation needs, for biological and so­cial reasons. Women need more privacy than men when they use facilities because social norms everywhere demand that they not be seen when relieving themselves. They need more time in the toilet because they must always sit or squat. They need physical safety if they use outside or public toilets, and they have to use such toilets when they are out and about at school, or in the market­place or the workplace.

Dignity must be at the heart of safe and sustain­able sanitation interventions, for both sanitation facility users and workers. There must be sanitation for all - sanitation must serve all genders equally. But it must be designed and implemented explicitly for the unique needs of women and girls.
The absence of safe sanitation facilities disproportionately affects women and girls. In addition, women (and adolescent girls) menstruate, and they need safe sanitation services to manage this with hygiene and dignity. A strong link exists between sanitation provision of services, dignity for girls and education.
Women who have no usable toilet facilities may refrain from food and drink during the day; leading to risk of dehy­dration, discomfort, and urinary tract infections.

Sanitation in public or shared spaces must become a priority-planning sector for sustainable development. Eliminating open defecation through expanding access to in-home latrines is critical for health and dignity, but it is not enough for gender-equal sanitation.
Safe sanitation programs and services, within a human rights framework, help pave the way for gender equality because girls’ rates of school absenteeism and drop out because of inefficient services or when menstruating will be reduced.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

Sanitation programs must go beyond encourag­ing in-home latrine construction and uptake. Public (or shared) latrines are a vital part of equal access to sanita­tion with dignity. Therefore, sanitation systems should be designed, and adequately funded, such that safe and dignified access in public places is possible for all genders.

Dignity must be at the heart of sanitation programs. Dignity and safety are central issues for users and therefore should be the focus of sanitation interventions. Adequately designed and funded public latrines are a vital part of equal access to sanitation with dignity for all genders – in slums, markets, transit hubs, health clinics, government offices and schools.

Toilet programs cannot stop at defecation and disease; they have to prioritize the requirements of hygiene and dignity for daytime urination. Clean and secure access to latrines can enable girls’ education, women’s mobility, and sexual security.

Women’s and girls’ voices and needs must be considered in all stages of sanitation programming and service provision.

Weblinks for More Information

http://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2015/7/discussion-papers-series

Trafficking from a Traffickers Perspective

Pathways to Peace/Fyera Foundation/Operation Big Sister
2016-03-14 - Eirwen Pallant

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

Number of videos shown & stories told.
An emphasis on the power of the story and the effect of media and portrayal of women on both sexes. Story of Jessica, abused by stepfather with mother’s complicity, from aged 6. Kidnapped off street as teenager at gunpoint by gang of men. Next 4 years under control of prostitution ring being repeatedly raped and beaten, was living with girls kept in cages.

llustration of Cinderella.
oor girl treated badly at home whose dream of being taken away by Prince Charming to Happy Ever After. Traffickers  use this  dream to groom vulnerable girls, get the girls to fall in love with them by buying presents, pretending they care, convince them of a better life with them.

Testimony of former trafficker on methods used.
ince met God reformed and trying to use his experience to spread the word. Trafficker with similar background to victims. Left home at 14 yrs having experienced child abuse at home. Felt he was indoctrinated by the music he listened to then. The question was posed, what do we expect to happen to a boy given no love who is constantly bombarded by normalized images of girls and women as sex objects.( demonstrations of mainstream advertising images portraying this)

A number of organisations shared how they were using drama, film, radio, comic strips to raise the issue of gender equality and sex trafficking.

Big Sister story from Iceland where women frustrated by lack of political will and action, decided to do something. Took out ads as sex workers and when received calls gave their name as your big sister watching you. Idea went viral in Iceland, many women got involved so that men did not know who they would talk to – sister, mother, wife, girlfriend.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

The power of the story to change the world

Refusal to accept the ‘norms’ of society to objectify women and/or forms of abuse including prostitution, child brides, gender inequality in its many forms.

Raising the subject in the media is to stimulate conversations which can then lead to change. The media story itself does not cause the change

The question “What is technology without humanity?” was posed for reflection on how we use technology. A worthwhile question to contemplate.

#PornHatesWomen:  Prevention Strategies to Reduce Risk of Substance Abuse and
Violence Against Women by Engaging Families & Communities to Fight Porn

United Families International, Fight The New Drug, The Leadership Foundation
2016-03-14 - Rachel Fjellman

Brief Summary of presentation of information made?
(NB: This section seeks to factually report what was said in the presentation. No inference should be drawn in terms of Salvation Army position or policy from this section)

Presented how Pornography affects us in three ways

1.  Brain - "Pornography puts a straight jacket on the mind" - it impairs our brain making us unable to stop unwanted behaviors.

2.  Heart - Impacts:  What we love, How much we love, How we think about those we love and How we express love

3.  World - With technology advancements availability is at an all time high.  Pornographic material is being consumed on "epic levels." Pornography is one of the leading industries to advance technology. There is just one sexual exploitation industry that encompasses pornography and trafficking. Pornography is filmed prostitution.

Jessica, former adult film star:  "There was a price tag on my body."  "When I traded in porn, I got my family back"

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
Millennials are more motivated by culture and society change than money.  
Education about how pornography does not aligned with other issue they care about (i.e. human trafficking) will result in change. 
Weblinks for More Information
fortifyprogram.org
fightthenewdrug.org