UN Sec Gen appoints Osotimehin as UNFPA Executive Director
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has chosen former Nigerian
health minister Babatunde Osotimehin to head the United Nations
Population Fund, U.N. diplomats said Thursday.
Ban has informed the fund's executive board of his choice and called
for reaction before making an official announcement, the diplomats and
others familiar with the exchange said. They spoke on condition of
anonymity because no announcement has been made.
Osotimehin, a medical doctor who specialized in clinical pathology,
served as Nigeria's health minister from December 2008 to March 2010
and is currently provost of the University of Ibadan's College of
Medicine. He studied medicine in Ibadan and at the University of
Birmingham in Britain.
He would succeed Thoraya Ahmed Obaid of Saudi Arabia, an expert on
women's issues who cracked a glass ceiling for women in the Arab world's
most conservative nations. She has served as the fund's executive director
since 2001.
The world's population is edging toward 7 billion people, up from 2.5
billion in 1950, with almost all of the growth expected in cities of less
developed countries.
The 1995 U.N. population conference in Cairo changed the focus of the fund,
known as UNFPA, from numerical targets to promoting choices for individual
women and men, and supporting economic development and education for girls.
UNFPA supports countries in using population data to develop policies and
programs to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted and every birth is safe.
It also works to promote reproductive health, to combat HIV in young people
and to promote equality for girls and women and economic development
Source: Edith M. Lederer, The Associated Press
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
AIDS Activists die-in delays AIDS 2010 Opening Ceremony
Hundreds of angry people living with HIV and AIDS activists marched
through the Messe Wien conference center in Vienna, Austria the site
of the 2010 International AIDS Conference on Sunday where they staged
a mass die-in.
Red Umbrellas were carried by a group of the activists. The sound of
Vuvuzelas, sirens and whistles were heard amongst chanting of slogans
'Governments count pennies, Africa counts graves", Stop silencing sex
workers", You made a promise, now make it happen",
What year is it, 2010?"
The activists intended to delay the Opening ceremony of the Conference
to illustrate how governments around the world are slowing and scaling
back their commitments toward Universal Access to HIV care, treatment
and prevention.
Tombstones, held to remind conference attendees of the 15 million
people who are in immediate need of treatment, read "Broken Promises
Kill, No Retreat,Fund AIDS."
Recently, the U.S. and European governments have pulled back in their
support for AIDS care, treatment and prevention and to the fact that
governments in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, have failed to live
up to their commitment to fund AIDS treatment and other health needs
as laid out in the Abuja Declaration.
The Global Fund (GFATM), the world's response to the AIDS crisis,
was forced to adopt 10% budget cuts to the first 2 years of funding,
and 25% cuts to for the last 3 years.
Michael Gwaba from the Zambia Community Initiative for Tuberculosis,
HIV/AIDS & Malaria (CITAM+) and the Here I Am Campaign, said, "There
remains a huge funding gap for Round 10, opened in May 2010, which
will result in countries scaling back programs and resisting
investment in activities with recurrent costs, such as hiring
desperately needed health workers or enrolling new patients in treatment.
In 2010, the U.S. Congress paid $1.05 billion to the GFATM which is
$1.7billion less than the U.S. fair share. For 2011, President Obama
proposed to cut funding to only $1 billion, even though at least $2
billion is needed from the US to begin to close the GFATM's funding
gap.
"The African Union countries have failed to live up to their Abuja
commitments on health, and our finance ministers recently suggested
that these spending targets should be dismissed altogether. Already,
access to HIV treatment is being cut back.
Waiting lists are growing",she said.
Despite their repeated rhetorical recognition that investment in
health is critical for socio-economic development, governments around
the world are retreating from their commitments particularly with
regards to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care,"
said Paula Akugizibwe from ARASA.
There are many important discussions that will take place during the
International AIDS Conference. However, in order for any of those
discussions to have any relevance, all conferees must first address
the growing crisis in funding for AIDS care and prevention said,
Mabel Takana, an AIDS activist with Health GAP from Cameroon.
The Opening Ceremony of the Conference also focused on three plenary
presentations of the state of the epidemic setting the stage for
discussions on the theme "Rights Here, Rights Now".
through the Messe Wien conference center in Vienna, Austria the site
of the 2010 International AIDS Conference on Sunday where they staged
a mass die-in.
Red Umbrellas were carried by a group of the activists. The sound of
Vuvuzelas, sirens and whistles were heard amongst chanting of slogans
'Governments count pennies, Africa counts graves", Stop silencing sex
workers", You made a promise, now make it happen",
What year is it, 2010?"
The activists intended to delay the Opening ceremony of the Conference
to illustrate how governments around the world are slowing and scaling
back their commitments toward Universal Access to HIV care, treatment
and prevention.
Tombstones, held to remind conference attendees of the 15 million
people who are in immediate need of treatment, read "Broken Promises
Kill, No Retreat,Fund AIDS."
Recently, the U.S. and European governments have pulled back in their
support for AIDS care, treatment and prevention and to the fact that
governments in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, have failed to live
up to their commitment to fund AIDS treatment and other health needs
as laid out in the Abuja Declaration.
The Global Fund (GFATM), the world's response to the AIDS crisis,
was forced to adopt 10% budget cuts to the first 2 years of funding,
and 25% cuts to for the last 3 years.
Michael Gwaba from the Zambia Community Initiative for Tuberculosis,
HIV/AIDS & Malaria (CITAM+) and the Here I Am Campaign, said, "There
remains a huge funding gap for Round 10, opened in May 2010, which
will result in countries scaling back programs and resisting
investment in activities with recurrent costs, such as hiring
desperately needed health workers or enrolling new patients in treatment.
In 2010, the U.S. Congress paid $1.05 billion to the GFATM which is
$1.7billion less than the U.S. fair share. For 2011, President Obama
proposed to cut funding to only $1 billion, even though at least $2
billion is needed from the US to begin to close the GFATM's funding
gap.
"The African Union countries have failed to live up to their Abuja
commitments on health, and our finance ministers recently suggested
that these spending targets should be dismissed altogether. Already,
access to HIV treatment is being cut back.
Waiting lists are growing",she said.
Despite their repeated rhetorical recognition that investment in
health is critical for socio-economic development, governments around
the world are retreating from their commitments particularly with
regards to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care,"
said Paula Akugizibwe from ARASA.
There are many important discussions that will take place during the
International AIDS Conference. However, in order for any of those
discussions to have any relevance, all conferees must first address
the growing crisis in funding for AIDS care and prevention said,
Mabel Takana, an AIDS activist with Health GAP from Cameroon.
The Opening Ceremony of the Conference also focused on three plenary
presentations of the state of the epidemic setting the stage for
discussions on the theme "Rights Here, Rights Now".
Friday, June 25, 2010
5th World Youth Congress
Turkiye will welcome 1000 young people from around the world to meet during Ýstanbul’s year as the European Capital of Culture. You will have the chance learn a lot about Turkish culture, about Turkish people, and the history of one of the oldest civilizations of the world – which is now the 2nd fastest growing modern economy in the world after China.
Also, just as in Hawaii, you learned about the word ‘Aloha’ – and here in Canada – you learned the meaning of ‘Regeneration,’ in Turkiye, we hope you will discover the meaning of the word: "imece" - a turkish word which doesn’t have exact definition in English. It refers to an ancient tradition of solidarity - working collectively for the common good. But it carries with it – not the connotation of effort or duty – but the fun of collaboration: like its always a festival of enjoying yourself when you work and achieve things together.
We hope that this is how young people around the world will see youth-led development: the effort to make poverty history in our lifetimes – and create peace, human rights, democracy, Trust, Volunteerism and a prosperous green economy that will bring sustainable happiness to every race and nation on the earth – this is imece! And it will be the greatest source of joy and fun for us all to take part in this effort.
Istanbul is at the crossroads of civilisations – a meeting point of two great continents. Join us in Istanbul, and help us write another chapter in this history of this fascinating city: one in which the young people of the world and their governments learn to work together in ‘imece’ to eliminate the scourge of poverty from our world
Also, just as in Hawaii, you learned about the word ‘Aloha’ – and here in Canada – you learned the meaning of ‘Regeneration,’ in Turkiye, we hope you will discover the meaning of the word: "imece" - a turkish word which doesn’t have exact definition in English. It refers to an ancient tradition of solidarity - working collectively for the common good. But it carries with it – not the connotation of effort or duty – but the fun of collaboration: like its always a festival of enjoying yourself when you work and achieve things together.
We hope that this is how young people around the world will see youth-led development: the effort to make poverty history in our lifetimes – and create peace, human rights, democracy, Trust, Volunteerism and a prosperous green economy that will bring sustainable happiness to every race and nation on the earth – this is imece! And it will be the greatest source of joy and fun for us all to take part in this effort.
Istanbul is at the crossroads of civilisations – a meeting point of two great continents. Join us in Istanbul, and help us write another chapter in this history of this fascinating city: one in which the young people of the world and their governments learn to work together in ‘imece’ to eliminate the scourge of poverty from our world
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
KEEPING UP
The way life goes at times is very difficult to keep track. leadership forces alot of responsibilities and takes away one's rights. i usually say this alot until i found out that as a youth leader I could not do the things i usually do normally for example..., it use to be ok for me to protest to things from my perspective before i became a regional Youth caucus member, now its very difficult to have an opinion of my own as i am required to look at everyone's perspective and options before taking a stand on any issue...in fact am expected to talk last....and i can tell you its so difficult
I have found out that the best i can do for myself is seek advice from my inner circle of trusted friends who do not feel threathened by my progress and are willing to look at me in the face and correct me in the best manner possible. i had to rely on such advice recently when my intentions were not considered in a decision i took, only my mistakes were beamed upon.
My advice to my collegues is simply 'Leadership requires one to be meticulous and selfless' , if you can't do that, don't bother aspiring for leadership as your failure will become headline news too.
Ciao
I have found out that the best i can do for myself is seek advice from my inner circle of trusted friends who do not feel threathened by my progress and are willing to look at me in the face and correct me in the best manner possible. i had to rely on such advice recently when my intentions were not considered in a decision i took, only my mistakes were beamed upon.
My advice to my collegues is simply 'Leadership requires one to be meticulous and selfless' , if you can't do that, don't bother aspiring for leadership as your failure will become headline news too.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Young Commonwealth Competition 2010
Do you enjoy writing, film or photography?
Interested in the world around you?
Are you creative?Enter the Royal Commonwealth Society,s Young Commonwealth Competitions!These prestigious awards, open to anybody under the age of 30 living in a Commonwealth country, encourage creative responses to global challenges and offer a unique international platform for young talent.
Over 60,000 young people enter our Competitions every year. But our winners are often those picking up a camera or putting pen to paper for the very first time. Don,t be put off! We,re not looking for perfection. We,re looking for a creative spark, a unique insight, a new idea...
Enter one of our Competitions and you could: Take part in expert workshops with leading figures in your creative field Meet famous authors, film directors, and photographers at a Gala
Awards Ceremony held in Central London’s Commonwealth Club Visit the BBC’s global headquarters, Buckingham Palace, the Commonwealth
Secretariat and other high-profile venues in the UK’s capital city See your work exhibited in different locations around London and
featured in the press worldwide Attend a show in London’s West End and take part in drama workshops Win cash prizes and camera equipment Meet other young people from around the world who share your interests
Through our Competitions we aim to: Nurture the creative talent of young people Encourage young people to respond to current international issues Enable young people to share their thoughts with peers around the world Give young people a safe, creative forum for their ideas and a global
platform for their talent Promote the use of the English language
The Young Commonwealth Competitions take a different theme each year. In 2010, the focus is on Science, Technology and Society. We want to encourage you to think about the role that science and technology can play in helping to tackle challenges faced by your own community, or those living in another part of the world.
Keep reading to find out how you can enter our Essay, Film or Photography Competitions...
Commonwealth Essay Competition
Run by the RCS for over 100 years, this is the world’s oldest and largest schools’ writing competition. Choose from a list of ten topics which all aim to fire your imagination on the theme Science, Technology and Society. Write us an essay or go creative and compose a story, a poem, a film script, a play… the possibilities are endless! We ask only that your entry must be your own original work. Send us your entry by 1 May 2010.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/essaycompetition
Commonwealth Photographic Awards
One powerful image can often say more than many pages of writing. If you want to make your response to the Science, Technology and Society theme an image, then start snapping! Whether you use a digital, analogue, or disposable camera – or even a mobile phone – we want to see your pictures. Send them in by 1 June 2010 and you’ll be in line for some fantastic prizes.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/photoawards
Commonwealth Vision Awards
Aspiring young filmmakers are invited to make a 30-90 second film responding to the Science, Technology and Society theme. Submit your storyboard ideas, in written, picture or film format, by 1 March 2010 and you could win a seed grant of up to £1,000. Alternatively, submit your fully-made film via YouTube or post a hard copy before the closing date of 1 July 2010.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/visionawards
For the Essay Competition please choose ONE of the following topics:
What technological invention(s) would most improve life in your community?
The mad scientist.
What positive steps can you or I start to take to tackle climate change?
The day the computer started misbehaving.
“Science never solves a problem without creating ten more.”
(George Bernard Shaw)
An adventure in space.
What is knowledge? Who owns it? How can it best be taught or transmitted?
A ‘eureka’ moment.
Is your generation wiser than your grandparents’ generation?
Welcome to my Utopia!
We will be accepting entries to all the Competitions from 8 March 2010.
In the interests of limiting our carbon footprint, we would prefer you to make all entries online. However, we do understand that this won’t be possible for everyone, so postal entries can be sent to:
The Competitions Manager Royal Commonwealth Society
25 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5AP United Kingdom
Please note that all applicants must fill in an application form or their entry will not be processed.
These forms, as well rules and deadlines, can be found on our website:
www.thercs.org/youth/competitions.
If you have a query, please email us at competitions@thercs.org or call us on +44 (0)207 766 9204.
So,... join in and let,s get creative!
Interested in the world around you?
Are you creative?Enter the Royal Commonwealth Society,s Young Commonwealth Competitions!These prestigious awards, open to anybody under the age of 30 living in a Commonwealth country, encourage creative responses to global challenges and offer a unique international platform for young talent.
Over 60,000 young people enter our Competitions every year. But our winners are often those picking up a camera or putting pen to paper for the very first time. Don,t be put off! We,re not looking for perfection. We,re looking for a creative spark, a unique insight, a new idea...
Enter one of our Competitions and you could: Take part in expert workshops with leading figures in your creative field Meet famous authors, film directors, and photographers at a Gala
Awards Ceremony held in Central London’s Commonwealth Club Visit the BBC’s global headquarters, Buckingham Palace, the Commonwealth
Secretariat and other high-profile venues in the UK’s capital city See your work exhibited in different locations around London and
featured in the press worldwide Attend a show in London’s West End and take part in drama workshops Win cash prizes and camera equipment Meet other young people from around the world who share your interests
Through our Competitions we aim to: Nurture the creative talent of young people Encourage young people to respond to current international issues Enable young people to share their thoughts with peers around the world Give young people a safe, creative forum for their ideas and a global
platform for their talent Promote the use of the English language
The Young Commonwealth Competitions take a different theme each year. In 2010, the focus is on Science, Technology and Society. We want to encourage you to think about the role that science and technology can play in helping to tackle challenges faced by your own community, or those living in another part of the world.
Keep reading to find out how you can enter our Essay, Film or Photography Competitions...
Commonwealth Essay Competition
Run by the RCS for over 100 years, this is the world’s oldest and largest schools’ writing competition. Choose from a list of ten topics which all aim to fire your imagination on the theme Science, Technology and Society. Write us an essay or go creative and compose a story, a poem, a film script, a play… the possibilities are endless! We ask only that your entry must be your own original work. Send us your entry by 1 May 2010.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/essaycompetition
Commonwealth Photographic Awards
One powerful image can often say more than many pages of writing. If you want to make your response to the Science, Technology and Society theme an image, then start snapping! Whether you use a digital, analogue, or disposable camera – or even a mobile phone – we want to see your pictures. Send them in by 1 June 2010 and you’ll be in line for some fantastic prizes.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/photoawards
Commonwealth Vision Awards
Aspiring young filmmakers are invited to make a 30-90 second film responding to the Science, Technology and Society theme. Submit your storyboard ideas, in written, picture or film format, by 1 March 2010 and you could win a seed grant of up to £1,000. Alternatively, submit your fully-made film via YouTube or post a hard copy before the closing date of 1 July 2010.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/visionawards
For the Essay Competition please choose ONE of the following topics:
What technological invention(s) would most improve life in your community?
The mad scientist.
What positive steps can you or I start to take to tackle climate change?
The day the computer started misbehaving.
“Science never solves a problem without creating ten more.”
(George Bernard Shaw)
An adventure in space.
What is knowledge? Who owns it? How can it best be taught or transmitted?
A ‘eureka’ moment.
Is your generation wiser than your grandparents’ generation?
Welcome to my Utopia!
We will be accepting entries to all the Competitions from 8 March 2010.
In the interests of limiting our carbon footprint, we would prefer you to make all entries online. However, we do understand that this won’t be possible for everyone, so postal entries can be sent to:
The Competitions Manager Royal Commonwealth Society
25 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5AP United Kingdom
Please note that all applicants must fill in an application form or their entry will not be processed.
These forms, as well rules and deadlines, can be found on our website:
www.thercs.org/youth/competitions.
If you have a query, please email us at competitions@thercs.org or call us on +44 (0)207 766 9204.
So,... join in and let,s get creative!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The RED card campaign
Victims and survivors of apartheid era gross human rights abuses were red carded by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and by the South African government — especially former President Thabo Mbeki, former Minister of Justice Penuell Maduna, and the officials in the TRC unit in the Department of Justice.
The promise made to victims and survivors was, that by testifying at the TRC and thereby participating in the process which led to the perpetrators receiving amnesty, they would receive reparations. These promises were only partly kept. The TRC’s recommendations for reparations were not accepted by the South African government — in fact only about a sixth of the amount recommended was finally (after five years) granted to those victims who testified at the TRC. But many perpetrators received amnesty and continued to receive it after the TRC officially closed its books.
Victims of apartheid crimes who did not make it to the TRC are to this day not recognised but simply ignored. The South Africa we live in today owes an enormous amount to the victims and survivors of the struggle. Some of these were heroes who have ended up in plush and cushy government jobs — but most have literally been red carded from society and stay out of sight and out of the mind of the South African peoples. Even their comrades have forgotten them.
The victims and survivors were directly and indirectly damaged by the actions of companies supporting the security forces and policies of the apartheid government — such as Daimler, Ford, General Motors, IBM, Rheinmetall and others: including banks and oil companies.
But who should continue to be red carded? The victims? Or the businesses who profitted (hugely) from apartheid?
UNICEF voices youth:Call for Contributors
 Source: Youth Section and the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) Unit of UNICEF On behalf of UNICEF we are inviting you to contribute to our new Voices of Youth blog. In the Youth Section and the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) Unit of UNICEF we are working on the relaunch of the Voices of Youth blog which is a complement of our website. Voices of Youth is a platform where young people can Explore, Speak Out and Take Action! Thanks to Voices of Youth, children and young people can discuss and partner on issues related to human rights and social change, as well as develop their awareness, leadership, community building, and critical thinking skills through active and substantive participation with their peers and with decision makers globally. We at the Youth Section and the ADAP Unit of UNICEF are extremely excited about Voices of Youth relaunch. The new Voices of Youth blog will report on different projects of Unicef. Once or twice a month we would like to publish new articles written by contributors from the projects or by us. That is why we need you. We are looking for young and dynamic contributors who could send us articles, pictures and/or videos about current projects. Mainly we are focused on UNICEF projects. If you are interested, and would like to join the Voices of Youth relaunch as a contributor, we would appreciate it if you would contact Katharina at the Youth Section of UNICEF: Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or guidance on how you can contribute and make a lasting impact here at the Youth Section and the ADAP Unit of UNICEF on our relaunch of Voices of Youth website. |
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10-12 August 2010: African Youth and Governance Conference (Accra, Ghana)
The objectives of this conference include: mobilization of African youth and constructing a platform for networking.
Eligibility is for persons between the ages of 18-35, associated with any of the categories below who is seeking information on ways to contribute to the development of the youth in Africa. (Applicants older than 35 and participants from other continents are welcome to attend as observers.)
-Civil Society Organization/NGO (Note that you must be registered and operating in an African country).
- Individuals (should be a Youth Worker or demonstrate some level of commitment towards youth development in his/her respective country).
For more information, please visit: www.aygconference.org
Eligibility is for persons between the ages of 18-35, associated with any of the categories below who is seeking information on ways to contribute to the development of the youth in Africa. (Applicants older than 35 and participants from other continents are welcome to attend as observers.)
-Civil Society Organization/NGO (Note that you must be registered and operating in an African country).
- Individuals (should be a Youth Worker or demonstrate some level of commitment towards youth development in his/her respective country).
For more information, please visit: www.aygconference.org
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Training Course on Feminist Leadership, 2010. Call for applications. 05 May 2010
A course for young feminist advocates in NGOs, the public and private sectors
Organised by: The Institute of peace, Leadership and Goverance (IPLG) at Africa University and The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).
Venue: Mutare, Zimbabwe, 16 - 28 August, 2010.
Deadline for receipt of application is Friday, 09 July 2010.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM FOR COURSE (100KB)
Course Description
This training course on feminism and public policy provides a broad conceptual and practical understanding of feminism by locating it within in a pan-African discourse. Engaging in discursive debates and interactive analyses, it is envisioned that participants will be able to redefine the idea of feminism to symbolise young women coming together to share knowledge, skills and good practice, so that they may lead fulfilling lives with self-assurance and passion. By understanding the dynamics of gender inequality and crafting advocacy strategies aimed at promoting women's rights, interests and issues it is hoped that the targeted advocates will embrace the vitality of being female and championing their cause through robust network connections to future generations.
Why is this course necessary?
Quite often women as radicals or reformers or as objects of reform have always differed over ideology and strategy. Feminists have also always vigorously contested the effects and policies aimed at ameliorating women's oppression. This course therefore provides a forum to critically examine some of these differences by looking at the historical tenets of feminism and its evolutionary progression, feminist perspectives to politics, power and power relations, patriarchy, gender-based violence, sexuality, women's rights and justice. The course further analyses the claim that public policy is gendered, implying that public policies affect men and women differently and that men and women participate differently in public policy making processes. The course takes public policy as both an important component in the construction of gender differences and as a site where gender is critiqued, resisted and renegotiated. Thus, the training course explores these claims through a feminist lens and engaging in the analyses of the impact of public policy on women's issues.
Participants will examine feminist activism, a grass-roots movement approach that seeks to cross boundaries based on social class, race, culture and religion. Locating these issues in historical contexts will also help in de-mystifying the negative connotations attached to feminism and feminist advocates with a view of helping women claim their identity as feminists. Also by placing these issues in contexts of feminist theory and discourse, the course offers an analysis of women and public policy as contested and complex domain rather than offering simple recipes or formulas for the feminist policy makers and advocates.
Course aim and objectives
This innovative course is designed for young women who are motivated to play a critical role in promoting women's issues through advocacy and lobbying. Using examples and experiences from their own lives, it is hoped that participants will gain a deeper understanding of a feminist analysis of issues affecting women in the SADC region. The aim of the course therefore, is to provide participants with knowledge and practical skills to engage with feminist discourses and feminist approaches for effective lobbying and advocacy on gender and women's rights. The objectives of the training course are to:
• Familiarise participants with key tenets of feminism and the most influential works in the evolution of feminist theories and ideologies.
• Give the participants a sound grasp of a fundamental and central body of feminist philosophical thinking.
• Engage with young women who are working with gender focused organisations and are at the forefront of best practice in the field.
• Situate and examine the gender question in relation to emerging disciplines.
• Help participants use feminist approaches to analyse, critique and participate in contemporary public policy debates on women issues.
• Facilitate the development of feminist research skills to carry our policy oriented research on issues that impact on women's lives.
Course Content
The training course consists of 12 modules, to be delivered by different facilitators over a 12-day period, and will use a variety of teaching styles, tools and methods, especially participatory and experiential learning models. The following thematic areas will provide a starting point for the discussions:
• Feminist the ory and history
• Schools of thought and feminist ideologies
• The politics of feminism and gender
• 4. Women, law and policy
• Feminist public policy discourse and engagement
• Feminist knowledge production and management
• Feminist research and epistemology
• Feminist youth empowerment models
• Feminist leadership in practice
• Civil society and feminist movement-building
• Sexuality and sexual reproductive health rights
• Governance and citizenship
In addition, there will be evening and side sessions, focused on coaching on key competencies such as self awareness, confidence-building, public speaking among many others.
Course Dates and Duration
The course will be offered over a 12-day period in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The training course will be hosted by OSISA and the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance at Africa University in Mutare beginning 16 August and ending on 28 August, 2010. Travel dates will be 15 and 29 August 2010.
Certificate of Competence
Participants who successfully complete the course and fulfil the requirements which include attendance and active participation will receive a certificate of competence from Africa University and OSISA.
Cost and Sponsorship
OSISA will be fully sponsoring this training course. Sponsorship will cover tuition, course materials, airfare/transport, accommodation, teas, lunches and dinners during the course. Participants are however, advised to take out personal and health insurance as the organisers cannot take liabilities in this regard.
Admission Requirements
Prospective participants are expected to meet the following criteria:
• Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Must be a young woman of between 18 and 30 years of age.
• At least 1 year work experience in civil society and /or gender and women's rights related area.
• Currently employed, or working in an area where feminist or gender policy advocacy and lobbying is important.
• English proficiency (as the course will be delivered in English).
• Commitment to participate for the duration of the full course.
• Be from any of the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Application Procedures
Young women who wish to apply for the training course are required to submit the following:
• Completed application form.
• No more than one page motivation letter stating. How your participation will add value to the course and how you envision using the training in your work, community and/or personal life.
• Commitment form completed by employer (attached at the end of this document).
Please submit the completed application form, motivation letter and endorsement letter electronically or by fax, to both OSISA and IPLG at the following addresses:
Ms Tsitsi Mukamba
Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)
Email: Tsitsim@osisa.org
Tel: +27 (0) 11 587 5000
Fax: +27 (0) 11 587 5099
And
Mrs Susan Musiyiwa
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance (IPLG)
Africa University
Tel: +263 20 66788
Email: iplgsec@africau.ac.zw
Cc:susanvongayi22@yahoo.com
NB: Those who participated in the 2009 course need not apply.
Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 09 July 201
Organised by: The Institute of peace, Leadership and Goverance (IPLG) at Africa University and The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).
Venue: Mutare, Zimbabwe, 16 - 28 August, 2010.
Deadline for receipt of application is Friday, 09 July 2010.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM FOR COURSE (100KB)
Course Description
This training course on feminism and public policy provides a broad conceptual and practical understanding of feminism by locating it within in a pan-African discourse. Engaging in discursive debates and interactive analyses, it is envisioned that participants will be able to redefine the idea of feminism to symbolise young women coming together to share knowledge, skills and good practice, so that they may lead fulfilling lives with self-assurance and passion. By understanding the dynamics of gender inequality and crafting advocacy strategies aimed at promoting women's rights, interests and issues it is hoped that the targeted advocates will embrace the vitality of being female and championing their cause through robust network connections to future generations.
Why is this course necessary?
Quite often women as radicals or reformers or as objects of reform have always differed over ideology and strategy. Feminists have also always vigorously contested the effects and policies aimed at ameliorating women's oppression. This course therefore provides a forum to critically examine some of these differences by looking at the historical tenets of feminism and its evolutionary progression, feminist perspectives to politics, power and power relations, patriarchy, gender-based violence, sexuality, women's rights and justice. The course further analyses the claim that public policy is gendered, implying that public policies affect men and women differently and that men and women participate differently in public policy making processes. The course takes public policy as both an important component in the construction of gender differences and as a site where gender is critiqued, resisted and renegotiated. Thus, the training course explores these claims through a feminist lens and engaging in the analyses of the impact of public policy on women's issues.
Participants will examine feminist activism, a grass-roots movement approach that seeks to cross boundaries based on social class, race, culture and religion. Locating these issues in historical contexts will also help in de-mystifying the negative connotations attached to feminism and feminist advocates with a view of helping women claim their identity as feminists. Also by placing these issues in contexts of feminist theory and discourse, the course offers an analysis of women and public policy as contested and complex domain rather than offering simple recipes or formulas for the feminist policy makers and advocates.
Course aim and objectives
This innovative course is designed for young women who are motivated to play a critical role in promoting women's issues through advocacy and lobbying. Using examples and experiences from their own lives, it is hoped that participants will gain a deeper understanding of a feminist analysis of issues affecting women in the SADC region. The aim of the course therefore, is to provide participants with knowledge and practical skills to engage with feminist discourses and feminist approaches for effective lobbying and advocacy on gender and women's rights. The objectives of the training course are to:
• Familiarise participants with key tenets of feminism and the most influential works in the evolution of feminist theories and ideologies.
• Give the participants a sound grasp of a fundamental and central body of feminist philosophical thinking.
• Engage with young women who are working with gender focused organisations and are at the forefront of best practice in the field.
• Situate and examine the gender question in relation to emerging disciplines.
• Help participants use feminist approaches to analyse, critique and participate in contemporary public policy debates on women issues.
• Facilitate the development of feminist research skills to carry our policy oriented research on issues that impact on women's lives.
Course Content
The training course consists of 12 modules, to be delivered by different facilitators over a 12-day period, and will use a variety of teaching styles, tools and methods, especially participatory and experiential learning models. The following thematic areas will provide a starting point for the discussions:
• Feminist the ory and history
• Schools of thought and feminist ideologies
• The politics of feminism and gender
• 4. Women, law and policy
• Feminist public policy discourse and engagement
• Feminist knowledge production and management
• Feminist research and epistemology
• Feminist youth empowerment models
• Feminist leadership in practice
• Civil society and feminist movement-building
• Sexuality and sexual reproductive health rights
• Governance and citizenship
In addition, there will be evening and side sessions, focused on coaching on key competencies such as self awareness, confidence-building, public speaking among many others.
Course Dates and Duration
The course will be offered over a 12-day period in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The training course will be hosted by OSISA and the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance at Africa University in Mutare beginning 16 August and ending on 28 August, 2010. Travel dates will be 15 and 29 August 2010.
Certificate of Competence
Participants who successfully complete the course and fulfil the requirements which include attendance and active participation will receive a certificate of competence from Africa University and OSISA.
Cost and Sponsorship
OSISA will be fully sponsoring this training course. Sponsorship will cover tuition, course materials, airfare/transport, accommodation, teas, lunches and dinners during the course. Participants are however, advised to take out personal and health insurance as the organisers cannot take liabilities in this regard.
Admission Requirements
Prospective participants are expected to meet the following criteria:
• Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Must be a young woman of between 18 and 30 years of age.
• At least 1 year work experience in civil society and /or gender and women's rights related area.
• Currently employed, or working in an area where feminist or gender policy advocacy and lobbying is important.
• English proficiency (as the course will be delivered in English).
• Commitment to participate for the duration of the full course.
• Be from any of the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Application Procedures
Young women who wish to apply for the training course are required to submit the following:
• Completed application form.
• No more than one page motivation letter stating. How your participation will add value to the course and how you envision using the training in your work, community and/or personal life.
• Commitment form completed by employer (attached at the end of this document).
Please submit the completed application form, motivation letter and endorsement letter electronically or by fax, to both OSISA and IPLG at the following addresses:
Ms Tsitsi Mukamba
Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)
Email: Tsitsim@osisa.org
Tel: +27 (0) 11 587 5000
Fax: +27 (0) 11 587 5099
And
Mrs Susan Musiyiwa
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance (IPLG)
Africa University
Tel: +263 20 66788
Email: iplgsec@africau.ac.zw
Cc:susanvongayi22@yahoo.com
NB: Those who participated in the 2009 course need not apply.
Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 09 July 201
CYPAC Orientation Memoir: Ben Duntoye Regional Scandal. Clean up the mess?
DAY 2.
16/05/2010
After leaving my hotel to spend the night with my friend at her place a noticed some very clear differences in the way things are done in Zambia as compared to Nigeria and some similarities
For instance, it’s not shocking to find out that the central area of town looked very polished while five5mins drive away from the central the roads are in bad condition…kudos to African government
As against building blocks being made out of sand and cement, in Zambia the building blocks is made out of cement and tiny stones…the sizes are smaller and the blocks looks finer. There are no air conditioners in most of the houses…, they use ventilators which means a tiny part of the building at the topmost level is opened for ventilation to come in….I initially thought it was the central AC that made my room so cold and that the air was so natural until I found out that it was actually the fresh air I was getting. Really cool shei!
On my way back to the university I saw children or better still teenagers in gutters smoking petrol…yes! I mean the same petrol that is used to fuel cars…you can imagine the surprised look on my face...I wished I had my camera with me
Finally I kick started my day with a visit to the National Youth Development Council of Zambia visit to The National Youth Development Centre. It was such an eye opener to what things should really be…, they are having problems but they can thank God that theirs is not a case of fighting and throwing legal punches as we have in Nigeria.
Can you believe that Ben Duntoye is still presenting himself as the National Youth council president of Nigeria at the Pan African Youth Union? My shock exactly when the officials of the Zambian National Youth Development Council said that to me. I was informed of how an office has now been built in Sudan and Ben’s frequent visit to the office…, it is said that it houses an elegant office for him. Gosh! They strongly believe that youth development work and claims in Nigeria is not regulated so anyone claims anything and the likelihood of Nigeria’s capability to win regional trust will be hard after this. My answer is that we are all not the same. Is that the solution? I can confidently say NO! I keep wondering if this is the kind of leadership that our generation subscribes to…, its ok to criticize the older generation and easily point out the faults they committed…, meanwhile we are currently repeating the same thing.
I met with Molako a onetime Zambian Representative to the Commonwealth Youth Caucus, during her time she was Chair for African Region and then the Pan Chair for the whole Commonwealth Youth Caucus. I was too inspired by her deliveries which were present after all her years of service. If I wanted to know that ladies could do a lot.., I saw it clearly today…, and she was so unassuming to say the least…an activist on youth development…she currently works as the program officer for the youth development council. God! I pray I can make an impact during my two years of service and leave lasting impact the way she did.
After lunch it was time to meet the Nigerian Ambassador in Zambia.., however due to schedule it wil wait till tomorrow BUT I had a feel of the Nigerian run away behavior again at the embassy where a Nigerian out stayed his visa period and is claiming right with lots of attitude and curses to whoever. I can’t describe how I felt when I looked at the guy as he was talking to his friend and then they went ahead to say Nigerian ladies do not have respect for men since we cannot kneel when talking to a man. God! Are these guys real!
To end my day was a brief introduction to CYPAC staff members, a short meeting with Nellie, a nice dinner and a nightcap with a nice looking gentleman (wink :=)).
Could I have planned it better? I guess not
‘Ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini’
‘So the morning and the evening were the second day’
Muah!
16/05/2010
After leaving my hotel to spend the night with my friend at her place a noticed some very clear differences in the way things are done in Zambia as compared to Nigeria and some similarities
For instance, it’s not shocking to find out that the central area of town looked very polished while five5mins drive away from the central the roads are in bad condition…kudos to African government
As against building blocks being made out of sand and cement, in Zambia the building blocks is made out of cement and tiny stones…the sizes are smaller and the blocks looks finer. There are no air conditioners in most of the houses…, they use ventilators which means a tiny part of the building at the topmost level is opened for ventilation to come in….I initially thought it was the central AC that made my room so cold and that the air was so natural until I found out that it was actually the fresh air I was getting. Really cool shei!
On my way back to the university I saw children or better still teenagers in gutters smoking petrol…yes! I mean the same petrol that is used to fuel cars…you can imagine the surprised look on my face...I wished I had my camera with me
Finally I kick started my day with a visit to the National Youth Development Council of Zambia visit to The National Youth Development Centre. It was such an eye opener to what things should really be…, they are having problems but they can thank God that theirs is not a case of fighting and throwing legal punches as we have in Nigeria.
Can you believe that Ben Duntoye is still presenting himself as the National Youth council president of Nigeria at the Pan African Youth Union? My shock exactly when the officials of the Zambian National Youth Development Council said that to me. I was informed of how an office has now been built in Sudan and Ben’s frequent visit to the office…, it is said that it houses an elegant office for him. Gosh! They strongly believe that youth development work and claims in Nigeria is not regulated so anyone claims anything and the likelihood of Nigeria’s capability to win regional trust will be hard after this. My answer is that we are all not the same. Is that the solution? I can confidently say NO! I keep wondering if this is the kind of leadership that our generation subscribes to…, its ok to criticize the older generation and easily point out the faults they committed…, meanwhile we are currently repeating the same thing.
I met with Molako a onetime Zambian Representative to the Commonwealth Youth Caucus, during her time she was Chair for African Region and then the Pan Chair for the whole Commonwealth Youth Caucus. I was too inspired by her deliveries which were present after all her years of service. If I wanted to know that ladies could do a lot.., I saw it clearly today…, and she was so unassuming to say the least…an activist on youth development…she currently works as the program officer for the youth development council. God! I pray I can make an impact during my two years of service and leave lasting impact the way she did.
After lunch it was time to meet the Nigerian Ambassador in Zambia.., however due to schedule it wil wait till tomorrow BUT I had a feel of the Nigerian run away behavior again at the embassy where a Nigerian out stayed his visa period and is claiming right with lots of attitude and curses to whoever. I can’t describe how I felt when I looked at the guy as he was talking to his friend and then they went ahead to say Nigerian ladies do not have respect for men since we cannot kneel when talking to a man. God! Are these guys real!
To end my day was a brief introduction to CYPAC staff members, a short meeting with Nellie, a nice dinner and a nightcap with a nice looking gentleman (wink :=)).
Could I have planned it better? I guess not
‘Ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini’
‘So the morning and the evening were the second day’
Muah!
Monday, May 17, 2010
CYP Orientation Memoir-Transition fron abuja to lusaka
15/05/2010
My trip to Zambia for my orientation as the Deputy Chair for Africa Region, Commonwealth Youth Caucus at the Commonwealth Secretariat.I prepared in a rush to the airport feeling really weird as the start of the day had a little bit of dissappointment.
I never knew the challenges of the day had just started...My flight for virgin was delayed for 3 and a half hours and the lady at the counter checked me in knowing fully wel I had a connecting flight with kenyan Airways in Lagos....
After two hours of waiting and with no other airline available..., another lady called me from the virgin office to really explain my situation to me....'I might not make the KQ flight at all'
She and the others at the office went ahead to help me out...by checking me into the KQ flight without leaving abuja...with the hope that i get there on time...That was almost impossible for Virgin delayed another 30mins after the initial delay
So i informed a nice looking gentleman who checked in at the same time with me that he might have the same problems since i noticed that he too will be on the same KQ flight withe......that was my saving grace
They tried to help him and it was his protocol officers in lagos that saved me from missing the flight...they reopened the counter for us...immigration was super fast...the gentleman was super nice!
Only for me to get to Nairobi to hear of the way immigration officers tail travellers and they said ...'its to ensure Nigerians will not run away'...gosh...i went green!
I was just noting the cold weather as I came down from the plane ...when an irritable immigration officer was asking me to present the note verbal i took to embassy in Nigeria and said my visa...which..please note... was almost showing on the other side is faint!. its not by business to tell how your visa should look like...that he should call the Nigerian office to verify.
I almost lost it...but thank God not yet...he delayed me...knowing i was tired since my eyes were swollen from lack of rest... The Commonwealth secretariat staff even had another visa ready me...but he was not willing to look at it...he made my people swear solemy that I was the property of Commonwealth Secretariat....
After all said and done...the people beyond the bother are fabulous and open minded.They love Nigerian entainment industry like craze...use Yoriyori as ringing tone and eat corn meals which am trying to get the name
After a visit to my friend...who joking told me to come see the other side of town from where i was staying, a very very expensive call rate to reach my family,the fresh air and the nice people...am willing to kick start my program without a thought of the woes i went through
'ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini'
Morining and evening ....makes the first day
My trip to Zambia for my orientation as the Deputy Chair for Africa Region, Commonwealth Youth Caucus at the Commonwealth Secretariat.I prepared in a rush to the airport feeling really weird as the start of the day had a little bit of dissappointment.
I never knew the challenges of the day had just started...My flight for virgin was delayed for 3 and a half hours and the lady at the counter checked me in knowing fully wel I had a connecting flight with kenyan Airways in Lagos....
After two hours of waiting and with no other airline available..., another lady called me from the virgin office to really explain my situation to me....'I might not make the KQ flight at all'
She and the others at the office went ahead to help me out...by checking me into the KQ flight without leaving abuja...with the hope that i get there on time...That was almost impossible for Virgin delayed another 30mins after the initial delay
So i informed a nice looking gentleman who checked in at the same time with me that he might have the same problems since i noticed that he too will be on the same KQ flight withe......that was my saving grace
They tried to help him and it was his protocol officers in lagos that saved me from missing the flight...they reopened the counter for us...immigration was super fast...the gentleman was super nice!
Only for me to get to Nairobi to hear of the way immigration officers tail travellers and they said ...'its to ensure Nigerians will not run away'...gosh...i went green!
I was just noting the cold weather as I came down from the plane ...when an irritable immigration officer was asking me to present the note verbal i took to embassy in Nigeria and said my visa...which..please note... was almost showing on the other side is faint!. its not by business to tell how your visa should look like...that he should call the Nigerian office to verify.
I almost lost it...but thank God not yet...he delayed me...knowing i was tired since my eyes were swollen from lack of rest... The Commonwealth secretariat staff even had another visa ready me...but he was not willing to look at it...he made my people swear solemy that I was the property of Commonwealth Secretariat....
After all said and done...the people beyond the bother are fabulous and open minded.They love Nigerian entainment industry like craze...use Yoriyori as ringing tone and eat corn meals which am trying to get the name
After a visit to my friend...who joking told me to come see the other side of town from where i was staying, a very very expensive call rate to reach my family,the fresh air and the nice people...am willing to kick start my program without a thought of the woes i went through
'ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini'
Morining and evening ....makes the first day
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
How Nigerian Youth Organizations can get recognized by Federal Ministry of Youth Development
The Federal Minstry of Youth Development works with various organizations in achieving its aim and goal of empowering young people within Nigeria.
However, since inception of the Ministry, Youth Organizations within the country has been having issues with relating with the Ministry largely because of the existing communication system and lack of information on the possible ways to involve young people in the Ministry's project.
In fairness to the Ministry it is important to note that they would only be able to work with the young people that they know and are familiar with.
It is therefore paramount for youth organizations within Nigeria to work towards getting the recognition status with the Ministry ...This would go a long way in fostering a good working relationship with the Ministry.
The Ministry is currently working on developing the entrepreneurship capacity of young people in Nigeria and i see this as a great opportunity for young people to be involved with the workings of the Ministry, especially because the currebt Directors, Permanent Secretary, minster and the management team of the ministry are interested in working with active youth organizations
I have discussed with the staff in the department that processes the recognition process and I have been told that Youth Organizations should write directly to the minister for youth
If you are a youth organization working in Nigeria and you wish to be actively involved in the working dynamics of the Minstry of Youth, please send your letter seeking for recognition and working partnership and attach report(s) of your projects with pictorial evidence to:
Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi
The honorable Minister
Federal Ministry of Youth Development
3rd Floor Block C
Head of Service Building
Federal secretariat
Abuja.
However, since inception of the Ministry, Youth Organizations within the country has been having issues with relating with the Ministry largely because of the existing communication system and lack of information on the possible ways to involve young people in the Ministry's project.
In fairness to the Ministry it is important to note that they would only be able to work with the young people that they know and are familiar with.
It is therefore paramount for youth organizations within Nigeria to work towards getting the recognition status with the Ministry ...This would go a long way in fostering a good working relationship with the Ministry.
The Ministry is currently working on developing the entrepreneurship capacity of young people in Nigeria and i see this as a great opportunity for young people to be involved with the workings of the Ministry, especially because the currebt Directors, Permanent Secretary, minster and the management team of the ministry are interested in working with active youth organizations
I have discussed with the staff in the department that processes the recognition process and I have been told that Youth Organizations should write directly to the minister for youth
If you are a youth organization working in Nigeria and you wish to be actively involved in the working dynamics of the Minstry of Youth, please send your letter seeking for recognition and working partnership and attach report(s) of your projects with pictorial evidence to:
Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi
The honorable Minister
Federal Ministry of Youth Development
3rd Floor Block C
Head of Service Building
Federal secretariat
Abuja.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Commonwealth Youth representative-Nigeria
The post of the Commonwealth youth representative has been one of active representation and advisory and integration of youth efforts in allignment with regional focus.
In time past the RYC member has been charged with the responsibility of enhancing youth participation in development in their communities and Nigeria has not been left out.
Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima was actively involved in intergovernmental integration on youth development in Nigeria and during his four years tenure as the rep, we worked assiduously on the African Youth charter, in fact he is described in certain quarters as a major player in the achievement of the African Youth charter
In 2009, his tenure ended and I took over march 2010 as the Commonwealth Youth Representative for Nigeria.
In March 2010, The Commonwealth Regional Mid term review meeting of senior government officials was held in Abuja and during the meeting an action plan to guide the works of RYC members was developed and by consensus I was adopted as the Deputy Chairperson for the African Regional Youth Caucus
One might want to ask what do I intend to achieve within the next two years of my tenure
1. Lobbying the Ministry of Youth Development to make it more assessable for youth organizations in Nigeria.
2. Mainstreaming the national Youth council of Nigeria-Lobbying of stakeholders of the National Youth Council to fully integrate active youth organizations and Networks within Nigeria into its structure
3. Propositions of Youth Fund Bill- this involves three processes which includes:
a. Gathering the support of stakeholders and youth leaders’
b. Writing and sending the youth bill to the house of assembly
c. Lobbying members of the house to pass the bill.
4. Integration of Youth leadership in Nigeria- this I hope to achieve by using the neutrality of my office to serve as a rallying point for bring together youth leaders. This also includes formation of a Nigerian Youth leadership Hub.
5. Engaging policy makers on expected target for youth development in Nigeria.
6. Active participation and reporting of youth activities within the Country in my quarterly report to the Commonwealth Secretariat
7. Implement the task allotted to me in the action plan for RYCs
8. Carryout my duties on the regional scene as the Deputy Chair for Africa region
It is based on the above mentioned that I believe my work as the Youth representative will be judged and criticized after two years.
In line with the above mentioned I have kick started the first point on the action which involves youth organizations and the Ministry of youth development.
I am sending is as a call to my colleagues to reach out and work towards the goal of youth development in Nigeria in a united format…, letting go of personal gains and benefits. I seek your help in making this happen and look forward to working with everyone.
Please you can reach me by mail
asalaewajesu@gmail.com
Thank You
EwaJesu Asala
Nigerian Representative: Commonwealth Youth Caucus
Deputy Chairperson, Commonwealth African Regional Youth Caucus.
Country Director-African Women and Youth Organization
In time past the RYC member has been charged with the responsibility of enhancing youth participation in development in their communities and Nigeria has not been left out.
Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima was actively involved in intergovernmental integration on youth development in Nigeria and during his four years tenure as the rep, we worked assiduously on the African Youth charter, in fact he is described in certain quarters as a major player in the achievement of the African Youth charter
In 2009, his tenure ended and I took over march 2010 as the Commonwealth Youth Representative for Nigeria.
In March 2010, The Commonwealth Regional Mid term review meeting of senior government officials was held in Abuja and during the meeting an action plan to guide the works of RYC members was developed and by consensus I was adopted as the Deputy Chairperson for the African Regional Youth Caucus
One might want to ask what do I intend to achieve within the next two years of my tenure
1. Lobbying the Ministry of Youth Development to make it more assessable for youth organizations in Nigeria.
2. Mainstreaming the national Youth council of Nigeria-Lobbying of stakeholders of the National Youth Council to fully integrate active youth organizations and Networks within Nigeria into its structure
3. Propositions of Youth Fund Bill- this involves three processes which includes:
a. Gathering the support of stakeholders and youth leaders’
b. Writing and sending the youth bill to the house of assembly
c. Lobbying members of the house to pass the bill.
4. Integration of Youth leadership in Nigeria- this I hope to achieve by using the neutrality of my office to serve as a rallying point for bring together youth leaders. This also includes formation of a Nigerian Youth leadership Hub.
5. Engaging policy makers on expected target for youth development in Nigeria.
6. Active participation and reporting of youth activities within the Country in my quarterly report to the Commonwealth Secretariat
7. Implement the task allotted to me in the action plan for RYCs
8. Carryout my duties on the regional scene as the Deputy Chair for Africa region
It is based on the above mentioned that I believe my work as the Youth representative will be judged and criticized after two years.
In line with the above mentioned I have kick started the first point on the action which involves youth organizations and the Ministry of youth development.
I am sending is as a call to my colleagues to reach out and work towards the goal of youth development in Nigeria in a united format…, letting go of personal gains and benefits. I seek your help in making this happen and look forward to working with everyone.
Please you can reach me by mail
asalaewajesu@gmail.com
Thank You
EwaJesu Asala
Nigerian Representative: Commonwealth Youth Caucus
Deputy Chairperson, Commonwealth African Regional Youth Caucus.
Country Director-African Women and Youth Organization
Call for Papers-NETs2010
The international conference on internet studies is currently calling for papers http://conference.academic-journal.org/NETs2010
Organized by: Academy of Taiwan Information Systems Research(ATISR.)
Sponsored by: International Business Academics Consortium(IBAC.)
Call for Papers :download
The 2010 International Conference on Internet Study (NETs2010) will be held on November 25-27, 2010, in Taipei, Taiwan. This conference provides a forum for researchers and practitioners to exchange research results and share development experiences on internet study.
The upcoming NETs2010 conference covers, but not limited to the following areas:
Electronic Commerce-Technology Digital payment systems
Authentication
Privacy-enhancing technologies
Information security
Databases and data mining
other relative topics
Electronic Commerce- Management/Marketing Internet Advertising
Internet Banking
Online consumer behavior
Online retailing
Trust on the Net
other relative topics
Cyber Society cyber law and cyber crime
cyber sex and cybering
ethic in cyber society
online friendship and virtual relationship
social communications on the internet
other relative topics
Cyber Education computer and education
e-learning evaluation and content
e-learning technologies, standards and systems
mobile learning
organization learning
virtual learning environments
other relative topics
Organized by: Academy of Taiwan Information Systems Research(ATISR.)
Sponsored by: International Business Academics Consortium(IBAC.)
Call for Papers :download
The 2010 International Conference on Internet Study (NETs2010) will be held on November 25-27, 2010, in Taipei, Taiwan. This conference provides a forum for researchers and practitioners to exchange research results and share development experiences on internet study.
The upcoming NETs2010 conference covers, but not limited to the following areas:
Electronic Commerce-Technology Digital payment systems
Authentication
Privacy-enhancing technologies
Information security
Databases and data mining
other relative topics
Electronic Commerce- Management/Marketing Internet Advertising
Internet Banking
Online consumer behavior
Online retailing
Trust on the Net
other relative topics
Cyber Society cyber law and cyber crime
cyber sex and cybering
ethic in cyber society
online friendship and virtual relationship
social communications on the internet
other relative topics
Cyber Education computer and education
e-learning evaluation and content
e-learning technologies, standards and systems
mobile learning
organization learning
virtual learning environments
other relative topics
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
leadership challenges
It was really interesting to experience the effect of leadership on one's action,reaction and response to issues of life.
recently i became the Commonwealth youth representative for Nigeria and all of a sudden i start experiencing caucus camps on different opinions affecting young people in Nigeria.
In times past my views has always been based on my perspective and analysis of situation and what i believe should be happening, but now the tune of the music has changed.... a blunt opinion has been replaced with an honest opinion..., in a diplomatic manner...l always have to look for common grounds to merger various opinions..., and mine has to be drawn AFTER listening to others.
l have however looked at creating my inner circle..., with these people i do not have to lead...l just have to be EJ.
The difference between a leader and a follower is really perspective and as i work towards finding a rallying point for youth leaders in Nigeria, am hoping i get it right...., if just for the purpose of proving that young people with the country are coordinated and have the skills to lead the country to great heights as against the opinion that we are not good enough....then it is worth every sweat i break.
As i read my favorite book- The Holy Bible...and study about Moses....especially the way he kept the staff with him throughout his lifetime....i wonder what is my staff and how i can guard it jealously to achieve leadership success.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
World Bank Essay on Youth Unemployment
Youth Unemployment
WANTED: Your Practical Ideas
Current world population includes an estimated 1.2 billion young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, which is about 24.7% of the world’s working age population. Worldwide youth unemployment is high, almost three times higher than the adult unemployment rate. With the economic downturn, the worldwide youth unemployment is expected to reach 15% in 2009 (International Labor Organization, 2008). In certain parts of the world, i.e., Sub-Saharan
How can youths be part of the solution?
The Essay Competition 2010 invites youths to share ideas on:
How can you tackle youth unemployment through youth-led solutions?
Please answer both questions:
1. How does youth unemployment affect you, your country, town or local community?
We encourage you to give concrete examples if you have personal experience as a young entrepreneur and if not share your ideas about how you would go about creating a business/ work opportunities in your local community/ town/ country.
For more information see
www.worldbank.org or www.essaycompetition.org
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Standard Bank Spring Internship
Look no further than the Standard Bank Spring Internship!The Visible Women Campaign has partnered with Standard Bank to offer 20 internship opportunities to first and second year female students interested in finding out more about the wonderful world of investment banking.Before we officially open the application process we are giving you the chance to pre-register your interest with us and be the first in the line to apply for this exclusive opportunity.
The Spring Internship will take place on the 19-23 April 2010 and all your travel and accommodation will be covered for the duration of the internship.So... if you are female student (Home/International-any degree discipline) in your first or second year at a UK university we want to hear from you!Pre-register your interest my sending your CV to: info@vwcampaign.co.uk
The Spring Internship will take place on the 19-23 April 2010 and all your travel and accommodation will be covered for the duration of the internship.So... if you are female student (Home/International-any degree discipline) in your first or second year at a UK university we want to hear from you!Pre-register your interest my sending your CV to: info@vwcampaign.co.uk
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Our Polity
In recent timess alot of political tension and uncertainty has clouded the air of Nigeria's social space...yet you wonder who the REAL actors are and what is probably going through their minds as we all await the Hand of God or the Hand of man in our polity.
A pressing question has been on my mind this January and it is 'are we being played the showbiz approach of perception and deception?'
If Mr Goodluck were to take over the helms of affairs of this nation, then it would mean that the people who own the economic might of the country also control the political might...invariably...the season for our southsouth brothers has arrived...
BiIG Question. Is the timing completely right?
This I ask based on the fact that the Southsouth were bound to come into power after the 8years of our northern brothers...please forgive my assumption but the very fabric of our Politics and Constitution is based on the seemingly unseen hands of ethnicity and therefore power rotation.
So would our northern brothers do anything to keep the power play for 8years....including the possible hostile take over?
Or would our southsouth brothers up their game and claim a right that i believe ....is theirs..or shouldn't it?
Or is the clamore for Goodluck from the camp of "his enemies" who can foresee that the current situation will destroy him thereby ruling out his ability to contest come 2015?
When will the power players finally agree on the next 'thing'? because to kid ourselves that they donot exist is to exist in Nigeria but not live in it.
A pressing question has been on my mind this January and it is 'are we being played the showbiz approach of perception and deception?'
If Mr Goodluck were to take over the helms of affairs of this nation, then it would mean that the people who own the economic might of the country also control the political might...invariably...the season for our southsouth brothers has arrived...
BiIG Question. Is the timing completely right?
This I ask based on the fact that the Southsouth were bound to come into power after the 8years of our northern brothers...please forgive my assumption but the very fabric of our Politics and Constitution is based on the seemingly unseen hands of ethnicity and therefore power rotation.
So would our northern brothers do anything to keep the power play for 8years....including the possible hostile take over?
Or would our southsouth brothers up their game and claim a right that i believe ....is theirs..or shouldn't it?
Or is the clamore for Goodluck from the camp of "his enemies" who can foresee that the current situation will destroy him thereby ruling out his ability to contest come 2015?
When will the power players finally agree on the next 'thing'? because to kid ourselves that they donot exist is to exist in Nigeria but not live in it.
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