I am now into my third week of working with the FW De Klerk Foundation here in Cape Town, South Africa. Everyone at the office is incredibly warm and kind, and I have the utmost respect for what the Foundation is trying to do: support the Constitution and its foundation for a new South Africa, and support peace in multicultural societies. The Foundation accomplishes its mission in various ways such as monitoring socio-political developments that go against constitutional values (i.e. serve as a kind of government watchdog), publishing reports and papers opposing anything that is unconstitutional, helping people to understand and claim their rights through pro-bono legal assistance, etc.
The project I am currently focusing on is trying to understand the discrepancy between the rights of women as laid out in the Constitution and as seen through the near equal representation of women and men in Parliament, versus how women are actually treated "on the ground." While South Africa boasts equal rights, protection, freedoms, and representation for women in their laws and policies, it also has some of the highest rates of rape and other forms of violence against women in the world. My job is to better understand why this discrepancy exists, and to provide suggestions on how to improve the situation for women. There has been a plethora of research and papers written regarding this topic, so part of my challenge is to find the gaps and to add to, expand upon, challenge, or provide a different perspective on what already exists.
I have used the past couple of weeks to familiarize myself with the South Africa's history, people groups, cultures, and current events to get a sort of foothold for my project. I visit the National Library and my local library often to do research, and last week attended a briefing at Parliament by the Commission for Gender Equality regarding their strategic plans and budget. The briefing helped to get a better sense of how the government is addressing gender issues, and I was able to connect with a couple of committee members who I will hopefully be able to arrange meetings with.
Below are links to a couple of articles regarding violence against women and/or gender/sexuality issues in South Africa/Africa.
Article in today's NYT re: African women's soccer & homophobia:
Recent incidence of gender-based violence in a Cape Town township:
Article on corrective rape in South Africa:
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Putting in Work
Today was my first day at my fellowship site. How could I have not mentioned that?
I am placed at the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security. It was a short day because many of my future colleagues were in meetings. I was very excited to get to work. I met with many of the individuals I will be working with over the course of the next few months. Everyone was genuinely welcoming and very excited to meet me.
I had the opportunity to discuss the projects I'll be working on. As of now, I'll be consulting on recent policies related to sexual assault; focusing on putting policies into practice. Additionally, I will be preparing trainings and workshops for local college students who are studying social work. How exciting is that?
I was a bit surprised with the appearance of the building. Inside, the floors were made of wood panels. They were painted red, but clearly very faded. The halls were dimly lit. I even caught my finger on a door handle. Thank God for recent tetanus shots. I wasn't sure if I was being a condescending American or the Ministry just needed some repairs. Perhaps the latter?
In social work school we often discussed pre-conceived ideas; "schema". What we expected things to be, appear, and so on. This would be an exercise in what I thought a government building would look like. Clearly, the lesson doesn't stop at graduation.
I am placed at the Ministry of Labour, Human Services, and Social Security. It was a short day because many of my future colleagues were in meetings. I was very excited to get to work. I met with many of the individuals I will be working with over the course of the next few months. Everyone was genuinely welcoming and very excited to meet me.
I had the opportunity to discuss the projects I'll be working on. As of now, I'll be consulting on recent policies related to sexual assault; focusing on putting policies into practice. Additionally, I will be preparing trainings and workshops for local college students who are studying social work. How exciting is that?
I was a bit surprised with the appearance of the building. Inside, the floors were made of wood panels. They were painted red, but clearly very faded. The halls were dimly lit. I even caught my finger on a door handle. Thank God for recent tetanus shots. I wasn't sure if I was being a condescending American or the Ministry just needed some repairs. Perhaps the latter?
In social work school we often discussed pre-conceived ideas; "schema". What we expected things to be, appear, and so on. This would be an exercise in what I thought a government building would look like. Clearly, the lesson doesn't stop at graduation.
Adjustments
It's day three here in Guyana. Talk about culture shock. Here are some of the major differences living in Georgetown compared to life in the states.
The Farm Animals
Why did the chicken cross the road? I don't know but there's a cow and a horse right behind the chicken. Ask them. I can't get over the whole animals walking around a major city bit. Stray cats and dogs I've seen, but horses? Cars always yield to them. It's hard enough driving and having to worry about children running into the road, but you've gotta be a pretty sharp driver to dodge a cow that wanders out in front of you.
And speaking of the cars, a few of the vehicles I've been in don't have seat belts in the back seat. What's up with that? Safety first please.
Television
I have tv. How lucky! So television here is a little weird to me. There are Guyanese channels that import shows from the US, Puerto Rico, India, and other countries in South America. The line up is designed by the station. So, for example, a line up may include "True Stories from the ER" of discovery channel, the Tyra show, then Seinfeld. Interesting.
Also, some commercials are in Spanish. Although, it's very much a multilingual country, I haven't heard anyone speak Spanish since I've been here. Not yet I guess.
Buildings
The buildings are colorful. Lot's of wood buildings with island inspired colors.
Water, Water, Everywhere
And not a bit to drink! It's rainy season here. At any point during the day there's a major storm, then sunny ten minutes later.
One piece of advice I received again and again before departure was
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER! I've been buying bottled water to brush my teeth, wash my face, and wash my dishes. Yes, it's definitely an adjustment.
Sunshine
The sun here is harsh. Nothing compared to even the sunniest days I've experienced. I've been trying staying cool with my sombrero and sunscreen 100, however, I got a serious tan just walking to the grocery store, tan lines and all.
Time Zones
There is no time difference between Guyana and EST, however, the radio stations and locals alike usually report the time in military hours.
I'm confident I'll get with it soon. Even the farm animals walking around part. I'm very much taking in the new experiences.
The Farm Animals
Why did the chicken cross the road? I don't know but there's a cow and a horse right behind the chicken. Ask them. I can't get over the whole animals walking around a major city bit. Stray cats and dogs I've seen, but horses? Cars always yield to them. It's hard enough driving and having to worry about children running into the road, but you've gotta be a pretty sharp driver to dodge a cow that wanders out in front of you.
And speaking of the cars, a few of the vehicles I've been in don't have seat belts in the back seat. What's up with that? Safety first please.
Television
I have tv. How lucky! So television here is a little weird to me. There are Guyanese channels that import shows from the US, Puerto Rico, India, and other countries in South America. The line up is designed by the station. So, for example, a line up may include "True Stories from the ER" of discovery channel, the Tyra show, then Seinfeld. Interesting.
Also, some commercials are in Spanish. Although, it's very much a multilingual country, I haven't heard anyone speak Spanish since I've been here. Not yet I guess.
Buildings
The buildings are colorful. Lot's of wood buildings with island inspired colors.
Water, Water, Everywhere
And not a bit to drink! It's rainy season here. At any point during the day there's a major storm, then sunny ten minutes later.
One piece of advice I received again and again before departure was
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER! I've been buying bottled water to brush my teeth, wash my face, and wash my dishes. Yes, it's definitely an adjustment.
Sunshine
The sun here is harsh. Nothing compared to even the sunniest days I've experienced. I've been trying staying cool with my sombrero and sunscreen 100, however, I got a serious tan just walking to the grocery store, tan lines and all.
Time Zones
There is no time difference between Guyana and EST, however, the radio stations and locals alike usually report the time in military hours.
I'm confident I'll get with it soon. Even the farm animals walking around part. I'm very much taking in the new experiences.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Learning every day
Hi All. My name is Dionne and I am at the WHO in the Department of Public Health and Research. It has so far been an eye-opening experience on the job and also living in this city. Coming from the Bay Area, I thought I was pretty familiar with the idea of "diversity", but being in Geneva, especially at the WHO has given the word a whole new meaning for me. "Multiculturalism" is one of the WHO's core competencies and it is reflected in the composition of the staff and hundreds of interns. It has been amazing to meet people who have lived, worked and traveled all over the world and hear about their insight on global health.
With that said, the west and the developed countries are well overrepresented on the staff and also among interns. At an intern meeting with the DG last week, an intern asked the DG why currently over 85% were from developed countries and if there has been an effort to diversify. She acknowledged the discrepancy and even admitted that English is dominant in the WHO despite have five official languages. The reasoning is clear why: Geneva is an extremely expensive place to live and work and unfortunately out of reach for many talented students from developing countries. This is an issue that apparently gets talked about every year, but has not really been addressed. In these tough financial times, I predict that it is even lower on the agenda than years past.
Despite this, I have been amazed at how such a large organization such as the WHO is able to keep the true goal at heart. I have had many conversations with staff, in which they advocate for several issues such as the importance of local ownership of tools, culturally appropriate material and focusing on those who are the most underserved.
I have a lot more to learn here and am excited to see what the rest of my time here will bring. Good luck, Fellows! I enjoy reading about your experiences and am learning from you across the world in Switzerland!
With that said, the west and the developed countries are well overrepresented on the staff and also among interns. At an intern meeting with the DG last week, an intern asked the DG why currently over 85% were from developed countries and if there has been an effort to diversify. She acknowledged the discrepancy and even admitted that English is dominant in the WHO despite have five official languages. The reasoning is clear why: Geneva is an extremely expensive place to live and work and unfortunately out of reach for many talented students from developing countries. This is an issue that apparently gets talked about every year, but has not really been addressed. In these tough financial times, I predict that it is even lower on the agenda than years past.
Despite this, I have been amazed at how such a large organization such as the WHO is able to keep the true goal at heart. I have had many conversations with staff, in which they advocate for several issues such as the importance of local ownership of tools, culturally appropriate material and focusing on those who are the most underserved.
I have a lot more to learn here and am excited to see what the rest of my time here will bring. Good luck, Fellows! I enjoy reading about your experiences and am learning from you across the world in Switzerland!
Flying Solo
I'm sitting in a room in Pegasus Hotel in Guyana. I can't believe I'm in another country, another continent. Somewhere between my nerves rattling around flying alone, clearing immigration, and getting to the hotel, I'm in pure awe to be here.
I've traveled quite a bit, but never alone. The thought of getting on a plane by myself was just nerve wrecking. But I never let on. When friends asked if I was scared my simple reply was "no". I wasn't nervous to be in another country alone, just the "getting from here to there". I figured it would be all down hill once I landed. My friends & family? Well, they're nervous for me. But that's another whole blog entry.
First thoughts on Guyana ? Well, I landed in the capital city of Georgetown. I expected it to be like all major cities I've landed in. Crowded, busy, bustling with people. Not exactly. The airport wasn't very large; only four lines to clear immigration. I waited for a taxi to the hotel while stray dogs walked around the parking lot. During the forty- five minute drive from the airport to the hotel we passed chickens walking the streets, and cows and horses on the side of the road. If this is "city", what does the country look like? Nope, I'm not in New York any more.
The cab driver was very informative and gave a great tour while I gazed over the city. We passed one of three major rivers (Dematara?), churches, mosques, and temples, street vendors, beggars, children, KFC, outdoor markets, a hospital, PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), and the American consulate.
After a very, VERY, long nap, I ate dinner downstairs. Jerk chicken, french fries, salad, and diet coke. The jerk chicken was so delicious. I'm on a mission to eat some great roti & dal. Mmmm. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to get some while I'm here.
The proposed agenda is to look at an apartment picked out by my agency tomorrow and hopefully move in. Work begins on Tuesday. Can't wait. Did I mention I'm on another continent? Sunscreen & malaria medication? Check. Let's do this!
I've traveled quite a bit, but never alone. The thought of getting on a plane by myself was just nerve wrecking. But I never let on. When friends asked if I was scared my simple reply was "no". I wasn't nervous to be in another country alone, just the "getting from here to there". I figured it would be all down hill once I landed. My friends & family? Well, they're nervous for me. But that's another whole blog entry.
First thoughts on Guyana ? Well, I landed in the capital city of Georgetown. I expected it to be like all major cities I've landed in. Crowded, busy, bustling with people. Not exactly. The airport wasn't very large; only four lines to clear immigration. I waited for a taxi to the hotel while stray dogs walked around the parking lot. During the forty- five minute drive from the airport to the hotel we passed chickens walking the streets, and cows and horses on the side of the road. If this is "city", what does the country look like? Nope, I'm not in New York any more.
The cab driver was very informative and gave a great tour while I gazed over the city. We passed one of three major rivers (Dematara?), churches, mosques, and temples, street vendors, beggars, children, KFC, outdoor markets, a hospital, PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), and the American consulate.
After a very, VERY, long nap, I ate dinner downstairs. Jerk chicken, french fries, salad, and diet coke. The jerk chicken was so delicious. I'm on a mission to eat some great roti & dal. Mmmm. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to get some while I'm here.
The proposed agenda is to look at an apartment picked out by my agency tomorrow and hopefully move in. Work begins on Tuesday. Can't wait. Did I mention I'm on another continent? Sunscreen & malaria medication? Check. Let's do this!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Gender, Health, and Climate Change at the WHO
Hello Fellows,
My name is Elizabeth, and I've been enjoying reading all your posts. It's interesting to see how despite us all being in different locations and working with different organizations, there seem to be many common themes in our work. I am working with the Climate Change & Health Team at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, so I was particularly excited to see that several of you are working with environmental policy at the country level. I am looking forward to sharing experiences and swapping ideas throughout the summer.
During my first two weeks at WHO, I have met a lot of new people, including a large number of students interning at headquarters for the summer. Of course with these introductions also comes the obligatory questions of "where are you from?" and "what area are you working in?" It's been interesting to see the reactions of other interns when I explain that I am working with the climate change team to better incorporate gender into the health sector's work on climate change. In response, I have gotten a number of blank stares and vague comments like "that sounds interesting." I know what they are really thinking is "gender, health, and climate change-how are those related?"
So in response to these unasked questions, I then go on to explain a bit more about my work by way of example. One of my favorite examples is to discuss how men and women are affected differently by water scarcity caused by changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events. Since in many countries, women are responsible for fetching water, when wells or streams dry up, this means women must walk farther to reach the nearest water source. This poses a greater physical burden, causing additional stress on the back and bones and possibly spinal injury, and also results in the loss of time that women have for other activities.
I go on further to explain that water scarcity is often linked to an increase in water-borne disease as sanitation and hygiene is neglected in favor of other water use priorities and populations may be forced to rely upon contaminated sources for their water needs. Involving women in the design and implementation of projects to promote appropriate technologies like rainwater harvesting and ecological latrines and in the dissemination of messages concerning hygiene and the prevention of water-borne diseases are examples of strategies the health sector can use to respond to the health effects of climate change.
I've found that usually this explanation helps get rid of the blank stares, and certainly works as a great conversation starter!
My name is Elizabeth, and I've been enjoying reading all your posts. It's interesting to see how despite us all being in different locations and working with different organizations, there seem to be many common themes in our work. I am working with the Climate Change & Health Team at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, so I was particularly excited to see that several of you are working with environmental policy at the country level. I am looking forward to sharing experiences and swapping ideas throughout the summer.
During my first two weeks at WHO, I have met a lot of new people, including a large number of students interning at headquarters for the summer. Of course with these introductions also comes the obligatory questions of "where are you from?" and "what area are you working in?" It's been interesting to see the reactions of other interns when I explain that I am working with the climate change team to better incorporate gender into the health sector's work on climate change. In response, I have gotten a number of blank stares and vague comments like "that sounds interesting." I know what they are really thinking is "gender, health, and climate change-how are those related?"
So in response to these unasked questions, I then go on to explain a bit more about my work by way of example. One of my favorite examples is to discuss how men and women are affected differently by water scarcity caused by changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events. Since in many countries, women are responsible for fetching water, when wells or streams dry up, this means women must walk farther to reach the nearest water source. This poses a greater physical burden, causing additional stress on the back and bones and possibly spinal injury, and also results in the loss of time that women have for other activities.
I go on further to explain that water scarcity is often linked to an increase in water-borne disease as sanitation and hygiene is neglected in favor of other water use priorities and populations may be forced to rely upon contaminated sources for their water needs. Involving women in the design and implementation of projects to promote appropriate technologies like rainwater harvesting and ecological latrines and in the dissemination of messages concerning hygiene and the prevention of water-borne diseases are examples of strategies the health sector can use to respond to the health effects of climate change.
I've found that usually this explanation helps get rid of the blank stares, and certainly works as a great conversation starter!
Monday, June 13, 2011
From Washington D.C.
Hello everyone,
My name is Swetha and I am writing from Washington D.C this summer while I complete my fellowship at the Ministerial Leadership Initiative (MLI) through the Aspen Institute. MLI is focused on strengthening leadership and governance across 5 countries to support country driven development. The 5 specific countries MLI supports are Sierra Leone, Mali, Ethiopia, Nepal and Senegal.
This week is a hectic one as delegates from all 5 countries will be arriving in DC for the Global Health Council (GHC) and will be leading some of the panel discussions and sessions at the conference. It has been an interesting day and I've had the opportunity of meeting the delegates as they've been arriving. I have also been learning more about MLI activities in their specific countries. MLI provides technical support on health financing, donor harmonization and reproductive health and are showcasing their Call to Action for Country Led- Development on June 14th at the Global Health Conference. But most importantly, MLI and its delegates are promoting country-led development. Their hope this week, is to provide examples of countries taking the lead with public health development and how that has resulted in successful program implementation and donor/partner support.
I look forward to providing a more in-depth coverage of MLI's activities as the summer progresses.
Hope everyone is well!
My name is Swetha and I am writing from Washington D.C this summer while I complete my fellowship at the Ministerial Leadership Initiative (MLI) through the Aspen Institute. MLI is focused on strengthening leadership and governance across 5 countries to support country driven development. The 5 specific countries MLI supports are Sierra Leone, Mali, Ethiopia, Nepal and Senegal.
This week is a hectic one as delegates from all 5 countries will be arriving in DC for the Global Health Council (GHC) and will be leading some of the panel discussions and sessions at the conference. It has been an interesting day and I've had the opportunity of meeting the delegates as they've been arriving. I have also been learning more about MLI activities in their specific countries. MLI provides technical support on health financing, donor harmonization and reproductive health and are showcasing their Call to Action for Country Led- Development on June 14th at the Global Health Conference. But most importantly, MLI and its delegates are promoting country-led development. Their hope this week, is to provide examples of countries taking the lead with public health development and how that has resulted in successful program implementation and donor/partner support.
I look forward to providing a more in-depth coverage of MLI's activities as the summer progresses.
Hope everyone is well!
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