Community Powered Responses’ Post

Due to inequities and family rejection, trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse (TNGD) youth are over-represented in juvenile legal, child welfare, and youth homelessness systems. They face significant barriers to support, care, and affirmation, heightening risks to their health and well-being. Creating affirming, culturally responsive, and safe environments is crucial for the well-being of TNGD youth, who call for community services that promote family health, increase acceptance, and keep youth from entering out-of-home systems. Last week, we attended the release event for the upcoming Safe Havens II—a report centering the voices of seven young people with lived experience in out-of-home systems and lifting up their recommendations for how systems can better affirm and support TNGD youth. The report is co-authored with our partners at Unicorn Solutions LLC, Lambda Legal, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy. Dominique Jackson joined us to moderate a panel, leading a discussion on how our youth contributors have been impacted by state systems and anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and helping to shed light on what needs to change. TNGD youth are speaking up, and they deserve to be heard. During Foster Awareness Month and every month, we must amplify their voices, actively combat harmful policies, and prioritize their health and well-being. We can all play a role in advocating for accountability, affirmation, and support. Listen to their voices: https://lnkd.in/eAiJGyiS

Empowering Young Changemakers: A Gender-Inclusive Story in Child Protection Greetings, LinkedIn community! Despite bidding farewell to the festive season, our dedication to safeguarding the well-being of children remains steadfast. I am thrilled to share my recent participation in the Urban Kids Corners radio show on Urban FM 99.5 Juba. In the aftermath of prolonged conflict in South Sudan, the festive season can render children vulnerable. As a Gender Equality and Inclusion expert, I am committed to addressing gender inequalities and collaborating with stakeholders to find solutions. The radio show provided a crucial platform to discuss Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child protection during the festive season. Alongside Agot Alier, Deputy Speaker of South Sudan's Children Parliament, we engaged in an interactive dialogue where the public shared thoughts and posed questions. We delved into the specific challenges faced by children during the holidays, including heightened vulnerability to GBV, child labor, trafficking, rape, and exploitation. Importantly, we highlighted the need for community vigilance, as perpetrators are often close to home. Our discussion extended to practical ways communities can actively contribute to child safety, such as establishing local watch groups and organizing awareness campaigns. We emphasized the importance of community solidarity, highlighting that everyone plays a role in securing the well-being of children. To empower communities, we shared reporting mechanisms, including helpline toll-free numbers and local authorities. Continual community awareness is crucial to eliminating barriers preventing prompt reporting of cases. I shed light on Save the Children's initiatives in South Sudan, including community engagements, campaigns, and support services. Communities are encouraged to engage, participate, collaborate with local partners, and advocate for child protection policies. The session concluded with an emphasis on encouraging adolescent voices through our adolescents' groups and children's parliament. These young voices provide invaluable insights into how their peers view child protection, emphasizing the importance of collective action and community involvement. As we transition beyond the festive season, let's persist in our commitment to gender equality and safeguarding children. Through sustained awareness, collaboration, and action, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference. Together, let's ensure that every child experiences a protective and nurturing environment throughout the year. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d_Np7E2i #ChildProtection #GenderEquality #CommunityEmpowerment #SaveTheChildren #SouthSudan #EmpowerYoungChangemakers

Budget 2019: "Tusla - Child and Family Agency welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone that the agency will receive an additional €33m in funding for 2019 from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This allocation brings the agency's funding to €786m." 786 MILLION EURO. 786 MILLIO EURO for putting in risk children and families. 786 MILLION EURO for not caring about children. 786 MILLION EURO for loosing children in their care that are still reported missing. 786 MILLION EURO for jeopardise mothers in the fight of coercive control and domestic abuse. 786 MILLION EURO for not carrying out their duty of care and save children from abuse of any kind. 786 MILLION EURO for carry out abuse of power and intimidation to vulnerable single mothers victims of domestic abuse. 786 MILLION EURO for not comply with EUROPEAN CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. 786 MILLION EURO for inactive, ineffective and unprofessional work. 786 MILLION EURO to not save the children and jeopardise investigations. 786 MILLION EURO to be involved in constant Scandals. 786 MILLION EURO to settle cases in court with families that they broke for not doing their job. .... In 2024 the budget is even bigger for still doing the same as previous years. ...... Irish Government Tusla - Child and Family Agency Helen McEntee Safe Ireland Children's Rights Alliance European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Human Rights Watch National Women's Council (NWC) Council of Europe Human Rights and the Rule of Law Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman file:///Users/iness/Downloads/273322_fd803803-1a3d-48d5-aae2-a549de6a9927.pdf

How do we ensure that 'inclusivity' doesn't remain a buzzword, especially in spaces for advocacy and activism? In the first post from a new monthly blog series by the Women Gaining Ground (WGG) consortium, Tasaffy Madani Hossain of Bonhishikha- unlearn gender and Ashrafun Nahar Misti of Women with Disabilities Development Foundation reflect on their experiences of attending and participating in CSW68 through the lens of youth and disability justice: https://lnkd.in/gDr7iyAN

Sharing with all of you some of our thoughts from a #LatinAmerica perspective regarding our participation at #CSW last month. For those of you interested in participating and being involved in these spaces, and who want to learn more, please don't hesitate to let me know so more Latin American voices can be involved in these conversations. "These conferences provide us with the opportunity to secure commitments from States and foster the development of policies and action plans more aligned with the needs that we and our allies identify, taking into account the country context but also regional best practices and challenges. At CSW, State representatives are invited to parallel events to showcase progress and challenges and to listen to recommendations from civil society to strengthen and protect the rights of women, girls, and adolescents. These spaces not only bring crucial topics to the agenda such as sexual violence, technology-facilitated violence, and their intersection with childhood/adolescence and disability but also generate a commitment and responsibility on the part of States to continue the conversations and implement concrete changes. It is essential for States not only to verbally commit but also to develop work plans adapted to current needs, in line with international conventions such as the Belém do Pará Convention or the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, always considering the participation of civil society. These conferences not only demand commitments but also drive concrete actions." - Compartiendo con todxs ustedes algunos pensamientos desde una perspectiva de #AméricaLatina respecto a nuestra participación en #CSW el mes pasado. Para aquellas personas de sociedad civil interesadas en conocer y estar involucradas en estos espacios, por favor no duden en escribirme para que más voces latinoamericanas puedan estar presentes en estas conversaciones.

Thrilled to share our latest publication exploring the Intersectionality of #Gender and #Disability in #Kenya based on the key findings from Light for the World's InBusiness Initiative. The publication sheds light on the challenges faced by women with disabilities and #Caregivers in their entrepreneurial journeys, offering actionable steps for #inclusivity. #KeyTakeaways: 1️⃣ Unpaid care work burdens women microentrepreneurs and caregivers. 2️⃣ Sexual and gender based violence threatens entrepreneurial opportunities for women. 3️⃣ Cultural norms and unequal power dynamics hinder women's agency in business. #KeyLessons: ➡️Accommodating caregivers' time constraints and providing childcare support are essential. ➡️ Empowering women through self-advocacy and safeguarding training is crucial. ➡️ Addressing #stereotypes and unequal #power dynamics requires holistic community engagement. Check out the attached 👇 publication for more details. #GenderEquality #DisabilityInclusion #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveBusiness Sightsavers United Disabled Persons of Kenya UDPK Sense International Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion FCDO Services

Happy International Women’s Day! As we honour the remarkable achievements of women around the world, we're reminded of the essential role women play in shaping a brighter future for all. While we celebrate progress toward gender equality, we also acknowledge there is still room to grow toward full equity. Women and gender-diverse people in Edmonton face homelessness and poverty at higher rates than men. Their experiences are often less visible as they are more likely to couch surf, avoid shelters, and live in precarious housing situations. The most common factors leading women to homelessness in Edmonton include domestic violence, evictions, and the inability to afford housing. Supporting Boyle Street Community Services means supporting programs that help women, like the H.E.R. (Healthy, Empowered, Resilient) Pregnancy Program. The H.E.R. program aids pregnant women struggling with the issues related to chronic homelessness, poverty, and substance use. The women in the H.E.R. program can face stigma and discrimination because of drug or alcohol use, engagement in survival sex, a history of incarceration, homelessness, poverty and racism when they access health and social services. This stigma and discrimination can prevent women from engaging with needed services. Find a way to get involved today: https://lnkd.in/gZYsa2YG #BoyleStreetCommunity #YEGCommunity #YEG #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #YEGWomen #InternationalWomensDay #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #EndHomelessness #SupportWomen #CommunityServices #PregnancyProgram #WomensRights #EmpowerWomen #SocialJustice #EndhomelessnessYEG #EndPovertyYEG

This #CommunityAwarenessMonth we are exploring the impact of community support for disabled people! Discover how community support transforms lives by enhancing social inclusion, improving access to services, and fostering independence. Dive into our latest blog to learn more and join the conversation on creating a more inclusive world. Read now: https://zurl.co/JPi2 #InclusivityMatters #AccessibilityForAll #InclusivityMatters #EmpowerEveryone #SupportAndEmpower #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityCommunity Image description: A diverse group of women, some with and without visible disabilities, are in a group outside, smiling and waving to the camera. The headline above reads: The Vital Role of Community Support for Disabled People.

Embracing Vulnerability to Ignite Change! Recently, a close friend questioned my decision to share my lived experiences extensively on social media and my blog (check it out https://lnkd.in/essSaYX8 ) Their concern was rooted in love and a desire to protect my privacy. Let me shed light on why I've chosen to be an open book: 1️⃣ Personal Experience: I navigate life as a woman with a disability, intimately understanding the challenges faced, particularly in Uganda. By sharing my trials, doubts, and triumphs, I aim to inspire and support others who are 'born different.' 2️⃣ Passion for Helping: Known for my dedication to making a positive impact, I use my skills and knowledge to uplift those facing various forms of disabilities. 3️⃣ Breaking Stereotypes: Raised amidst stereotypes that individuals like me cannot achieve much, I've made it my life's purpose to challenge these perceptions. Let's dismantle biases, stigmas, and discrimination by fostering collaboration and empowerment. 4️⃣ Duty-Bound: Acknowledging the privilege of a good education and support, I feel a duty to assist others in achieving similar opportunities, thus balancing the scales. 5️⃣ Responsibility Realized: Attending a Leadership course at The Institute for National Transformation (INT) shifted my perspective. I realized change begins with action. Despite physical limitations, social media serves as my platform to advocate for disability awareness and equality. Let's transform society together! I'm not seeking pity but partnership, understanding, and constructive contributions towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Together, we can remove barriers and ensure everyone enjoys a life filled with love, success, and fulfilment. #DisabilityAwareness #BreakingBarriers #inclusionmatters #SocialChange #Advocacy

A very important read on what it means to stand in solidarity. “Although I don’t know that I’ve always used the concept of solidarity to describe this, I’ve always stated that my book and the focus of all the work I do will always center Black Americans because they are the population that has been most harmed by this system, both historically and in the present. I’ve explained that as a gay, Mexican-American man, I could choose to write a book about the harms the system causes to LGBTQ+ children and families, or Latinx children and families, and then also claim a personal identity connection to these groups, but I would never do this because that would de-center those who have been most harmed. While I would not fault someone for writing those books, in my own work, I will always maintain a focus on those who have been most impacted by this system. For me, this is what solidarity is about. There does not need to be a personal identity connection with a population who is being oppressed to understand that their oppression is wrong. We do not need to share a race, a gender, or any other identity with people who are being harmed to understand that ending this harm must take priority, particularly when the harm being inflicted on one population vastly outweighs the harm being inflicted on those with whom we might share an identity. In these situations, our personal identities are not relevant to the work that must be done.” by Alan Dettlaff https://lnkd.in/g9YrR_G8