On Earth Day and every day we RISE for Climate Justice & MotherEarth. We amplify the connections between the exploitation of women and the exploitation of the earth. The global climate crisis impacts communities around the world. Women and girls suffer the most in terms of long term loss of livelihood, forced migration, trafficking and other climate related conflicts. Indigenous populations everywhere have suffered gravely – displaced and forced to flee and relocate – making them the world’s first climate refugees.
This Earth Day, we renew our call for justice against the aggressive greed and global exploitation of nature and people that deepen the inequalities of wealth and power. We RISE for Mother Earth and for the restoration of dignity, integrity and respect towards the Earth and to all people of the world who have been violated by policies and programs that cause environmental degradation and plunder.
We RISE to address the devastating consequences of the ongoing vicious systems of patriarchy, imperialism, capitalism and racism in the world today and the destructive battle for power fought over women’s bodies and the body of the earth. RISE to demand an end to violence against women, gender expansive people, girls and the planet. Visit onebillionrising.org.
EARTH DAY IS EVERY DAY AT THE V-WORLD FARM,
SISTER PROJECT TO THE CITY OF JOY
V-World Farm is a sustainable farm based on 338 hectares of arable land in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It acts as a living classroom for the women at City of Joy. 23 City of Joy graduates are employed at and reside in two residential houses on V-World Farm. The land provides a bounty of crops that are consumed at the City of Joy, from carrots, cassava, and corn to tomatoes, soya, and bean crops. V-World Farm is more than just a physical location and sustainable community. It is seen as a metaphor for transformation, empowerment, environmental responsibility and Indigenous rights. There is a deep, long-term vision that begins with the women and the farm and continues with the reintegration of women into their communities – to the very land that was the site of their violations – empowered with their own healing and skills in permaculture and agricultural business practices.
Share widely, learn more and support women in Congo, visit cityofjoycongo.org and instagram.com/cityofjoycongo.
OBR India sent us their amazing newsletter recapping their 2024 events.
By: Instituto Favela Da Paz
Source: Elem Pss
On March 8th, Women’s Day, female collectives in Favela Da Paz, Sao Paolo Brazil, came together for a One Billion Rising celebration event in favor of life. Bringing together women of all ages and origins, this meeting was a manifestation of solidarity, empowerment and the fight for women’s rights. The energy was one of unity and strength, showing the power of sisterhood and collective action in the search for a more just and egalitarian society.
UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS! V-Day and One Billion Rising stand in solidarity with the women of Gambia and against the repeal of the ban on FGM (female genital mutilation).
Dr. Isatou Touray, former VP of Gambia & OBR Gambia Coordinator, is on the front lines of this grassroots work to ensure the rights of women and girls. See below her urgent statement and call to action.
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2ND READING OF THE ANTI-FGM LAW PRESENTED FOR REPEAL BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS (NAMS)
H.E. DR. ISATOU TOURAY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GAMCOTRAP 18TH MARCH 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Not upholding the law is a violation of the right of the girl-child. Associating FGM with Islam is blasphemy. The Quran never mentions FGM and there is no authentic Hadith that promotes it. All Hadith associated with FGM are weak (Daif). “The constitution talks of preserving our cultural rights but the cultural values that tends to debase your humanity should not be encouraged”. Culture is on continuum and not static and changes with time.
The Amendment Bill 2024 reflects the misogynist attitude towards over 50% of Gambia’s population. In this 21st century when progress should be accelerated we are seeing the emergence of subtle misogyny in The Gambia. Using religious arguments to promote a practice that is gruesome and deadly should not be encouraged.
The Legislation will be evidence of misogynist tendencies we are currently observing.
The Members of Parliaments (MPs) particularly the female Members of Parliaments and those among them who had been trained, supported or worked with GAMCOTRAP would be seen to have failed Gambian women if they vote not to uphold the law. It raises a fundamental question about the quality of women and men we take to the National Assembly. Thank you to Honorable Fatoumata Tuma Njie, the only female MP fighting to uphold the law.
The silence of the state and relevant ministries who should come out with clear statement to uphold the law is deafening. Issues of women’s rights should not be a matter to be discussed behind the scene. We have seen the effective engagement of CSOs/ NGOs whose role is to complement the government’s efforts in fulfilling its obligation to women and girls. The Gambia is a signatory to a number of conventions, Protocols and policies that promotes women’s rights. Among these are: The Maputo Protocol on women’s rights, CEDAW, ICPD Program of Action, GEAR etc. Yet today, we are seeing all the gains made over the years being compromised in a democratic dispensation where rights of vulnerable and powerless young girls should be preserved and guaranteed. We can observe silence from quarters that should be stoical in defending women’s rights. This law is to protect the Human Rights of women and girls. The state is the primary duty bearer and is under obligation to uphold laws and policies that protect the rights of women. Our expectation is to get the bill to repeal the law was going to be thrown out.
I call on MPs to uphold the law banning FGM , Gambian women are moving forward and must start thinking of choosing MPs who would put the interest of women in the center of their engagement.
The emergence of political Islam and religious fundamentalism in the Gambia is a concern.
GAMCOTRAP wish to appreciate the effective participation of the CSO/NGOs coming in numbers to fight for upholding the Anti-FGM Law. History will judge the Gambian Legislators who deliberated on this Bill.
One Billion Rising events are taking place and will continue through 22 April, Earth Day with the 2024 theme: RISE for FREEDOM, Be the New World. Rising Freedom Festivals are 1-2 days in length, including theatre, music, poetry, songs, painting, murals, workshops, massage, storytelling, oral histories, testimonies, drumming, planting, talks, connecting with nature, discussions, bodywork, rituals, ceremonies, circles, and more.
If we saw ourselves as artists, what would we imagine and design? What world would we see? What new language and expressions for freedom would we find? How do we create and envision deeper, bigger and bolder?
We are in a state of war. A war against our bodies. Our minds. The Earth. Our FREEDOM now depends on our coming together in unity to IMAGINE it, CREATE it and RISE for it.
On #InternationalWomensDay, how will you Rise?
Photos: Beautiful Hearts Against Sexual Violence (Mongolia), Lucinda Evans (South Africa), Colani Hlatjwako (Namibia), OBR Site (Boston, USA), OBR Site (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Matcha Phorn-in (Thailand), OBR Croatia (Croatia), Gabriela a National Alliance of Women (Philippines), Gabriela Oakland/ Palestinian Feminist Collective (San Francisco, USA), OBR Italia (Italy)
Ready to RISE? Visit onebillionrising.org
READ about the 2024 theme
FIND/PLAN a Rising event
MEET the OBR Global Coordinators
FOLLOW OBR on Instagram
Check out our blog for inspiration from global coordinators around the world
AFGHAN WOMEN SPEAK – READ THE LATEST IN OUR BLOG SERIES AMPLIFYING THE VOICES OF WOMEN INSIDE AFGHANISTAN
More stories are coming in from Afghanistan. We cannot underestimate the power of our solidarity at this moment. Please help raise awareness, share them widely with your friends and social networks. We RISE with you, our Afghan sisters. SUPPORT Afghan women and their families, DONATE to the Simeen Mobile Health Team today.
READ the new blog, “Compassion is Diminishing in the World”
READ the blog series: Afghan Women Speak
SHARE CHRISTINE’S TED TALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS & NETWORKS
The response to Christine Schuler Deschryver (co-founder and director of City of Joy)’s TED talk has been powerful. In the talk entitled “The 5 Tenets of Turning Pain into Power,” Christine details how rape is often used as a weapon in the war over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s vast mineral resources, and how City of Joy helps survivors empower themelves, breaking the destructive cycle that sexual violence often has on individuals and communities. We’ve just released a reel with a clip from the talk – please spread the word and share widely – we want everyone to see her talk and learn about the work of City of Joy.
VIEW & SHARE the reel
To download the reel and social copy, visit the digital toolkit
Rise In Solidarity With Sudanese Women:
A Call For International Women’s Day
Shared by One Billion Rising Eswatini
Join us in amplifying the voices of Sudanese women. #1BillionRising Eswatini is a partner. Let’s raise awareness and discuss actionable steps for change. We shall examine the role of international actors in bringing peace and discuss strategies for accountability.
Here is the Twitter link for Africa Women Leaders Forum:
https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1BdGYrdblLoJX
#KeepEyesOnSudan #Sudanwomenvoices #inclusionandbelonging
Christine Schuler Deschryver’s TED Talk has just been released and is available for viewing.
In the talk entitled “The 5 Tenets of Turning Pain into Power,” Christine details how rape is often used as a weapon in the war over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s vast mineral resources, and how City of Joy helps survivors empower themelves, breaking the destructive cycle that sexual violence often has on individuals and communities.
“The reason for this unrelenting violence is an ongoing proxy war for the country’s vast mineral resources, which are essential to the production of your computers, phones, and electronics. In Congo, rape is a weapon of war used by militias to rip apart our communities resulting in catastrophic sexual violence, political upheaval, displacement, and disease. But the Democratic Republic of Congo is also a place of extreme beauty, lush greenery, and lakes and forests, where anything can grow if you plant it. Our people are beautiful, fierce, and generous. Our women are creative. When they dance, they change the world.”
– Christine Schuler Deschryver,
Co-Founder & Director of City of Joy & V-Day Congo
We want to make sure that everyone sees Christine’s TED Talk, and we need your help. Our team has prepared a toolkit with sample copy, reel and images. These can be used across your social media platforms, for e-blasts to your networks, etc. Please share everywhere!
With love & solidarity,
All of us at V-Day
TAKE ACTION:
SHARE the talk, SPREAD the word, check out the Digital Toolkit
READ the press release
SUPPORT the women turning pain to power at the City of Joy
WATCH the documentary CITY OF JOY on Netflix
Our RAWA sisters in Afghanistan are Rising for Freedom amidst devastating conditions. We stand in awe of their voice, their bravery and their solidarity with activists rising across the globe.
Here is their statement that they have asked us to share with you:
The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) participated in this year’s One Billion Rising for freedom. Throughout the week-long event, small gatherings, slogan writing, and other activities were held in our home-based classes, courses, centers, and homes in cities like Kabul, Mazar, and Herat.
During these events, discussions centered on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, particularly the challenges faced by women under the Taliban’s oppressive and extremist rule. The conversations also delved into the role of Western powers, notably the US, in fostering religious fundamentalism, which fueled decades of conflict and suffering in the region. Additionally, there was a focus on the shift in power from the corrupt Ghani Government to the Taliban criminals as their former servants.
Furthermore, the dialogue emphasized the historical struggle for women’s rights and the significance of standing in solidarity with movements like One Billion Rising to advocate for gender equality and empowerment.
Despite threats, arrests, killings, imprisonments, and torture of Afghan female activists, their resistance and rebellion against the Taliban show that our women will not remain silent. If schools are closed, Afghan girls’ pens and knowledge will be their weapons in the fight for their rights and democracy.
We, Afghan women, draw strength from the solidarity of our sisters around the world who are rising with us for freedom!
The Persian slogans’ translations:
I rise for the right of Education!
I rise against fundamentalism!
I rise for gender equality!
I rise against injustice and cruelty!
I rise against war and bloodshed!
I rise for democracy!
# # #
We RISE with you, our Afghan sisters.
Every day, the rights of millions of women in Afghanistan continue to be violated, stripped and threatened. Women currently have lost access to education, jobs, and multiple other freedoms, such as traveling without a male chaperone and utilizing public spaces like parks and gyms. We believe the women of Afghanistan have the right to education, to travel, to freedom of movement, to jobs, to security, just having freedom to be able to breathe and be.
We cannot underestimate the power of our solidarity at this moment.
Please help raise awareness, share them widely with your friends and social networks.
SUPPORT Afghan women and their families, DONATE to the Simeen Mobile Health Team today
READ the blog series Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan
WE ARE RISING!
WE ARE RISING! Every year, we Rise – in countries across the world.
This is a snapshot as the 2024 Risings begin…
With our gratitude to activist/singer/songwriter/producer Taína Asili
for the anthem “We Are Rising”.
Happy Rising for Freedom Message
from V (formerly Eve Ensler)
View V’s message to activists everywhere as we celebrate all the risings that have already happened and the many more that will happen between now and Earth Day. Join us, #RiseforFreedom
We Asked Our One Billion Rising Council
What Rising for Freedom Means to Them
As we write, activists worldwide are planning and staging their Rise for Freedom creative rising actions and events. We asked our One Billion Rising Counsel members what Rising for Freedom means to them.
Here’s what Monique Wilson, Global Director of One Billion Rising, Abha Bhaiya, One Billion Rising Coordinator for India and Joms Salvador, One Billion Rising Coordinator for the Philippines shared with us…
In 2024 we escalate the call to #RiseForFreedom defining and reclaiming what FREEDOM means within solidarity, democracy, safety, equality, dignity and justice. It is the EVOLUTION of love and BEING the new world.
How Will You RISE?
This year, we escalate the call to Rise For Freedom and cultivate a year of INSPIRATION and ASPIRATION through storytelling, building communities, strengthening solidarity, creating art, dancing and honoring women and gender expansive people and the Earth. We will continue to ENVISION and CREATE new ways of being, living, loving, and connecting, raising consciousness and deepening understanding so that our freedom, our future, is rooted in truth, love, community, earth and body.
Ready to rise? Visit onebillionrising.org/campaign
As we write, activists worldwide are planning and staging their Rise for Freedom creative rising actions and events. We asked our One Billion Rising Council what Rising for Freedom means to them.
Here’s what Monique Wilson, Global Director of One Billion Rising, Abha Bhaiya, One Billion Rising Coordinator for India and Joms Salvador, One Billion Rising Coordinator for the Philippines shared with us…
In 2024 we escalate the call to #RiseForFreedom defining and reclaiming what FREEDOM means within solidarity, democracy, safety, equality, dignity and justice. It is the EVOLUTION of love and BEING the new world.
How Will You RISE?
This year, we cultivate a year of INSPIRATION and ASPIRATION through storytelling, building communities, strengthening solidarity, creating art, dancing and honoring women and gender expansive people and the Earth. We are continuing to ENVISION and CREATE new ways of being, living, loving, and connecting, raising consciousness and deepening understanding so that our freedom, our future, is rooted in truth, love, community, earth and body.
RISE FOR FREEDOM IS…
Reviving unity
Exploring new ways of thinking
Widening the lens
Creating another story
Changing reality
Building another future
The EVOLUTION of love and BEING the new world
