WOMAN? DEFENDING RIGHTS? TELL US YOUR STORY!

CALL FOR WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER STORIES

Are you a woman organizing? Are you defying patriarchy? Are you working to end any kind of oppressions? Are you defending rights somewhere in the world?

On November 29^th, the world will mark women human rights defenders day.

A Human rights defender is a person who, individually or in collectives (movements/ organisations) with others, acts to promote or protect human rights.

More than ever, today, everywhere in the world, there are women’s movements, feminist movements, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) movements, social justice movements, etc. These movements exist because everyday, individuals are organizing, speaking out, resisting, defying, claiming rights, painting a poster to express their rage or hope or ideas, building political consciousness, creating new ways to make our world a better place where we can all live in freedom. Despite the fact that women’s contributions are often invisibilised, minimized or erased when stories of movements are told, many movements are built on the backs of women, and many are inspired into being by the bravery of women. Many women are running or are active organisations and movements.

Who is the Coalition of African Lesbians

The Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL) is network of organizations that are committed to speak out and challenge patriarchy, hetero‐sexism and homophobia in Africa. The network was started in 2003 as an idea in response to growing invisibility and lack of political voice of lesbian women, bisexual women and trans‐diverse persons within sexuality activism in Africa. At the core of CAL’s work is support for and amplifying the voices and experiences of human rights defenders.

About this call for submissions

Are you falling asleep with your computer on your lap?

Do your anxiety levels hit the roof as you approach your place of work?

Do you find yourself thinking about work in your sleep?

Then, you are suffering from Human Rights Defender Syndrome.

On the occasion of International day for women human rights defenders, CAL invites you to share your story as a woman human rights defender, from any part of the world, from whatever space you are defending rights from. This call is directed at all women human rights defenders including but not limited to Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered women.

You can make your submissions in the following formats:

·         Written story (preferably accompanied by pictures where possible): 1500-2500 words

1.   Photo Essays: submitted as TIFF or JPG files/ resolution of 100 ppi.

2.  Video or Audio Clips: 7-15 minutes

             

How you can tell your story:

Many activists, especially women, do not like writing, or talking about themselves. It may help if you have a friend ask you some questions to get started or record you on video or recorder.

In what Languages:

·         English

·         French

·         Portuguese

·         Spanish

·         Arabic

What will happen to your story?

In celebrating women human rights defender people of diverse backgrounds, CAL will publish the stories on its website and social media.  If we get enough submissions, the stories will be put into a book format with copies send to you and/or organization. Video and audio clips will be placed online with a link to your organization’s website. CAL will not be selling any of the materials derived from this call this project.

For more information or to send your stories

Sipho Mthathi: sipho@cal.org.za

Mariam Armisen: mariam@cal.org.za