tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40567594113009437552024-03-13T23:13:38.242-07:00The Coalition of African LesbiansThe Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056759411300943755.post-55704297852498526872011-12-06T14:31:00.001-08:002011-12-06T15:33:08.331-08:00Feminist Leadership and Movement Building Institute 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nairobi, Kenya</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Eunice Namugwe</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The institute started on Monday, 06 December 2011 with an exciting informal session on introductions of all participants. CAL is privileged to a part of this space and process. As the 1st day unfolded we had a presentation on the history of feminism dating back to the matriliny era, to patriarchy and feminism.The discussions highlight how feminists have challenge, resist and contribute to change power structures within the social, economic and political spheres.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the past two (2) days, we have had focused discussions on feminism as an ideology and the feminist struggles in Africa,looking broadly at relationship between the different movements and how to build sustainable movements. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The institute is hosted by CREA and YWLI <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">The
Feminist Leadership and Movement Building Institute is a week-long course
designed to strengthen feminist leadership, strategies and collective power for
social transformation in East Africa.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">The Institute also aims to build the skills of
participants for mobilising oppressed/marginalised women to claim their rights.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Still looking forward to the discussions in the next two (2) days and more updates on the institute.</span></div>
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<br /></div>The Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056759411300943755.post-74172821352903967682011-11-28T23:59:00.001-08:002011-11-29T01:33:20.462-08:00WOMAN? DEFENDING RIGHTS? TELL US YOUR STORY!<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CALL FOR WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER STORIES<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On November 29<sup>th</sup>, the world will mark women human
rights defenders day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">A Human rights defender is </span><span lang="EN-US">a person<b> </b></span><span lang="EN-US">who, individually or in collectives (movements/
organisations) with others, acts to promote or protect human rights. </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who is
the Coalition of African Lesbians <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The Coalition of African
Lesbians (CAL) is network of organizations that are committed to speak out and
challenge patriarchy, hetero</span><span lang="EN-US">‐</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="EN-US">‐</span><span lang="EN-US">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">About this
call for submissions<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Are you falling asleep with your computer on your lap?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Do your anxiety levels hit the roof as you approach your
place of work?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Do you find yourself thinking about work in your sleep?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then, you are suffering from Human Rights Defender Syndrome.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can
make your submissions in the following formats:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">Written story (preferably accompanied by pictures where
possible): 1500-2500 words<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. </span> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">Photo Essays:
</span><span lang="EN-US">submitted as TIFF or JPG files/ resolution of 100 ppi.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Video or Audio Clips: 7-15 minutes</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How you
can tell your story:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In what
Languages:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US">English<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US">French<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US">Portuguese<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US">Spanish<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span lang="EN-US">Arabic<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What
will happen to your story?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>For more information or to send your stories</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sipho Mthathi: sipho@cal.org.za <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mariam Armisen: mariam@cal.org.za<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>The Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056759411300943755.post-55913981591669295212011-10-24T06:57:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:57:19.372-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, October 24, 2011</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banjul, the Gambia</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE 50th SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE'S RIGHTS HAS STARTED OF WITH POSITIVE NOTE FROM THE CHAIR</span></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victor Mukasa</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 50th Session of the ACmHPR has taken off today and CAL is still at it. The opening session started off with the singing of the African Union anthem. Very long but meaningful. It calls for a better life for all Africans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many speeches but one very powerful speech was by the out-going Chairperson, Madam Reine Alapini-Gansou. She commended human rights defenders for the great work that they do in protecting and promoting human rights. She added there have been successes and that should be acknowledged. she said that there are still so many challenges in defending human rights at the Commission. She specifically encouraged NGOs and Commissioners to keep working and that some issues such as the rights of sexual minorities and land rights should be taken on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Madam Alapini-Gansou is a very progressive human rights defender and has been very encouraging to defenders in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Her progressiveness will greatly be missed but work continues with other commissioners. We hope that the next chair will have a listening hear and ready for dialogue on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please keep checking. CAL is still in Banjul and we will keep you updated.</span><br />The Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056759411300943755.post-47922809565866217232011-10-23T16:09:00.001-07:002011-10-23T16:11:28.414-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banjul, the Gambia</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October 23, 2011</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWO SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY (SOGI) RELATED RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE NGO FORUM</span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victor Mukasa</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The NGO Forum ended on Friday, October 21, 2011. Very powerful deliberations by African human rights defenders on the situation of human rights on the continent and it is clear that Africans are still facing gross human rights violations; not only LGBTI people, to emphasize. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The various resolutions that came out of the various special interest groups that we reported about on October 20 were presented before the Forum on October 21. We are happy to report that the 2 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) specific resolutions were both adopted by the NGO Forum and will be presented to the Commission for adoption. A couple of other groups had resolutions that made mention of SOGI issues and these too were adopted by the Forum. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 50<sup>th</sup> session of the ACmHPR starts tomorrow, October 24 till November 7. CAL will be in attendance for the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will keep you updated. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>The Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056759411300943755.post-59523726342864682832011-10-20T23:59:00.000-07:002011-10-20T23:59:39.213-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Banjul, The Gambia – October 20, 2011</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">DAY TWO OF THE NGO FORUM IN BANJUL, DAY 1 FOR THE CAL DELEGATION</span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Victor Mukasa</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is 11:50pm in Banjul, the Gambia and I have just returned from my last meeting with a group of human right defenders. It is humbling to learning what HRDs face as they do their work in different countries. I am really humbled!!!!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is day number 1 for the CAL delegation at the NGO Forum which precedes the session of the African Commission. CAL is being represented by Mariam Armisen, Monica Tabengwa and myself, Victor Mukasa. The Forum started yesterday, the 19<sup>th</sup> of October, 2011. We missed the first day due to the obligatory delay of 10 hours in transit in Dakar, Senegal. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Summary of sessions:</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For the determination not to follow the ordinary stuff, I will begin with the last session of the day; SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS DISCUSSION: Development, Progress and challenges – 30 years after the African Charter</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In total, there were 12 special interest groups for this session, namely;</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">People Living with HIV/AIDS in Africa</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Women’s Rights in Africa</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Indigenous Populations and Communities in Africa</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Death Penalty in Africa</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Refugees, Asylum Seekers, IDPs and Migrants in Africa</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Human Rights Defenders in Africa</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">12 groups; 3 delegates;</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The CAL delegation had to make a decision on which groups to participate in. The group on Sexual Orientation was a MUST attend as, according to the program, CAL was the Chair. Monica Tabengwa joined delegates from different organizations and doubled as Chair and Rapporteur of the group. In their presentation, the group highlighted the minimal, but worth recognition, progress at the NGO Forum and African Commission in terms of issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The fact that since 2006 when LGBT activists first showed up at the Commission, the Commissioners have, more than thrice, interrogated states about violations against LGBT people in particular countries, was noted. In addition to this, the group drafted a resolution on LGBT human rights that will be presented to the Forum tomorrow, in the hope that it will be adopted. LGBT? Special interest group? Progress!!!!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mariam Armisen attended the group on Women’s Rights in Africa. During their presentation, the group highlighted the double stigma that lesbians face because they are women and of a sexual orientation that faces prejudice, among other violations faced by women in Africa. This group will be bringing a resolution before the Forum tomorrow also in the hope that it will be adopted.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I attended the group on Human Rights Defenders in Africa. Chaired by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Commissioner Lucy Asuagbor, came up with 2 resolutions and 1 reccommendation. The 2 resoluions were on Freedom of association and assembly, the violation of which has affected the work of human rights defenders in Africa, and the other on repression of human rights defenders. The recommendation was on the rejection of CAL’s application for Status by the Commission in which the group strongly recommends that the commission grants Observer Status to CAL. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Earlier in the day, there was a session dubbed; Housing is a Human Right: Stop forcd evictions in Africa. Defenders called for solidarity among African civil society in addressing the issue of forced evictions, which was noted to be on a high in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana and Angola.They called for protection from governments against violations. Defenders reported that the evictions are carried out without prior notice given in sufficient time. Those who execute the evictions destroy both lives and property. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Other sessions were panel discussions; Principles and Guidelines on Economic and Social Rights (Nairobi Guidelines) and Reporting Guidelines (Tunis Guidelines), and Freedom of association – Progress, Opportunities and Challenges over the last 30 years.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Tomorrow, October 21, will be the last day of the Forum. As promised, CAL will update you on most of the happening especially the draft resolutions that include the human rights of LGBT people in Africa</span></div>The Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056759411300943755.post-80309143157432679642011-10-14T01:49:00.000-07:002011-10-17T06:03:43.512-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Welcome to CAL's new bog! </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Coalition of African Lesbians is thrilled to announce the launch of its new blog. The aim of this space is to update member and partner organizations as well as the general public about CAL's advocacy and lobbying work. We hope to make this blog, an engaging space and integral part of our work. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>WHO WE ARE</b></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The Coalition of African Lesbians [CAL] is a formation of more than 30 organisations in 19 countries in Africa committed to advancing justice for lesbian and bisexual women and transdiverse people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>We are passionate feminists, activists and human rights defenders.</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The Coalition is committed to raising consciousness amongst and strengthening activism and leadership of lesbian and bisexual women and transdiverse people. We believe in the power of collective action. We view ourselves as a part of social movements, including the women’s movement, the sexual and reproductive rights movement, the broader lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex movement and the economic justice movement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Whilst our direct constituency is lesbian and bisexual women and transdiverse people, we are politically located within the women’s and LGBTI communities and as such, we engage in an ongoing way with the broader struggles and in some of our work, work in a direct way with LGBTI people and with women more broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>WHAT WE BELIEVE</b></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The Coalition of African Lesbians is mindful of how oppressive forms of power keep us unfree and unequal and rob us of our dignity. We understand that the oppression we live and experience as lesbian and bisexual women and transdiverse people is created and sustained by patriarchy in the first instance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Patriarchy, the system of male domination is responsible for the oppression of all women. It also oppresses men who do not conform to patriarchal ideas of what a man is and should be. Patriarchy then contributes in a major way to the deep fear of those of us who do not comply with or fit into the norms that it creates about what it means to be a woman a and what it means to be a man. Homophobia and transphobia result from this process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">We believe that our multiple identities intersect and are linked. Our race, class, gender, sexual orientation, [dis]ability, geographic location and other identities are connected in a web of oppression.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">We also believe that even as we are violated and oppressed, we also have individual and collective power as actors and activists with agency and capability to change the way the world works. We work to strengthen this power amongst ourselves as a movement and together with other movements. It is this that gives us the hope to push for the kind of change we want to see in the world.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 113%; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 113%;">WHAT WE WANT<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 114%;">The Coalition of African Lesbians [CAL] works to transform Africa into a place where all lesbian and bisexual women and transdiverse people enjoy the full range of human rights, secure in the knowledge that we are recognized as full citizens, with rich and diverse cultures, and a significant and respected presence in all spheres of life, including social, political and economic and through personal and organizational growth.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>WHERE WE WILL BE LOBBYING THIS MONTH</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">CAL at the NGO Forum and the 50<sup>th</sup> Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR): 18<sup>th</sup>- 27<sup>th</sup> October, 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Background<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL) is a network of organisations working to transform Africa into a continent where all lesbians, bisexual and trans-diverse people enjoy a full range of human rights secure in the knowledge that we are recognised as full persons and citizens with rich and diverse cultures and enjoy significant and respected presence in all the spheres of life. Our work is shaped by an African radical feminist understanding, informed by research and strengthened by the claiming of social and economic power.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">CAL has conducted advocacy at both the NGO Forum and the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) sessions since 2006. In May 2009 CAL participated in a panel discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in Africa together with activists and human rights defenders from Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and South Africa. Again in May 2010 CAL convened another panel again to facilitate discussions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in Africa and to update partners and allies and the Forum on ongoing actions. In particular to inform the Forum about how the decision by the ACHPR to deny CAL observer status in 2010 on the basis that <b><i>‘the activities of the said organisation –CAL do not promote and protect any of the rights enshrined in the African Charter’</i></b> has affected the organization’s advocacy and lobbying activities and to engage with allies, partners and member organizations at the forum toward building solidarity around SOGI issues at the AC. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">We, Victor Mukasa, Monica Tabengwa and Mariam Armisen will be CAL’s delegation at the upcoming NGO Forum and the 50</span><sup style="line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> Session and also the 30</span><sup style="line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> anniversary of ACHPR. While the mood at the session will no doubt be a celebratory one, the AC is turning 30 and while we plan on joining some of the festivities, our main goal is to keep challenging the ACHPR further to recognise LGBTI rights as human rights and take actions to include, protect and promote these rights. Granting CAL the observer status to fully represent the human rights issues of lesbian, bisexuals and trans-diverse people in Africa would be one step towards </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">recognizing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> the rights of LGBTI people in Africa. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b>CAL’s Action Plan and Activism the 50<sup>th</sup> Session of the ACHPR:</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Submit a follow up letter to the AC, pressing for a formal explanation to why it denied CAL the OS;</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Distribute the follow up letter to allies, partners and members organizations to include in their communication package to the AC;</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Schedule meetings with Commissionaires;</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Strategy with allies, partners and members at both the NGO Forum and the AC around CAL’s application process before re-applying for observer status;</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Organize a side event to build new <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4056759411300943755&postID=8030914315743267964" name="_GoBack"></a>and strengthen existing relationships as a strategy to further develop solidarity with allies, partners and members organizations;</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Publish a press release in honour of ACHPR’s 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary. </span></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>HOW TO GET INVOLVED! </b></span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Send us your comments</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Spread the word</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Like us on Facebook, at </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Follow us on twitter, at </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/CoalitionCAL">http://twitter.com/#!/CoalitionCAL</a></li>
<li>Connect us to civil society organizations attending the AC</li>
<li>Link us to your country's Commissionaire at the AC</li>
</ul><div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE SECRETARIAT AT:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tel: +27 11 918 2182 / 5507 / 6115<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fax: +27 11 918 5609<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Email: info@cal.org.za<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">URL: www.cal.org.za</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div></div>The Coalition of African Lesbianshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17845011208591820287noreply@blogger.com1