Partner News

The Liberia Women Leaders Network (LWLN), the local chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (ALWN), was officially launched on Wednesday, December 18 in Monrovia.

The launch, which took place at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together women leaders from different spheres of society including government, political parties, traditional and the business community.

The core values of the network includes: Human Rights and dignity of women, Gender Equality, Inclusivity, Non-partisanship, Impartiality, Integrity, Solidarity, Partnership and Local ownership.

The ALWN was established on June 2, 2017 as a joint initiative of the office of the African Union’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with the support of the Federal Republic of Germany, through their representatives in New York and in Addis Ababa.

Also, ALWN sees the establishment of local chapters in all African countries vital in cascading the vision of African women’s leadership from a global to a national level to ensure the sustainability of the movement.

The initiative in Liberia is borne out of the “incessant low representation of women in decision making” and the need to cultivate and build synergies of strong current and former women leaders as well as young women.

Launching the network, Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor called on the women of Liberia to take “solidarity and unity amongst us as women.”

Click here to read the full article published by Front Page Africa on 19 December 2019.

The Liberia Women Leaders Network (LWLN), the local chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (ALWN), was officially launched on Wednesday, December 18 in Monrovia.

The launch, which took place at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together women leaders from different spheres of society including government, political parties, traditional and the business community.

The core values of the network includes: Human Rights and dignity of women, Gender Equality, Inclusivity, Non-partisanship, Impartiality, Integrity, Solidarity, Partnership and Local ownership.

The ALWN was established on June 2, 2017 as a joint initiative of the office of the African Union’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with the support of the Federal Republic of Germany, through their representatives in New York and in Addis Ababa.

Also, ALWN sees the establishment of local chapters in all African countries vital in cascading the vision of African women’s leadership from a global to a national level to ensure the sustainability of the movement.

The initiative in Liberia is borne out of the “incessant low representation of women in decision making” and the need to cultivate and build synergies of strong current and former women leaders as well as young women.

Launching the network, Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor called on the women of Liberia to take “solidarity and unity amongst us as women.”

Click here to read the full article published by Front Page Africa on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

The number of Ethiopian women in the national legislative and executive branches has grown significantly since Ethiopia conducted its first parliamentary election in 1995. However a lot more needs to be done to make sure women are proportionally represented in political decision making.

This was highlighted at a daylong national conference under the theme: “Women’s Political Participation and Election in Ethiopia: Envisioning 2020 and Beyond for generation Equality.” The conference was organized by UN Women Ethiopia, in collaboration with Addis Abeba University’s Center for Human Rights.

“Women politicians face unique forms of online and offline attacks and deliberate actions to discourage their participation in politics. This reflects how patriarchal [our] society is in its functions,” said Daniel Bekele (PhD), Commissioner of Ethiopia Human Rights Commissioner, during his keynote speech. He also said that women face particular challenges in times of elections that seriously impact and discourage their participation.

According to UN women Ethiopia. after Ethiopia’s transition to a federal democratic republic in 1991, the share of seats held by women in parliament has climbed from under three percent in 1991 to 38 percent today. The gender gap in the cabinet has also been upped to 50 percent since Prime Minister came to office.

Click here to read the full article published by Addis Standard on 19 December 2019.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

I am Generation Equality because…

In Cauca, Colombia, there’s a lot of machismo. This has created big gaps between men and women. I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective.

When I was growing up, my social activities were very restricted. My father always asked what time I’m coming home, and [he believed] that women should come home early. One of my sisters was murdered by FARC. This was also why my father became overprotective of me.

All of this inspired me to get involved in gender issues. When I finished university, I started a foundation for the prevention of violence against women.

What Colombian women want

Today, Colombian women are protagonists, and they want political parity. The law seeks only 30 per cent representation of women in political positions, instead of 50 per cent.

We want our cities and territories safe, where we can talk, walk, move around safely. We want the peace agreement implemented fully.

But there are challenges… There are no defined resources for the implementation of the peace agreement. Violence against women is one of the biggest challenges right now. The peace agreement promoted women’s participation, but [in rural areas] their husbands don’t want them to participate.There are some groups of women more vulnerable than others—for instance, women who had taken up arms during the conflict. There’s a lot of stigma against them, and they face threats from armed groups. The women’s movement and the LGBTQ movement worked hand in hand for the peace agreement, but LGBTQ people are also stigmatized.

Everyone should be a women’s rights activist

Peace in Colombia would mean that we start building a society that knows how to resolve conflicts peacefully, a society with less inequality, and where one day we can all have equal rights.

Education is fundamental for building a different society. This needs to start from our homes and in the education system, to educate men and boys differently. Historically, only men have enjoyed the right to participate in public spaces; they have been taught to be the provider and denied the right to feel or to cry. Maybe that’s why some of them are so violent.

If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, and one day these relationships will become equal.'

Francy L. Jaramillo Piedrahita is a human rights defender with over a decade of experience working on women’s rights, LGBTQ issues and peacebuilding in Colombia. She has been leading the localization of the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 and the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC in Cauca, Colombia.

Source: UN Women.