https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades, but the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. But gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress.
On average, women in the labor market still earn 23 percent less than men globally and women spend about three times as many hours in unpaid domestic and care work as men.
Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office, all remain huge barriers. All these areas of inequality have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic: there has been a surge in reports of sexual violence, women have taken on more care work due to school closures, and 70% of health and social workers globally are women.
At the current rate, it will take an estimated 300 years to end child marriage, 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and 47 years to achieve equal representation in national parliaments.
Political leadership, investments and comprehensive policy reforms are needed to dismantle systemic barriers to achieving Goal 5 Gender equality is a cross-cutting objective and must be a key focus of national policies, budgets and institutions.
How much progress have we made?
International commitments to advance gender equality have brought about improvements in some areas: child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) have declined in recent years, and women’s representation in the political arena is higher than ever before. But the promise of a world in which every woman and girl enjoys full gender equality, and where all legal, social and economic barriers to their empowerment have been removed, remains unfulfilled. In fact, that goal is probably even more distant than before, since women and girls are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SDGZINE.ORG is an initiative from Jan Van Mol, the ADDICTLAB ACADEMY and partners contributing to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
Are they any other gender-related challenges?
Yes. Worldwide, nearly half of married women lack decisionmaking power over their sexual and reproductive health and rights. 35 per cent of women between 15-49 years of age have experienced physical and/ or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.1 in 3 girls aged 15-19 have experienced some form of female genital mutilation/cutting in the 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, where the harmful practice is most common with a high risk of prolonged bleeding, infection (including HIV), childbirth complications, infertility and death.
This type of violence doesn’t just harm individual women and girls; it also undermines their overall quality of life and hinders their active involvement in society.
Why should gender equality matter to me?
Regardless of where you live in, gender equality is a fundamental human right. Advancing gender equality is critical to all areas of a healthy society, from reducing poverty to promoting the health, education, protection and the well-being of girls and boys.
What can we do?
If you are a girl, you can stay in school, help empower your female classmates to do the same and fight for your right to access sexual and reproductive health services. If you are a woman, you can address unconscious biases and implicit associations that form an unintended and often an invisible barrier to equal opportunity.
If you are a man or a boy, you can work alongside women and girls to achieve gender equality and embrace healthy, respectful relationships.
You can fund education campaigns to curb cultural practices like female genital mutilation and change harmful laws that limit the rights of women and girls and prevent them from achieving their full potential.
The Spotlight Initiative is an EU/UN partnership, and a global, multi-year initiative focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls – the world’s largest targeted effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
5.3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
5.4 Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate
5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decisionmaking in political, economic and public life
5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
5.A Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws
5.B Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
5.C Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
With only seven years remaining, a mere 15.4 per cent of Goal 5 indicators with data are “on track”, 61.5 per cent are at a moderate distance and 23.1 per cent are far or very far off track from 2030 targets.
In many areas, progress has been too slow. At the current rate, it will take an estimated 300 years to end child marriage, 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory laws, 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and 47 years to achieve equal representation in national parliaments.
Political leadership, investments and comprehensive policy reforms are needed to dismantle systemic barriers to achieving Goal 5. Gender equality is a cross-cutting objective and must be a key focus of national policies, budgets and institutions.
Around 2.4 billion women of working age are not afforded equal economic opportunity. Nearly 2.4 Billion Women Globally Don’t Have Same Economic Rights as Men
178 countries maintain legal barriers that prevent women’s full economic participation. Nearly 2.4 Billion Women Globally Don’t Have Same Economic Rights as Men
In 2019, one in five women, aged 20-24 years, were married before the age of 18. Girls | UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children Source: The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023
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Phenomenal Women Global (PWG), a dynamic and impactful non-profit organization based in Switzerland and Uganda, is on a mission to connect, advance, and empower women and girls globally. With focal points in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the USA, UK, Italy, and France, PWG casts a wide net to promote gender equality, support women’s personal and professional growth, develop leadership skills, and offer coaching and mentoring.
At the heart of PWG’s initiatives is a commitment to creating safe spaces where women and girls can discuss strategies to achieve Gender Equality (SDG5). The organization recognizes the multifaceted nature of gender inequality and strives to eliminate discrimination against women and gender-based violence. One of its primary goals is to emphasize leadership training and mentoring, especially for women from underserved communities, to enable their active participation in decisions that affect their lives on national and global levels. Our commitment to diversity has led us to be ranked as one of top three NGOs nominated for the Swiss Diversity Awards in 2023.
The genesis of Phenomenal Women Global can be traced back to 2018 when a group of African women, hailing from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, recognized the stark absence of gender and geographic representation within their organizations. This glaring lack of gender parity, both in corporate and international sectors, sparked informal discussions among these visionary women.
One of the co-founders, Liza Sekaggya, a human rights officer at the United Nations, drew inspiration from her participation in the UN EMERGE women leadership program. This program, tailored for emerging women leaders within the UN, offered valuable content, including inspirational stories shared by accomplished women leaders and substantive leadership aspects. It also featured coaching and mentoring, a component that had a profound impact on her.
This experience prompted deep reflection on the myriad challenges women face in their careers and the transformative power of women-to-women empowerment. Liza joined hands with other African and
European women, and in 2019, they formally established Phenomenal Women Global as a non-profit and non-governmental organization in Switzerland, PWG’s headquarters are situated in Geneva and Kampala, Uganda.
PWG’s model of a “socially conscious leader” emerged from the need to disseminate a leadership model that addresses genderspecific challenges, the unique qualities of women, and their perceived obligations as leaders.
Since its inception in 2018, PWG has made significant strides, thanks to the dedicated efforts of women volunteers committed to the cause. Several leadership conferences and speaker series have been organized in various locations, including Geneva, Switzerland; Boston, USA; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kampala, Uganda; and Johannesburg, South Africa. These events have served as platforms for women to come together, share insights, and inspire one another.
PWG’s initiatives are broad and impactful, encompassing the following key areas:
• Annual Global Leadership Conferences: PWG hosts annual conferences that bring together women from diverse backgrounds to discuss critical issues, share experiences, and inspire action. In September 2022‘ the theme was She Leads – Women thriving in Leadership, Careers, and Business post Covid-19.’ The keynote speaker was Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations. The conference included sessions on racism and diversity, Gender equality, entrepreneurship, and leadership among others. The conference also featured a panel session on navigating biases, racism, and discrimination, and discussed efforts taken by the Swiss government and Canton de Geneve to curb racism.
• Women’s Hub Speaker Series: These events provide a platform for women to share their stories and expertise, offering guidance and motivation to others.
• Mentorship: PWG believes in the power of mentorship to empower women in their personal and professional journeys.
• Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity Programs: PWG actively supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10 and 4 by running programs that promote diversity, equality, and inclusivity. We, along with Building Development Gaps, with the support of Canton de Genève, Bureau de integration des étrangers developed a documentary on Diversity and Inclusion in Geneva. The main objective of this documentary was to get a holistic understanding of issues in and around discrimination, diversity, and inclusion especially in high schools in Geneva and among young people. You may view the documentary on the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=n7z2mR8QrvM
• A Racism Panel titled “Navigating biases: Racism and discrimination” was a successful event organized in collaboration with Canton de Geneve, aiming to shed light on the challenges faced by women of color in Swiss society, with a particular focus on antiblack racism. The panel discussion resulted in a proposal for a new law to combat Anti-Black Racism in Canton Geneva, emphasizing the need for both the administration and the Afrodescendant community to take action in addressing internalized racism. The event emphasized the importance of open dialogue and proved to be a significant step in raising awareness and promoting meaningful discussions about racism and discrimination in Swiss society. Plans for a follow-up event in 2023 are in progress to further celebrate the decade of people of African descent and propose additional activities to combat ongoing racism and discrimination.
• Economic Empowerment: PWG recognizes the importance of economic independence for women and offers programs to support their financial growth. Entrepreneurship courses have been held online for members.
• Education programs: PWG conducts initiatives that provide educational support to the underprivileged. One of these initiatives in supporting the Nazareth’s Children Home in Uganda, providing its students’ fees for their education, and contributing to funding self-sustaining projects for food. A second initiative is support to the Katosi fishing community, that provided women entrepreneurial skills and economic empowerment, and informed children on their right to education.
• Internships and volunteer-ships: PWG strives to create internships and fellowships for all women and provides specific opportunities to students and young people from diverse backgrounds. We provide an avenue to gain work experience and also develop as a leader.
This year, PWG is gearing up for its annual leadership conference, titled “Her Voice.” Scheduled for September 23, 2023, at the Marriot Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. This conference aims to amplify and celebrate the power of women’s voices in shaping our world. In a society where women’s narratives, experiences, and contributions have often been marginalized, “Her Voice” provides a platform to acknowledge their achievements and address the challenges they face.
Key Themes of “Her Voice” Conference:
• Women Careers in the Current Climate: This theme explores the ever-evolving landscape of women’s professional journeys, addressing gender equality, career advancement, career changes, and the impact of technology. Through expert talks, skillbuilding workshops, and networking opportunities, this theme empowers women to navigate the dynamic workplace and foster inclusive environments.
• Women in Politics: This panel highlights the essential role women play in shaping political landscapes and driving social change. Elected female members of legislatures will share their personal experiences and discuss representation, policymaking, advocacy, and community leadership.
• Women in Literature: “Women in Literature” celebrates the profound contributions of women authors and characters to the literary world. It delves into the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of women’s narratives on society.
• Women in Challenging Circumstances: Climate Change, War: This panel acknowledges the significant challenges women face in the wake of climate change and conflict. It sheds light on the resilience, courage, and leadership of women who are at the forefront of addressing these critical issues.
In addition to thought-provoking panel discussions and keynote speeches, “Her Voice” offers a series of interactive
workshops. The conference will also feature motivational speakers, musicians, and poets, contributing to the overall enriching experience.
In a world where gender inequality persists, “Her Voice” serves as a powerful call to action. It recognizes that women’s voices are not only diverse but also essential in effecting positive change. By providing a platform for women to share their experiences, insights, and ideas, PWG aims to empower them as catalysts for progress and transformation. The conference fosters an environment that promotes diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration, ultimately empowering participants to challenge societal norms and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.
For more information about Phenomenal Women Global and the “Her Voice” conference, please visit https://www. phenomenalwomenglobal.com/index. php/6th-pwg-conference/
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By Nathalie (Ha-Na) GROLIMUND
In May of this year, in Geneva, Switzerland, a powerful and enlightening talk took center stage, bringing together the passionate voices of Indigenous leaders committed to preserving the Amazon rainforest and advocating for the rights of its native people.
This event was a collaborative effort hosted by Addict Lab, organized by Equestrio Foundation and The Rethink Hub for AFVRainforest Organization. AFV is a French and Brazilian non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Amazon Forest and its Indigenous people by creating awareness and implementing projects in the Xingu region in Brazil.
At the heart of this event were two extraordinary figures: Watatakalu Yawalapiti and Indigenous Chief Tapi Yawalapiti, who had embarked on the AFV European tour for Indigenous Chief Raoni to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities. This tour was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indigenous people who call the Amazon their home.
Watatakalu Yawalapiti, 42 years old, is a remarkable individual who has emerged as a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and women’s empowerment in Brazil. She represents Indigenous women in the vast territory of Xingu, an area that encompasses the largest protected Indigenous reserve in Brazil, housing sixteen distinct Indigenous
communities. Watatakalu’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting the Amazon and preserving the unique cultures of its native peoples.
From her early years, Watatakalu was immersed in the world of activism, drawing inspiration from her family. Her father, a former village chief and a member of the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI), played a pivotal role in shaping her path. He instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard the Amazon, which he referred to as an “open-air supermarket” that provides for its inhabitants, but only on the condition that it is cherished and protected.
Watatakalu’s introduction to activism came at a tender age when she participated in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. At just 11 years old, she recognized the importance of Indigenous voices in a world predominantly dominated by white men. She understood the necessity of defending the uniqueness of Indigenous cultures and ensuring that someone from among them speaks for them. Her early experiences instilled in her the importance of cultural preservation and the need to maintain agency over her own identity.
A significant turning point in Watatakalu’s life was her three-year confinement after her first menstruation, a traditional practice. While locked in a small room, she learned patience and developed a profound connection with her body. After facing a forced marriage, which she refused to consummate, she even-
tually returned to her family. Her journey was one of resilience and the reclamation of her identity, much like the Watatakalu, a small fruit from the pequi family that opens before falling to the ground.
Watatakalu firmly believes that the environmental and women’s rights movements are intertwined. Her mission now revolves around amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, with a particular focus on enhancing their access to education. In her culture, women are considered as vital as the trees from which they are carved in to their own Creation myth.
ATIX Mulher
To promote the rights of Indigenous women, Watatakalu founded the organization ATIX, dedicated to including women in the struggle for Indigenous rights. She also played a crucial role in the creation of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, led by a woman. Some even see her as a potential successor to the great Chief Raoni. However, Watatakalu, while honored by the notion, believes that there is only one Raoni on Earth, and he is indestructible.
ATIX Mulher, the female branch of the Indigenous Women’s Movement of the Xingu Indigenous Reservation Association, has been instrumental in securing food and essential supplies for the 16 ethnic groups residing in the Xingu Indigenous Reservation, particularly during the challenging times of the
pandemic in 2020. Their initiatives include organizing food donations and crowdfunding campaigns to benefit the 130 villages where the groups reside. The sale of Indigenous crafts and honey also provides income for the villagers, helping to sustain many small agriculture-based businesses. ATIX Mulher’s approach is unique in that it promotes the empowerment of Indigenous women within the context of their own cultures and customs, fostering their greater acceptance within their communities and driving genuine progress in female emancipation.
In her compelling talk, Watatakalu Yawalapiti shed light on the profound challenges the Indigenous communities face, most notably the insidious threats of river pollution and the relentless encroachment of agricultural industries on their lands. River pollution, often stemming from various industrial activities, poses a grave risk to the Indigenous communities reliant on these waterways for their livelihoods and traditions. As these once-pristine rivers are contaminated, the delicate balance of life in the Amazon is disrupted, impacting both the environment and the people who call it home.
Furthermore, the unrelenting expansion of agricultural industries presents a pressing concern. These industries, driven by the pursuit of profits, continue to lay claim to more and more land, further advancing upon the territories of Indigenous communities. As their lands are taken away, these communities face displacement, a loss of their cultural heritage, and the erosion of their traditional way of life.
Watatakalu’s talk was a powerful call to the Western world to open its eyes to the profound impact of their lifestyles on Indigenous communities. She urged people to recognize that the products we consume and the choic-
es we make have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only our environment but the lives of those who inhabit it. Her message underscores the importance of conscious consumption and advocacy for sustainable practices, recognizing the interconnectedness of our global ecosystem.
In September 2023, a historic victory emerged for Brazil’s Indigenous communities, when the country’s Supreme Court took a stand against efforts to dramatically strip back Indigenous land rights. This momentous decision involved a challenge to Indigenous rights based on a legal interpretation of a section of Brazil’s 1988 constitution that granted Indigenous tribes the right to claim the lands they traditionally occupied. This interpretation, known as Marco Temporal, would have significantly limited tribal claims to territories they were occupying or legally disputing on the day the constitution was ratified.
This ruling in favor of the Indigenous tribes marks a pivotal moment in recognizing the importance of Indigenous rights and safeguarding the constitutional protection they deserve. It sends a resounding message that any setback to these rights is unacceptable. The decision reaffirms Brazil’s commitment to protecting the communities that serve as stewards of the forests, and safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
It was considered that the potential consequences of allowing this legal interpretation would be an inconceivable setback and a violation of the human rights of the Indigenous communities. The years-long legal battle unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying disputes over Indigenous lands, particularly under the leadership of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, a right-wing leader, oversaw rising rates of deforestation in the Amazon region and pledged not to demarcate any new tribal territories during his time
in office. His government faced allegations of retaliation against employees and groups supporting land protection, as detailed in a Human Rights Watch report.
Watatakalu’s impassioned plea for the protection of Indigenous lands and her tireless work in advocating for the rights of her people are emblematic of the ongoing struggle faced by Indigenous communities. The battle for the Amazon and the preservation of Indigenous cultures is an ongoing endeavor that requires the collective efforts of individuals and nations worldwide. Watatakalu’s journey, from the Amazon to the international stage, exemplifies the resilience and determination of those who strive to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems and ensure the rights of its original inhabitants. Her dedication to preserving the environment, advocating for women’s rights, and empowering Indigenous communities underscores the inseparable link between these causes.
As May’s talk and the recent Supreme Court ruling in Brazil illuminate, the challenges facing Indigenous communities in the Amazon are complex and pressing. These communities persist in their fight, and it is incumbent upon the world to join them in this endeavor. What we’ve always called “the lungs of our planet” is first and foremost the home of many people. The Amazon is not only a vital environmental treasure but also a living testament to the diverse cultures that have thrived within it and cared for it for centuries. By heeding Watatakalu’s call and advocating for the preservation of the Amazon and the rights of its Indigenous inhabitants, we embrace our shared responsibility to protect both the environment and the rich tapestry of human cultures that rely on it.
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By Kamila Ciok
Empowering girls’ education as part of community development is a critical and multifaceted endeavor that can have far-reaching positive effects on individuals and society as a whole. With approximately 130 million girls out of school worldwide, the urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated.
It is imperative to understand the complex web of challenges that girls without access to education face and explore various strategies to ensure that community leaders work towards providing girls with opportunities to complete their education.
Across the globe, where nearly half of the population is comprised of women, their role in society is vital from social, economic, and cultural perspectives. In low-income countries, the rates of girls completing lower secondary school remain dismally low, with just 36% successfully finishing this level of education. This is deeply alarming because denying girls access to education limits their future economic opportunities and further perpetuates gender inequality.
Several factors contribute to the high number of out-of-school girls in low-income countries, with extreme poverty being a significant barrier.
EMPOWERING GIRLS’ EDUCATION: A MULTIFACETED ENDEAVOR FOR GLOBAL DEVEL-
Many families in the country struggle with dire economic circumstances, which prevent them from allocating resources for their children’s education. This burden often disproportionately affects girls, as families tend to prioritize sending their male children to school while female children remain at home to perform household chores.
Cultural norms, deeply ingrained gender biases, and traditional roles for women in society play a significant role in this phenomenon. The prevailing belief in many households is that educating girls is less important because they are not perceived as the primary breadwinners. It is critical to understand that these issues are interlinked and deeply entrenched in societal norms. Therefore, addressing this complex issue requires a multipronged approach.
One key aspect is the development of the right incentives and support systems to encourage families to send all their children to school, regardless of gender. Government policies play a pivotal role in this, as they can create affordableschooling options and remove barriers that hinder families from educating their daughters. Ensuring that education is compulsory for girls, as in some countries, can help reduce cultural resistance and improve enrollment rates. However, change cannot rely solely on government policies and financial incentives. Cultural shifts and changing gender norms are equally essential. These shifts can be instigated through various channels, including gender sensitization programs. These programs can be carried out by non-governmental organizations and grassroots initiatives, targeting both women and men.
It is crucial to recognize that, in many households, it is the male head who makes decisions about education. Therefore, involving men in these discussions is pivotal. Empowering men with awareness and understanding of the importance of girls’ education is a step toward cultural transformation.
To create a comprehensive approach, gender sensitization should not be limited to the family level. Workplaces and educational institutions should also be equipped with gender-sensitizing programs. Promoting gender equality should be part of their culture, and workshops on gender issues should be integrated into their activities. Initiatives like these should be part of broader efforts to address gender inequality at all levels of society.
Additionally, providing girls with resources like laptops and bicycles and ensuring their safety while traveling to school can ease the burdens placed on them. These resources can make a significant difference, particularly in rural areas where schools are far from home.
While scholarships and financial incentives have shown promise in certain contexts, it is essential to ensure that these funds are being used correctly and ethically.
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be in place to track the allocation and impact of these resources, preventing them from being misused or directed toward unintended purposes.
The role of technology in education is paramount in the modern age. It can help bridge gaps and provide opportunities to girls, even in remote areas.
However, it is also crucial to address the issue of online gender-based violence, as technology brings its own set of challenges. Ensuring girls are equipped with digital skills and online safety knowledge is essential.
The education of girls is not only a matter of social justice but also an investment in the development of nations. Girls’ education has a direct impact on economic growth, health outcomes, and social progress. Furthermore, educated girls are more likely to become empowered women who can positively influence their families, communities, and societies.
In conclusion, the issue of girls being out of school is a global concern that necessitates a holistic approach. While governments play a significant role in implementing policies and financial incentives, grassroots initiatives, gender sensitization, cultural shifts, and targeted interventions at various levels are equally important. Girls’ education is a powerful force for positive change, and working together, we can ensure that every girl has the opportunity to pursue knowledge and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. The challenges are immense, but so is the potential for change and progress.
Addressing these challenges and root causes requires a comprehensive approach, both on a local and a national level.
Community Engagement and Influence: Encouraging community involvement and changing societal attitudes is paramount. Community leaders, elders, and influential figures must promote and endorse girls’ education.
ing:
Implementing programs that empower girls and offer them skills training can help bolster their self-esteem and self-reliance, thus mak ing them more resilient in the face of societal pressures.
Inclusive and Gender-Sensitive Curriculum: Schools must adopt an inclusive and gen der-sensitive curriculum that emphasizes the importance of education for both girls and boys, promoting gender equity.
ronments:
Properly training teachers to create a safe and inclusive environment for girls is vital. Schools should be places where girls feel secure, free from discrimination, and harass ment.
Government
sures:
Government commitment is crucial in ad dressing these challenges. Policymakers must prioritize girls’ education, allocate resources, and enact policies that enforce compulsory education for girls.
From Kamila’s archive
During the workshop for girls in Karachi Pakistan
Women I met with in Lahore, Pakistan
With youth from village Biaseovu, Fiji Island
right:
With Maria - Chairperson at National Commission on Status of Women and her sisters in Islamabad, Pakistan
“The change will only be long-lasting if all representatives of the society in question, whether directly or indirectly affected, sit down at its creation and implementation. The fact that it does not affect me today does not mean it will be so tomorrow.”
Kamila Ciok
WRITTEN BY ALLISON SALATA SUPPORT BY KAMILA CIOK, ALIMURADOVA ORGANISATION
that can be cultivated
heritage. of resilience comes from
for children centered Aboriginal learning
eties often demonstrate a approach to gender roles.
rily, Indigenous people
es have a great amount of when needed, are able to
The Western World defines gender inclu sivity by the notion that gender stereo types do not define societal roles, and all opportunities are open to everyone, re gardless of gender. There is a strong desire to reach gender equality by empowering women and girls in their communities, as set forth in Sustainable Development Goal 5. Australian Aboriginal communities share a different perspective on gender inclusion that is based on overall community inclu sion, rather than gender specifically.
and be heard. In community powerful and equal voice to
The Aboriginal definition of inclusion plac es the community before the individual and recognizes that a community is incomplete without taking into account every individual within. This sense of community stems from a strong connection to spirituality, culture, and strength that will be discussed in the fol lowing article.
ch stems from the cultural each other meaningfully structured around lore
o accept a modern Western their own way that has the 60,000 years that e lived on the lands in
I would like to pay my respects to the Aus tralian Aboriginal community members and leaders who contributed to this article by sharing their lived experiences with me and acknowledge their contributions to deepen ing my understanding of Aboriginal practic es. The lessons of this article are rooted in personal conversations and culture sharing. It should also be noted that the word “Ab original” will be used throughout the rest of this article, as this term is in use on the main land of Australia. This is not to disrespect the
open, through life and as continuous as a child mily members and elders, ctices such as gathering communally and did not
this way, generations
and survival.
Torres Strait Islander people, nor is it meant in any offense. Further, “Indigenous” is con sidered a negative term to some, therefore all available terms are used.
Historically, Aboriginal communities in Aus tralia have not been included or accepted in the greater Australian community, resulting in extensive intergenerational trauma and lost culture. Through colonialism, the Sto len Generation has had lasting effects on the wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. Despite historical challenges and injustices, Aboriginal communities exhibit resilience by maintaining and revitalizing their cultur al practices.
The lesson lies in preserving cultural iden tity as a source of strength, pride, and con tinuity. It highlights the resilience that can be cultivated through cultural pride and heritage.
One such example of resilience comes from an educational program for children centered around traditional Aboriginal learning environments. Customarily, Indig enous people learned outside, in the open, through life and community. Education was continuous as a child grew up. It came from family members and elders, clan lore, and daily practices such as gathering food. Teaching was done communally and did not come from one source. In this way, gener ations learned moral codes, customs, and survival.
The Western model of education is vastly different, making it challenging for Aborigi nal students to succeed. A new hybrid mod el of education has been developed and was described in an interview with Phillip Good, PhD Candidate at Western Sydney Univer sity. First, the program approaches schools and explains the importance of its activities. It does not move forward until it has been invited by the school director. Once invited, the first question asked to teachers is: “What do your kids need?” The teachers then proceed to have conversations with students through yarning circles to determine needs, to which the program is tailored. The program works because students are taught in an Aboriginal way, with which they are comfortable (Phillip Good, 2023). The commitment to passing
down cultural knowledge from generation to generation is a crucial aspect of Aboriginal communities. Education that encompasses academic learning and cultural teachings is highly valued. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing cultural heritage for future generations.
Aboriginal societies prioritize collective wellbeing over individual interests. This communal approach fosters a sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and mutual support. Strength comes from unity and the impor-
tance of considering the broader community in decision-making processes.
Gamarada Indigenous Healing and Life Training Charity, which translates to “Friends on the Journey’’ in the language of the Gadigal people from New South Wales, is a community organization that provides healing in a variety of ways, including hosting weekly meetings, open to everyone. In this way, the needs and challenges of community members are heard and supported. The organization encourages strength-based solutions
Historically, Aboriginal communities in Australi have not been included or accepted in the greate
Australian community, resulting in extensiv intergenerational trauma and lost culture.
colonialism the Stolen Generation has had lastin
by giving every person a voice to introduce themselves and share their background, reason for attending, values, and current challenges. Then, participants are asked how they are dealing with their respective challenges in a positive way to build strength. A guiding principle of these meetings is listening. Listening is central to understanding each other, and being listened to is central to healing. I was given the opportunity to attend one such meeting, and experienced firsthand the power of being listened to.
In sharing my own story and challenges, I became more at peace and accepting of the difficulties I was facing. I felt supported and accepted in a community that is not my own, and am grateful to have been included.
The practice of Dadirri closes every Gamarada meeting. It is a reflection meant to center the individual with the deep spring within them. It emphasizes a respect for nature and a strong sense of community. “All persons matter. All of us belong... we are a people who celebrate together” (Miriam Rose Foundation, 1988). Specifically, it is defined as “inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness,” like contemplation. It is about finding peace through anything and being made whole. The community is not whole unless every person within it is whole. Practicing Dadirri together heals the community by healing every individual, no one is more important than the next. The practice of Dadirri showcases the value of genuine and respectful communication. The lesson is to approach conversations with a willingness to truly understand others, fostering empathy and creating a space where all voices are heard.
This contributes to building more robust, inclusive relationships. During last week’s
practice, upwards of 15 people came together to express their conflicts from the week and engage in Dadirri. The central values of trust and willingness to share were exemplified by all members. There was a unique presence and feeling of being “in-the moment” stemming from the fact that everyone in attendance wanted to be there to contribute to community healing.
The deep spiritual connection to the land is a central aspect of Aboriginal culture. This connection goes beyond a physical presence; it encompasses a profound spiritual relationship. There is an intrinsic link between people and their environment, which emphasizes the need for a sustainable and respectful relationship with nature. At the heart of Aboriginal spirituality is a commitment to releasing worries and realizing there is a need to wait for the seasons in life and approach them with love and understanding. There is power and strength in listening and waiting for seasons to pass. It is a sense of releasing control, waiting so that things can be done with care, not rushing or hurrying through life, and accepting that nothing is more urgent than the current activity. Even when waiting comes with pain, staying united in wait makes the community strong.
Aboriginal societies often demonstrate a balanced and respectful approach to gender roles. Women in traditional roles have a great amount of authority, strength, and when needed, are able to stand up for themselves and be heard. In community meetings, women have a powerful and equal voice to share their thoughts, which stems from the cultural emphasis of listening to each other meaningfully. Traditional inclusivity is struc-
tured around lore. Communities don’t need to accept a modern Western view because they have their own way that has proven successful over the 60,000 years that Aboriginal Peoples have lived on the lands in Australia.
Women’s business is respected and separated from men’s business. Genders have their own spaces and do not interfere with each other. Strength comes from the differences that arise from each perspective. It is important to acknowledge and respect the contributions of both women and men, allowing for diverse perspectives and strengths within a community.
In essence, the lessons from Australian Aboriginal people highlight the significance of community, cultural pride, deep listening, and a holistic perspective on life. These principles offer valuable insights for fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and well- being in diverse societies worldwide.
Special gratitude to Gamarada Indigenous Healing and Life Training Charity lead by Ken Zulumovski, Philip Good and All Inspiring Aboriginal Leaders.
By Sharon Mazingaizo
From November 25: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Zimbabwe is recording an increase in domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV). The most common form of violence that women experience in the country are sexual violence, intimate partner violence and child marriage.
According to Musasa, an NGO working to empower women and girl survivors of domestic violence and abuse in Zimbabwe said in 2019 it assisted 32,707 survivors of gender-based violence. In 2020, the number shot to 40,536. In 2022, it has recorded 39,827 cases of gender-based violence.
The Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) reveals that 33% of women aged 1549 have experienced physical violence, while approximately 25% have experienced sexual violence since age 15.
As 16 days of activism against gender-based violence begin, the campaign takes place from November 25 (International day of No Violence Against Women) to December 10 (international Human Rights Day), Vimbainashe Mutendereki, executive director at Musasa said there has been a rise in GBV cases in the country.
“Women and girls who come to Musasa have experienced various forms of violence - physical, sexual, emotional or economic violence all bring survivors to Musasa to receive services. Musasa been assisting close to 40,000 women every year through our direct services, which include counselling, shelter, toll free call centre, legal services, health services and others,” said Mutendereki.
“Women with disabilities are at a heightened risk of violence, during humanitarian crises like floods or droughts again women have increased vulnerability. Young women are also at a heightened risk of violence,” she said.
According to NGO, the number of violence against women, cases in Zimbabwe, is still increasing.
In Zimbabwe, 40 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical and sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partners, including 19 percent who suffered such violence during the previous 12 months, according to a report Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In March 2022, authorities arrested a 30-year-old man for raping and brutally murdering ten women in Marondera, a city in northeastern Zimbabwe.
Child marriage is also prevalent in Zimbabwe, one in 3 girls in the country is married before the age of 18.
Sharon Mazingaizo Freelance writer and photographer Harare, Zimbabwe
©Musasa
Musasa, is a NGO working to empower women and girl survivors of domestic violence and abuse in Zimbabwe. The women in the picture are survivors of GBV who have been assisted by Musasa.
by Jennifer Crichton for www.gaultmillauae.com
Inclusive talent agency Touch wants a hospitality industry where everyone is treated equally. A big ask? Not with the right people on board, says founder Jean Winter
For many businesses today, inclusivity is a buzzword; a CSR requirement or corporate objective, to be ticked off twice a year and publicised for praise. For Singaporean entrepreneur and investor Jean Winter, however, inclusivity is far more important than that.
“Everyone is rushing to be inclusive because it’s ‘fashionable’ at the moment,” she sighs. “But we don’t want people to just tick the box like a lot of companies are doing. We want to see a willingness to really change.”
Since creating the region’s first fully-inclusive talent agency and consultancy, Touch, inclusivity has become Winter’s primary professional goal. With a strong focus on the hospitality industry, Touch works with hand-picked mentors – including some of Michelin’s,World’s 50 Best MENA and Gault& Millau most celebrated chefs in the UAE – to provide training and opportunities for people of determination and youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, while also offering a range of auditing services to help businesses see where their efforts towards inclusivity can be improved. The long-term aim, Winter explains, is to see people of all backgrounds and abilities working together as equals across the UAE’s hotel and restaurant industries and beyond.
“No one is going to be perfect,” Winter smiles. “We recognise that what small and large restaurants can achieve will be differ-
ent, with different budgets behind them and different challenges to resolve. But we’re not looking for 100 percent in one year. We’re looking for incremental, sustainable improvements. Something as simple as moving your tables to create a space wide enough for a wheelchair to get through can make a huge difference, and those positive changes don’t have to cost a lot of money.
“Of course, in this industry, everything often comes down to profit. But what I want people to realise is that sometimes, long-term investment might actually bring profits back. The disability industry is worth US$13trillion and it’s going untapped. Those who offer a safe, welcoming place will open themselves up to some very loyal customers so it’s a winwin situation, and my vision is for Touch to become the go-to organisation in this city for helping facilitate that.”
While Touch’s talent roster is spread across a host of industries, from media and events to sports and literature, it is in Dubai’s hospitality industry that Winter feels significant progress can be achieved quickly and easily. Working with chefs and restaurateurs including Reif Othman, 21grams’ Stasha Toncev, Ossiano’s Grégoire Berger, Trèsind Studio’s Himanshu Saini, Alici’s Domenico Santagada and consultant chefs Colin Clague and James Knight Pacheco among others, Winter’s work with the hospitality industry is multi-faceted. She represents the interests of the chefs she
works with and, in turn, they volunteer time and business access to help further the organisation’s aims, whether through hiring, mentoring and supporting people of determination, training disadvantaged youngsters for future careers in hospitality and global outreach programs.
“All of our chefs come on board as chef/mentors and they’re all very much handpicked and selected because they see the long-term vision,” Winter explains. “They come from different backgrounds, religions, nationalities and career paths, but they have one similarity – they see the need for their industry to shift. To change. To be kinder and more open to understanding that it’s not just about driving profits.
“There’s a bigger picture out there where mentorships can really happen, not just to tick a box but to really give back and ensure the next generation can live in a better, kinder way. It’s a way of showing that you can be very successful in your career but can also be kind.”
Touch Chef mentor Reif Othman has also given opportunities to a Sumbanese underprivileged youth ,Mensiana Pare, to work in his restaurant, Tero, in Dubai. This provided a career opportunity that otherwise would not be possible with someone with little work experience earning 4x more than she would working in Bali. For Mensiana to have paid
Jean Winter, Touch CEO.
Photo: Adel Rashid/Light House Studio
off her family debts , buy land for her family plus given the opportunity to attain the Level 1 Sake certification within a few months of working in Dubai is something she could only have dreamed of.
Meanwhile, at Trèsind Studio, Himanshu Saini says he was delighted to employ an artist recommended by Touch to paint for the restaurant and for customers. “Having Charles come on board from Touch Dubai as part of our team was the easiest decision to make as I would like every form of art and creative talent to be recognised and have an association with Trèsind Studio. Charles is a wonderful person and extremely talented and passionate about his art. We share his paintings with our guests and the gesture is appreciated so well. Some of our guests have even given him commissioned paintings to work on. It’s a humbling feeling to have such diverse talent in my team which is not limited to just kitchen or operations. It’s commendable that Touch Dubai recognises and cares for such hidden gems that may otherwise go unnoticed.” Another chef to enjoy an ongoing relationship with Touch is Colin Clague who travelled with Winter to Sumba Island in 2022 to mentor 60 young people from the island’s tribal communities, helping them towards careers in hospitality which serve to benefit entire extended families.
“I consider myself extremely lucky and grateful for having the opportunity to live and raise my family here in Dubai, where there is everything you need and more,” Clague explains. “It’s extremely clean and safe here, however, so many people aren’t so lucky and would love the opportunities I’ve been given. Getting involved with Touch helped me understand that and allowed me to get more involved in giving something back.
“Hospitality is crying out for great staff, and thanks to Touch we have the chance to help and to also benefit ourselves. Working with these organisations is easily the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done, and they give me far more than I could ever give them.”
For Winter, this sense of mutual benefit, learning and collaboration is what sets Touch and its team apart – and demonstrates the wide-reaching implications even small steps towards true inclusivity can achieve.
“Touch is about impacting lives on a truly sustainable level and showing that diversity and inclusion not about hiring one person of determination and saying that’s your job done. And it’s not just about people of determination either – it’s about inclusion across races, across genders, across so many different levels to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to rise.
“A lot of social media and TV coverage has portrayed Dubai as a very selfish and superficial place, but I hope that Touch is showing the other side of the city. Because there are so many good people here, genuine people who are willing to come together to do good. And I think that story needs to be shared more.”
Major decision taken at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels by 2030 but more to be done to accelerate implementation and improve gender balance
13 December 2023 | Dubai, UAE:
SHE Changes Climate acknowledges a major agreement as per the decision adopted today at COP28 in Dubai to transition away from fossil fuels in this critical decade. Yet we continue to call for a more inclusive process, both at global level and country level. Women leaders are at the forefront of climate diplomacy, but are yet to be recognised fully. Women must also be at the heart of design and implementation of the just energy transition pathways at the country level. Inclusion and diversity are essential to design and implement these pathways to make sure no one is left behind.
For two weeks, women leaders, negotiators and civil society leaders have gathered in a strongly united global movement to address the climate emergency and the need for the immediate phase-out of fossil fuels as a crucial step to limit global warming to a 1.5 degree temperature increase. This is also the result of outstanding female leadership and an unprecedented level of mobilization for fast-tracking the energy transition, slashing emissions by 2030 and co-creating a fossil-free energy future for all.
The Unite For Climate Solutions Summit, which was convened by SHE Changes Climate and Project Dandelion on 21 November, featured a closing dialogue between Mary Robinson and COP28 President H.E. Sultan Al Jaber, and shed light on the crucial need to address the fossil fuel issue in line with climate science. This information
has been widely broadcasted by the media, emphasized by women and climate organizations and backed by climate scientists in a strong and united call for greater climate ambition. The UNFCCC has taken it into account, and for the first time in 28 years, COP has focused on fossil fuels.
There is no debate that we still need to move faster to the total phase out of fossil fuels that is clear and complete. In particular, there are several loopholes that still need to be addressed, including the run-away false solution of carbon capture and storage. It is also urgent to stop building new coal-power plants, hence going further than phasing down unabated coal.
Women leaders must now be at the forefront of the just energy transition to ensure clean energy access for all and scaled up financial resources at country level. And so while we acknowledge the inclusion of gender equality, empowerment of women and intergenerational equity in the Global Stock Take decision, as well as in the Just Transition Pathways decision, the text ultimately falls short. It is now even more urgent to move much faster on the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and make sure the energy transition pathways are developed through an inclusive and participatory process at country level.
We welcome the decision to implement “inclusive and participatory approaches to just transitions that leave no one behind” but stress that inclusive, open multi stakeholder
dialogues are essential to emerge with a truly systemic transformation of society. We are further pleased to announce that the Netherlands, Uganda, and Norway have joined the coalition of gender champions during this COP, following the example of the IFRC and other Non-State Actors that have endorsed the inclusion and diversity principles.
SHE Changes Climate is planning to strengthen its presence and action on the ground in key countries, to accelerate the energy transition and make sure women are forefront and center in this transition.
We also take note of the new financial goals and pledges that have been put on the table at COP, including the adaptation needs of USD 215-387 billion annually up to 203, and USD 4.3 trillion per year needs to be invested in clean energy up until 2030, increasing thereafter to USD 5 trillion per year up until 2050, to be able to reach net zero emissions by 2050. We must now ensure that the funding gets to the people and communities that need it the most at the country and local levels especially in the most vulnerable countries.
COP 28 falls short of the need for recognizing the pioneering work of women leaders and there is still an urgent need to make the UNFCCC COP process more inclusive.
Our disappointment extends to the way the COP28 closing plenary was handled by H.E. Sultan Al Jaber. We believe that H.E. Hana
Al Hashimi and H.E. Razan Al Mubarak have worked both tirelessly and diligently in the preceding months in preparation, and yet no credit or visibility has been given to them. We also regret that H.E. Sultan Al Jaber did not fully acknowledge the statement made by Anne Rasmussen, Samoa’s Lead Delegate and spokesperson for Small Island Nations. The perspective of women and island nations need to be held at the forefront of decision making. How to build a more inclusive negotiating process needs continued commitment. Our belief is that the methodology of more inclusive and authentic “circles of trust” could greatly improve the negotiation process.
As a growing women-led movement for climate justice, SHE Changes Climate will continue to unite and act for greater climate ambition and action beyond COP28, in the lead-up to COP29 in Azerbaijan and COP30 in Brazil.
by Laetitia Van Haren
Innovation and technological change: what an app for pregnancy surveillance can do for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls
What is JamboMama! and what can it do?
I am a Cultural Anthropologist interested in health seeking behaviour. That may be why I invented this digital tool for pregnancy monitoring by the moms, the medics and the mediators together. Let me present it to you here.
JamboMama! is an interactive smartphone application designed to connect pregnant women in remote areas of low income countries with health care providers and give them a handy tool with health information about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. It brings the supply - the health providersand the demand - the health seekers - closer together. As I had my first child in a highland backwater of East-Congo, sub-Saharan Africa was first on my mind but, having also lived in Laos and explored and experienced how life was lived in its rural and remote areas I would love to see it make its way into South-East Asia, as well. The risk of maternal mortality and morbidity is still very high in remote areas and among ethnic minorities.
If we look at the app with the SDGs in mind it really serves a number of them. It empowers women and girls to be managers of their health during pregnancy, offering them a digital tool that gives them useful information and the opportunity to communicate with health care providers for safer pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. It is woman’s low
status that makes motherhood way more dangerous than it should be. JamboMama! also helps to bridge the digital divide between women and men, between the rural and urban populations, between access to and quality of care available in the urban or rural health setting; an opportunity for bottom-up public-private partnerships; the app’s spread in forgotten spots leads to the emergence of local economic activity in poor areas that normally see their resources sucked away to the urban economy. This modernising activity develops around an eternal one, pregnancy and childbirth, catering for new needs such as internet and telecom accessories, from the phones themselves to sim cards, data bundles and (solar) chargers: also eternal ones that were alsways left unmet for lack of economic incentive, such as safe and timely transport to health facility, affordable locally produced maternity kits etc. It also helps attract and retain healthcare staff, as it breaks their isolation and sense of being stuck in a hole without the possibility of career advancement.
The app’s purpose is to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. It aims at removing three potentially deadly delays in decision making that threaten the life and health of mother and child from conception to 72 hours postpartum. Pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes. They are mostly safe though at times far from easy. But if the pregnancy is not monitored for risk triggers such as high bloodpressure, high blood sugar, anemia, STds, malaria and other underlying health issues, a high risk birth or another crisis can occur that could have been prevented if
those factors had been known. Being better informed helps to take the decision to seek help, and go to the right medical place faster, fast enough to take care of the threat before it takes the life or health of mother and child, or both. The app does not only advise, but also is a tool for connexion and action.
To finance the development of the app and its spread I have founded a non-profit association SAHFA, Smart Access to Health For All--- through customised mobile communication technologies, that was approved in France end of 2015.
write to: laetitia@sahfa.org
by Léonore Dupanloup
La Collective is a project led by the Fondation pour l’égalité de genre (FEG), which aims to facilitate access and increase the range of services available to women and gender minorities, bring together feminist and women-led associations, encourage synergies, promote diversity and create a platform for conversation at the center of Geneva. The building, located in heart of Plainpalais, will offer housing, a library, coworking spaces, offices, services for women, daycare, conference and workshop space and a café.
In 2023, La Collective opened for the first time and hosts various activities such as art exhibitions and performances, language lessons by the association Découvrir, workshops and conferences by the Espace santé femmes, and an escape game created by the Filigrane feminist library. More than 2000 persons have discovered the place up to this day, and the cultural and associative programming will last up to June 2024. La Collective will then close for a period of two years, during which the building will be entirely renovated and the premises reshaped for the future activities.
In 2025, while the building will be under construction, the next significant milestone in our journey will be the organisation of the 2nd edition Bastions de l’Égalité, a two day event expecting to gather around 70 associations and the larger public that serves as a platform for people and organisations to come together, share ideas and take actions
to advance the cause of equality. In 2026, La Collective will officially open after two years of work, with programming (cultural, social, political) that will allow our Foundation to expand its impact and reach.
The La Collective project was initiated by a network of associations in Geneva, le Reseau Femmes*, bringing together an existing community of 15 associations who work on diverse issues ranging from violence, migration, employment, to housing or digital support services.
Feminism and women’s and gender minorities’ rights in Switzerland have a long way to go. Despite legislative, political, cultural progress of recent years, the movement is siloed, little data is available on the issues faced by women in the country, awareness campaigns are scarce, reproduction rights are still an ongoing conversation, and on the forefront of this battlefield, violence and discrimination are at the center of preoccupations. Indeed, every two weeks and half, a woman loses her life to domestic violence in the country.
We believe that strengthening the connections between organizations, amplifying the messages through a joint platform, sharing knowledge, data and valuable community led insights, will empower the movement, give us a louder voice, increase the visibility and the impact of the work done on the field, and hopefully contribute to positive change
and progress in the country. The FEG also committed to participative governance with stakeholders, particularly associations, as a cornerstone of its approach to building trust and legitimacy. This participatory approach of the Foundation’s leadership structure ensures that our organization remains deeply connected to the needs and priorities of the communities we serve while fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
See more and subscribe our newsletter: lacollective.ch
Léonore Dupanloup (elle/she)
Chargée de communication
Fondation Maison des femmes*
Bd des Philosophes 20
1205 Genève
© Rebbecca Bowring
The intention of sustainable design is to “eliminate negative environmental impact completely through skillful, sensitive design”.
Manifestations of sustainable design require renewable resources and innovation to impact the environment minimally, and connect people with the natural environment.
“Human beings don’t have a pollution problem; they have a design problem. If humans were to devise products, tools, furniture, homes, factories, and cities more intelligently from the start, they wouldn’t even need to think in terms of waste, or contamination, or scarcity. Good design would allow for abundance, endless reuse, and pleasure.” - The Upcycle by authors Michael Braungart and William McDonough, 2013.
Design-related decisions are happening everywhere on a daily basis, impacting “sustainable development” or provisioning for the needs of future generations of life on earth. Sustainability and design are intimately linked. Quite simply, our future is designed. The term “design” is here used to refer to practices applied to the making of products, services, as well as business and innovation strategy — all of which inform sustainability. Sustainability can be thought of as the property of continuance; that is, what is sustainable can be continued into the future.
(source: Wikipedia)
The visual communication and graphic design concept puts the social construct „glass ceiling“ in the center.
Our title „STUCK“ points out the current position marginalized people find themselves in, when seeking career advancements. The title is designed as a spray painted graphic element.
We choose this style because it gets associated with disturbance, strong statements or even vandalism. Our intention is to interfere with the expectations of the visitors. We consider our exhibition booth a visual protest. The subtitle smash social ceilings! expresses the demand, to change social inequality.
The exhibition text, title and subtitle are placed on a mirror. You can see yourself between title and subtitle while reading the exhibition text. The placement is supposed to make the visitors reflect themselves on their knowledge about the „glass ceiling“. Our intention is to create a personal connection to the visitors, while confronting them automatically through the attraction mirrors naturally have on humans.
Our publication is a folded brochure. When its opened completely you will find all the information combined on the frontside, and a poster on the backside. The poster is an abstract illustration. The editorial design we created for the publication is a grotesque typeface combined with handmade name tags, in graffiti style. The mixture is influenced by the looks of the zine culture that has been strongly rooted in feminism for over a hundred years now.
We also made stickers, that show our title and subtitle. They are translucent just like our „glass ceiling“ itself. Spread the word!
Cora Wild, Klara Stangl
SUSTAINABLE ART
Sustainable art is art in harmony with the key principles of sustainability, which include ecology, social justice, nonviolence and grassroots democracy.
Sustainable art may also be understood as art that is produced with consideration for the wider impact of the work and its reception in relationship to its environments (social, economic, biophysical, historical and cultural).
(source:Wikipedia)
Good health and well-being are essential to sustainable development.
Pregnancy and childbirth pose particular risks. Everyday 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Health services for women and girls, including survivors of violence should be improved or made more accessible. Universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services can help advance women's well-being and health.
Women and men have different healthcare needs, BUT an equal right to live healthily.
My body, my rights.
Artwork: The Magic Cauldron
Hand cut paper anatomy. Women empowerment design. The uterus is a female reproductive organ which consists of a womb, ovaries, vagina and cervix. Definitive and very recognizable and sacred meaning in many cultures. I wanted to show how magical and important this part of the female body is. One can raise awareness about the importance of good health, healthy lifestyles as well as women's right to healthcare services.
Jane Sagnes
Jane Sagnes
Certified CELTA and CELTYL teacher based in France. Been teaching English for 14 years and delighted to be part of the STEAM group this year at St. George’s International School summer camp. Constantly involved with Addictlab and SDGzine related projects.
Passionate about cuisine and wine. Autodidactic artist and crafter.
Cards at face value, except King, Queen and Jack counts as 10. However the fact remains that the King is the highest ranking face card.
It’s just a game but hey it’s another classic example of patriarchy.
Gender equality will remain a distant dream unless we are conscious and bring out the change in our everyday discourse.
It’s about time we see through these unequal representations and stop accepting and normalizing male dominance. A society should be where women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.
What’s a Queen without her King?
The Queen of Absolutely Everything!
I’m an architect/designer and a mom of two amazing kids (3 and 1 1/2 years old). I am rediscovering the world through their eyes and I am fascinated with their innate creativity and curiosity. We create together and post some of our projects on Instagram.
City/Town Geneva
Country Switzerland
Website
https://www.instagram.com/mytinyprints/
Most toys become obsolete in just a few weeks. Children quickly outgrow their toys, or their desirability wanes over a short period of time. Other toys break down or no longer work if they are missing a piece. What happens to a toy when it is no longer played with? The unfortunate truth is that 80% of all toys end up in landfills, incinerators or in our oceans.
Kitko emerged as a way to re-think the disposability of toys and play structures. Kitko is a kit of 50 cardboard pieces (with a couple extra ones just in case) that can be assembled into a geodesic dome, as well as other inventive structures. It comes with manuals (and a video) to guide you through the process of building several of them, and also allows children to explore and build their own structures. No connectors are required as the pieces just lock into each other. KITKO is a fantastic way to introduce kids to STEM education in the most playful way. A KITKO kit encourages kids to think critically and problem-solve through trial and error. Building with KITKO is a great introduction to engineering principles, and also a great way to show kids that they can make something extraordinary with very ordinary materials.
Additionally, given its low material cost, it could be affordable to children all around the world!
More info at www.kitko.ch
My name is Sasha and I am Slovak. After finishing my studies at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, I was involved in many activities in the creative fields of arts, media and advertisement. During the last thirty years I participated in different cultural projects in partnershio with recognised European institutions such as the Royal National Theatre in London, the European Culture Foundation in Amsterdam, the Austrian Culture Centre, the Kinder Museum ZOOM in Vienna, the United Nations Office Geneva, etc.
My experiences have let me to be : film script writer, illustrator, hands -on exhibition curator, radio and TV presenter, journalist, educator, community project leader, artist ….I love all these diverse experiences…full of wonderful challenging creative meaningful moments ….and I love to share all these moments with people.
Since 2004 I live in France (close to Geneva) with my husband and son.
My recent key interests are:
Art & Installation & Recycling Art / Creativity & Children & Stop Motion Animation / Community projects
I pay tribute to Trees by creating a painted mandala Portals. These Portals are mending the Contrasts of Life and Death of the trees into one continuous flow of time.
We as humans sense a dramatic Contrast between Presence and Absence. Existence and Non-Existence.
In this artwork, the life of a tree is extended into the Infinity through the mandala Portal. The very symbol of mandala creates a visual Portal for our mind, mending the Contrast of broken ends of Circle of Life. Mandala as a symbolic picture of the Universe is a circle that represents wholeness, totality, infinity, timelessness, and unity.
In ancient Sanskrit language of India, mandala stands for Circle or Center, the wheel of Cosmic Geometry, ever-changing and ever-lasting. This visually centered, symmetrical symbol is found in all ancient cultures and used as artistic and meditation practice today.
Our eyes recognize it’s pattern naturally as the core Code of Life. It appears in macro world as well as micro worlds. Because of this inherent universal pattern recognition, we see it’s presence in rings of a tree, flowers, human eye, snowflake, spider web, swarm of bees, school of fish, radio-waves, tornado or just by pressing onto our closed eyelids. The rings of a tree are joining into sacred geometry of cosmic dance of time through these painted mandala portals.
(exhibited at the Art en Campagne, collex-Bossy 2023
https://artencampagne.org)
By Sasha Broadhurst-Petrovicka
ARTWORK:
“Some days you won’t feel a song inside your heart, but sing anyway.” Emory Austin, breast cancer survivor and motivational speaker,#breastcancer#cancer #womensupportingwomen #solidarity #mandala#arttherapie
‘Feminist approach’ to cancer could save lives of 800,000 women a year
Gender inequality and discrimination impede timely diagnoses and quality care for women around the world.
Cancer is one of the biggest killers of women and ranks in their top three causes of premature deaths in almost every country on every continent.
But gender inequality and discrimination are reducing women’s opportunities to avoid cancer risks and impeding their ability to get a timely diagnosis and quality care, according to a report published in the Lancet on 26.9.2023
The commission brought together a multidisciplinary and diverse team from around the globe. It included experts in gender studies, human rights, law, economics, social sciences, cancer epidemiology, prevention, and treatment, as well as patient advocates, to analyse how women around the world experience cancer.
“Our commission highlights that gender inequalities significantly impact women’s experiences with cancer. To address this, we need cancer to be seen as a priority issue in women’s health, and call for the immediate introduction of a feminist approach to cancer.”
The Lancet Commission on women, power and cancer
Source: The Guardian, 26.9.2023
LIMELIGHT is the title of Charlie Chaplin’s film released in 1952.
My “Visual Song” is painted on a 72-year old gramophone record, sound track from the film.
Social discrimination, including gender inequality, is very present in most of Charlie Chaplin’s films. Female characters in his movies are often honest hard working women facing a cruel and hard society.
This “Visual Song” is dedicated to women all over the world who are fighting today for their rights with strength and dignity. My wish, through my “Visual Song”, is to symbolically put these unseen and unknown women “flower” into the “limelight”.
The Mandala circle concept represents visually the never-ending and changing song of life.
L’Association L’AtelierS est née de l’envie de partager des espaces de créations collectifs dans le but de contribuer à créer un cadre propice à l’exercice des métiers d’art, et de les promouvoir.
L’AtelierS regroupe quatre artistes et artisanes du Pays de Gex : Marie-xa Aubertin est tapissier décoratrice et créatrice d’abat-jour sur mesure, Florence Vial est plasticienne, Roshanak Ostad l’est également (toutes deux travaillent sur différents supports et matériaux : peinture, sculpture, bijoux) et Elise Merrien est metteuse-en-scène de théâtre.
Elles ont ainsi installé début octobre leur atelier respectif dans une belle grange gessienne à Sergy : la Grange Verte.
Ce lieu, empreint d’une atmosphère si chaleureuse voire d’une certaine magie, devient l’écrin inspirant de nos artistes qui créent, les unes à côté des autres, et discutent déjà de travailler ensemble sur un projet commun.
Elles ont aussi à cœur d’organiser des événements ponctuels afin de sensibiliser un large public à leurs activités, et d’accueillir d’autres créatifs à prendre place pour un temps dans l’espace commun.
Si vous être un professionnel et que vous recherchez un espace pour des activités régulières ou ponctuelles, envoyez-nous un mail. lateliersassociation@gmail.com
Marie-Xa
instagram/ aux_arst_et_caetera
Florence flovial.art@gmail.com - florence-vial.com – instagram.com/flovial.art
Roshanak www.roshanakostad.com
Elise www.elyo.org
Marie-Xa
Roshanak
Florence
Every day, key decisions that save or improve people’s lives are taken in Geneva. These are often not reported in the international media’s headlines but they make a crucial difference for their beneficiaries nonetheless.
Geneva is the place where humanitarian relief for victims of floods, earthquakes or conflicts is coordinated; where responses to environmental challenges are devised; where the fight against deadly diseases is coordinated. It offers victims of abuse, torture and violence forums to be heard and seek redress. Governments come here to negotiate key agreements in the fields of trade, disarmament and conflicts. Regulatory frameworks for telecommunications and the protection of innovations are developed and implemented in this major cooperation platform.
No other city has a richer history of international cooperation than Geneva.
In 1863, a small group of Genevois created the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which led to the first international humanitarian treaty, the Geneva Convention of 1864.
In 1919, the city gained strength and momentum as a platform for dialogue and cooperation when the victorious states of World War I decided to establish the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO) there.
After World War II, the international community chose Geneva again to host key international organizations. Today, key actors in the health sector, like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have all set up headquarters there.
Read more here.
https://www.geneve-int.ch/
>Rendre les femmes handicapées plus autonomes pour une société inclusive
Le Sénégal s’est engagé à construire une société solidaire et sans discrimination, où les femmes ont les mêmes opportunités de participation au développement et les mêmes bénéfices de la croissance que les hommes.
Le projet « Making It Work » : bonnes pratiques et lutte contre les violences
Le projet “Making It Work” (MIW) mené par Handicap International au Sénégal joue un rôle crucial dans cet engagement. Il vise à renforcer les capacités des organisations dirigées par des femmes handicapées, pour améliorer la prévention, la réponse à la discrimination et à la violence envers les femmes et les filles handicapées. L’objectif est d’inclure des femmes dans les efforts de lutte contre les violences en renforçant le plaidoyer, la communication et les initiatives spécifiques.
Une approche novatrice de ce projet MIW repose sur l’autonomisation des femmes handicapées. Pour ce faire, le projet est articulé sur trois angles : identifier les bonnes pratiques entrainant des changements positifs, proposer des formations pour développer des nouvelles compétences et mettre en œuvre des mécanismes de protection et de lutte contre les violences.
Sensibiliser et accompagner des femmes victimes de violences
Oumou Khayri Diop, 27 ans, est une porteuse de voix et secrétaire pour une association de femme de son quartier au Sénégal
: elle dénonce avec vigueur les problèmes auxquels les femmes handicapées sont confrontées. Ce qui a décidé Oumou de s’engager pleinement dans cette lutte, est le triste constat que les femmes handicapées subissent davantage de violences que les autres femmes, et sont souvent oubliées. Un changement des mentalités est essentiel afin d’éliminer certaines coutumes et pour mettre fin aux discriminations. Elle lance le message : « A toutes les femmes, croyez-en vous ! Nous sommes des mères, des sœurs, et le monde ne peut pas se développer sans nous. Serrons-nous la main, dénonçons toute injustice qui peut nous freiner dans la vie. » Heureusement, selon Oumou les choses commencent à changer car les femmes handicapées sont de plus en plus conscientes de leurs droits et motivées à les revendiquer.
De nombreuses femmes encouragent et entourent les femmes handicapées victimes de violences. C’est également le cas de Dieynaba Diallo. Animée par le fait qu’il faille utiliser autrement sa position de femme handicapée pour faire savoir aux gens que sa personne n’était pas son handicap.
Dieynaba raconte avoir aidé une femme à porter plainte contre son beau-père. Avant de la battre, il lui avait retiré ses prothèses, pour qu’elle ne puisse pas se déplacer ni s’échapper. Cette situation est un exemple qui met en lumière les enjeux de la sensibilisation et l’autonomisation des femmes handicapées : « Si quelqu’un te maltraite mais que tu es indépendante financièrement, il y a des choses qui ne passeront pas. Je veux accompagner
mes sœurs, partager avec elles, leur dire que ce combat, personne ne pourra le mener à notre place. C’est nous, et nous seules, qui pourrons le livrer. Ensemble, on va gagner. »
Un projet clé pour une société inclusive et égalitaire
Le projet « Making It Work » a ainsi contribué à sensibiliser les communautés et à soutenir les femmes victimes de violence, en particulier les femmes handicapées. Il a permis d’accroître leur visibilité, leur confiance en elles et leur participation active dans la vie politique, économique et sociale. De plus, la création d’un centre d’écoute dédié aux femmes et filles handicapées survivantes de violence au Sénégal a eu des résultats significatifs, offrant un soutien personnalisé à plus de 350 survivantes.
Ces initiatives ont renforcé l’autonomie des femmes handicapées, favorisant l’inclusion et l’égalité des genres. Le projet « Making It Work » implémenté par Handicap International joue un rôle clé dans la transformation des vies et la promotion d’une société plus juste et plus inclusive.
Rania Lebad – Handicap International Suisse
Open Geneva est une association à but non lucratif créée en 2017, basée à Genève, qui a pour mission de promouvoir et stimuler l’innovation ouverte en rassemblant une communauté riche de près de 5000 innovateurs-trices, en faisant vivre leurs idées, en communiquant sur leurs projets et en soutenant leur développement dans les domaines de l’art, la science, la technologie et la société. Open Geneva a su lancer et porter de nombreux projets en partenariat avec l’écosystème genevois, et plus récemment avec des acteurs internationaux, avec toujours pour mission de démocratiser la pratique de l’innovation ouverte et d’en changer la culture pour la rendre plus accessible et au service de l’atteinte des objectifs du développement durable.
Open Geneva encourage sa communauté à organiser et participer à des hackathons, ces moments d’intelligence collective dont le but est de développer des solutions pratiques à des problèmes concrets. Dans un environnement informel mais intense, les participant-es de divers horizons bénéficient des hackathons pour collaborer, créer des liens sociaux et contribuer collectivement, favorisant ainsi la création de usecases solides et de startups.
Découvrez l’histoire et les activités de l’association sur opengeneva.org
The Sustainable Finance Hack was initially commissioned by the Canton of Geneva to boot a community of problem solvers in sustainable finance, bridging the private, academic and international organization sectors.
Since 2019, Open Geneva has organized this annual hackathon on Sustainable Finance in the framework of Building Bridges - the biggest conference on sustainable finance in Geneva - with the support of Geneva’s top finance institutions (Lombard Odier, UBS, CA Indosuez,...) and the University of Geneva. This 24h hackathon aims at finding sustainable solutions to concrete problems in the fields of banking and finance. During the hackathon, multidisciplinary teams come together to develop solutions to challenges proposed by finance institutions, startups, associations, public institutions an d citizens. This event is coorganized with the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM - UNIGE)
I am really fond of all the discussions we have at the table with the group. I think it is really interesting to see how the young generation are tackling these issues
Testimonial from one Sustainable Finance Hack 2023 participant
Discover the challenges and solutions born from the Sustainable Finance Hack
Depuis 2021, Open Geneva organise un hackathon annuel pour penser la ville de demain, en collaboration avec la HEG Genève et l’Université de Genève
L’objectif de cet événement collaboratif et citoyen est de trouver des solutions innovantes et durables pour lutter contre le réchauffement climatique et accélérer la transition écologique et énergétique à l’échelle de nos quartiers et villes du Grand Genève. Les habitant.e.s, les étudiant.e.s, les associations, les entreprises, les expert.e.s, les novices, les jeunes, les plus âgé.e.s, les pouvoirs publics, les hautes écoles du Grand Genève mettent en commun leurs idées, leurs compétences et leur énergie pour résoudre en 24h des défis concrets au service de nos villes d’aujourd’hui et de demain!
En tant qu'étudiante, je ressens une immense gratitude à l'idée de participer activement à un projet novateur visant à établir le tout premier habitat fermier à Genève. Échanger avec des individus d'horizons divers, tous engagés pour une ville plus durable, m'a ouvert les yeux sur la puissance de la collaboration. Cette expérience renforce mon engagement envers des initiatives similaires à l'avenir.
Témoignage d’une participante au Smart City Xperience 2023
Découvrez les défis et solutions nées des éditions du Smart City Xperience
definition
A FAB LAB (FABRICATION LABORATORY) IS A SMALLSCALE WORKSHOP OFFERING (PERSONAL) DIGITAL FABRICATION
A Fab Lab is typically equipped with an array of flexible computercontrolled tools that cover several different length scales and various materials, with the aim to make “almost anything”. This includes technology-enabled products generally perceived as limited to mass production.
While Fab Labs have yet to compete with mass production and its associated economies of scale in fabricating widely distributed products, they have already shown the potential to empower individuals to create smart devices for themselves. These devices can be tailored to local or personal needs in ways that are not practical or economical using mass production.
The Fab Lab movement is closely aligned with the DIY movement, open-source hardware, maker culture, and the free and opensource movement, and shares philosophy as well as technology with them.
(source:Wikipedia)
Le 21 mars 2023 s’est tenu au SDG Solution Space de Genève, dans le cadre de l’initiative Open Geneva, un atelier de cartographie humanitaire Missing Maps basée sur le commun numérique OpenStreetMap et l’outil HotOSM Tasking Manager. Retour sur l’atelier lui-même et sur le fonctionnement de ce dispositif.
Abstract: On March 21, 2023, a Missing Maps humanitarian mapping workshop based on the OpenStreetMap project was held at the SDG Solution Space in Geneva, as part of the Open Geneva initiative. Back in detail on the workshop itself, OpenStreetMap, HotOSM Tasking Manager & Missing Maps.
Keywords: OpenStreetMap, Cartography, Humanitarian, HotOSM, Tasking Manager, Missing Maps, Open Geneva, Palo IT OpenStreetMap, commun numérique cartographique
Définition et présentation
OpenStreetMap (OSM) est un projet collaboratif de cartographie en ligne. Son but est de constituer une base de données géographiques libres du monde entier, visant le référencement de tous les points d’intérêts géographiques observables. Il ne s’agit donc pas seulement des routes et des magasins, mais également des passages piétons, des voies cyclables, de l’art public, des bornes
incendie, des zones économiques, des arbres, de la nature, des zones agricoles, ou encore du réseau électrique (incluant tous ses aspects : des poteaux aux armoires de rue jusqu’au sites industriels de type transformateur). La spécification du monde observable vise donc l’exhaustivité, évidemment inatteignable. Ce projet fondé en 2004 par Steve Coast implique quotidiennement la participation de dizaines de milliers de contributeurs, En mars 2023, le nombre d’objets élémentaires de type node dépasse les 9 milliards dans la base OpenStreetMap1.
OpenStreetMap est une base de données
En effet, OpenStreetMap est avant tout une base de données, dans laquelle des objets élémentaires définis par leurs positions géographiques (latitude, longitude), sont munis d’attributs qui permettent de spécifier la nature de ce qui se trouve à cet emplacement.
OpenStreetMap utilise une typologie de trois types d’éléments :
● les nodes, qui sont en définitive des points sur la carte et qui peuvent accueillir des attributs.
● les ways, qui sont des segments reliés par des nodes, et qui peuvent apparaître comme une ligne brisée (une route par
exemple) et parfois comme un polygone fermé (pour un bâtiment par exemple).
● les relations qui regroupent des nodes et des ways qui ont un lien logique entre eux. Par exemple, pour représenter un hôpital qui possède différents bâtiments dans la ville situés en des endroits différents, on utilisera une relation pour rassembler, dans une entité unique, les différents bâtiments hospitaliers. Les différents polygones fermés représentant les bâtiments, sont formés grâce à des ways sur lesquels sont placés des attributs (adresse, nom du bâtiment, nombre d’étages).
Une erreur commune est d’envisager au prime abord OpenStreetMap comme une carte. En réalité OpenStreetMap est une base de données géographiques, permettant d’extraire des données géographiques, à même d’être placées sur un fond de carte, et ainsi, de créer, entre autres usages, des cartes géographiques.
Pour cartographier le monde entier, la communauté OpenStreetMap utilise différents outils d’édition. Certains de ces
outils sont des logiciels de bureau, comme JOSM2, qui permettent aux cartographes de modifier les données de manière précise et détaillée. D’autres outils sont des applications web, comme iD3, qui sont plus faciles à utiliser pour les débutants. Ces outils permettent aux cartographes d’ajouter de nouvelles données, de modifier des données existantes et de supprimer des données incorrectes. C’est d’ailleurs iD qui a été utilisé lors de l’atelier Open Geneva le 21 mars 2023.
Une édition en cours sous iD : ajout du node relatif à DSG Solution Space à Genève avec de premiers attributs, dont le téléphone et le site web4.
Usage collaboratif & OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap est parfois considéré comme le Wikipédia de la cartographie, ce qui est dans les usages et son fonctionnement, une analogie plutôt pertinente. En effet, tout le monde peut ajouter des données à OpenStreetMap sans qu’il n’y ait un contrôle a priori des éditions. L’amélioration du contenu se fait donc a posteriori, sans aucun rôle désigné : c’est l’ensemble de la communauté qui, d’une certaine manière, vérifie l’ensemble des éditions, avec un état d’esprit collaboratif et bienveillant.
Il en est de même pour la définition des attributs nommés des tags qui fonctionne selon un système clé=valeur. Par exemple, la liste de tags suivante, définie sur un node, une boîte aux lettres postale quelque part en France.
Est ainsi spécifié que le node représente une boîte postale, dont on connaît les horaires de collecte du courrier par La Poste, qui est l’opérateur de cette boîte. Sont indiqués également des liens Wikidata et Wikipédia relatifs à l’opérateur en question ; également le numéro de cette boîte dans la nomenclature de La Poste, numéro indiqué sur la boîte elle-même. Enfin on remarque qu’une source est précisée, ce qui est une bonne pratique : ici la source est issue de données ouvertes. Elle aurait très bien pu être source=local_survey ce qui indiquerait qu’un contributeur a vérifié les informations en personne, sur la boîte elle-même (auquel cas il aurait également pu spécifier la date de ce relevé).
Se pose à ce stade la question des tags eux-mêmes : qui décide des tags usuellement utilisés ? La réponse courte serait probablement : personne et tout le monde à la fois. Car là encore l’approche est collaborative et destinée à faire naître des usages sur les diverses et nombreuses thématiques. Un wiki5 documente les usages autant que possible et constitue aussi le lieu de discussion et de débat à propos de nouveaux usages de tags.
Usage humanitaire d’OpenStreetMap
Haïti 2010, un événement fondateur
Un usage humanitaire d’OpenStreetMap a été envisagé dès 2005. Toutefois la prise de conscience collective de son potentiel décisif a probablement été formalisée en 2010, suite à l’implication de la communauté OpenStreetMap dans la cartographie collaborative du territoire haitien, terriblement impacté par un tremblement de terre de magnitude 7. En quelques heures, les images aériennes postérieures au tremblement de terre ont été fournies à la communauté OpenStreetMap : ce qui a permis la cartographie exhaustive du territoire en quelques jours, en matière de routes et d’accès, décisifs pour les opérations d’urgence et de sauvetage6. La question étant comment accéder à de telles zones d’habitation en un minimum de temps, parfois avec un accès uniquement possible à pied. La connaissance par les équipes de sauvetage, d’accès vérifiés grâce à la cartographie collaborative, a permis de littéralement sauver des vies à Haïti en 2010. Cet apport décisif de la cartographie humanitaire a été observée par les ONG humanitaires et de l’urgence (Croix Rouge
4
5
International, Médecins sans Frontières et d’autres), qui rapidement ont décidé de financer le développement logiciel relatif à l’usage humanitaire d’OpenStreetMap. La structure financée s’appelle HotOSM (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team) et a favorisé le développement de l’outil Tasking Manager, aujourd’hui massivement utilisé par les organisations humanitaires.
Le Tasking Manager HOT (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team) est une plateforme en ligne utilisée pour coordonner les efforts de cartographie de la communauté OpenStreetMap lors de situations d’urgence humanitaire7. Le Tasking Manager HOT divise une zone géographique en tâches plus petites et plus gérables, appelées grids, qui peuvent être assignées à des bénévoles pour cartographier. Le processus commence par la sélection de la zone à cartographier sur la carte. Une fois la zone sélectionnée, elle est divisée en éléments de grilles qui sont attribués aux différents contributeurs. L’objectif est, selon la mission, d’ajouter des highways (des voies d’accès) ou des buildings pour identifier des zones d’habitation. Les contributeurs peuvent ensuite utiliser les outils d’édition d’OpenStreetMap pour ajouter de nouvelles données, ou améliorer les données existantes dans leur élément de grille assigné. Le Tasking Manager HOT fournit également un système de validation, où les contributions peuvent être vérifiées par d’autres contributeurs pour s’assurer de leur qualité et de leur précision.
Mise en évidence du Tasking Manager : mission relative à une des zones touchées par la série de secousses sismiques en Turquie et en Syrie en 2023. Sur la droite, la zone représentée sous forme de grille : chaque élément de grille est cartographié selon l’attente de la mission par un ou plusieurs contributeurs. La couleur de chaque carré élémentaire représente son état courant pour la mission : à cartographier, en cours, prêt pour validation, validé8.
Le mapathon comme catalyseur
Ce découpage d’une mission cartographique humanitaire, conçu pour épouser de façon fluide le mode de contribution OpenStreetMap, donne d’excellents résultats. Les missions se comptent par centaines sur le site dédié, et les missions considérées comme urgentes (comme celle évoquée ci-dessus) sont en général terminées en quelques jours. D’autant qu’un type d’évènements s’est développé au cours des dernières années : les mapathons.
On pourrait définir un mapathon comme un hackathon et donc la réunion conviviale d’un groupe de bénévoles de bonne volonté, qui
pendant quelques heures vont cartographier une mission issue du HOT Tasking Manager. Les résultats sont en général impressionnants : la réunion de quelques dizaines de bénévoles, pendant deux heures, se conclut usuellement par l’ajout de dizaines, voire des centaines, de kilomètres de ways, et par l’ajout de centaines de buildings.
Les mapathons à venir sont annoncés sur le site de l’initiative Missing Maps9. Cette dernière permet également de s’inscrire et d’évoluer dans une approche Serious Game, permettant ainsi de prendre individuellement part de l’expérience par l’acquisition de badges correspondant à certains accomplissements en matière de cartographie humanitaire.
Dans le cadre du Festival d’innovation ouverte 202310 organisé par Open Geneva, le SDG Solution Space (Campus Biotech Innovation Park) de Genève accueillait un mapathon humanitaire le 21 mars 2023, organisé par PALO IT Lyon. Après une rapide présentation des différents contextes, le choix a été fait de travailler sur la mission #13618 relatives à l’urbanisme au Caire en Égypte11. L’enjeu est ici d’ajouter des buildings manquants pour mieux comprendre les modes d’urbanisation au Caire, et surtout pour produire à termes des jeux de données pertinents en matière de densité de population urbaine. En termes de metrics, le mapathon qui regroupait quelques bénévoles a permis l’ajout de centaines de buildings relatifs à la mission proposée.
6 https://www.hotosm.org/projects/haiti_
7 https://tasks.hotosm.org/
8 https://tasks.hotosm.org/projects/14262
9 https://www.missingmaps.org/events/
10 https://festival23.sparkboard.com 11 https://tasks.hotosm.org/projects/13618
Dashboard des contributions à la mission au cours du mapathon Open Geneva 2023.
Bénévoles heureux et en action, cartographiant la mission le 21 mars 2023 au SDG Solution Space.
Benoît Prieur (PALO IT Lyon), Michel Guérin (PALO IT Lyon), Simon Ernst (PALO IT Lyon)
Cern’s ideasquare commissioned an Egg and rented two others to exhibit prototypes and explain the Ideasquare concept to the CERN public.
We adapted the Egg for easy presenting the SDGzine at the Fête de la Science in Ferneyy-Voltaire
Awards for our new neighbours Tech4Trust and TrustValley at the Campus Biotech Innovation Park
Science trips to Geneva have a new stop: SDG activities in the SDG Solution Space. Welcoming students from Maleisia, Puerto
Turn your orphan socks into a sponge. Fun activity to do with kids and adults alike.
New activity: using Lego to initiate Lino Cut printing
Addictlab Humanitarian Projects : can we use our box system to create emergency schooling kits? Project taken on by UNIGE students.
Students can join 1,5h activities on Wednesdays or purchase vouchers of 10 tickets of 1 hour for other slots
STEAM & STEM CENTER SET UPS
STEAM fields are defined science, and technology, interpreted through engineering, and the (liberal) arts, and based in mathematics. Variations of definitions for the “A” exist, but no other definition formally defines the arts with research or links the disciplines together as a whole with research. STEAM is designed to integrate all subjects with each other for a way to teach across the disciplines. These programs aim to teach students innovation, to think critically and use engineering or technology in imaginative designs or creative approaches to real-world problems framed in social studies. STEAM programs add art to STEM curriculum by drawing on reasoning, ethics and design principles and encouraging creative solutions, effectively removing the meaning of the STEM distinction as the term now includes nearly all academic fields, yet still oddly leaving some behind
The founder of the STEAM initiative is Georgette Yakman, who in addition to raising
the idea of adding the arts to the STEM acronym, has conducted research and practicum since 2006 based on researching the formal way that subjects work together and correspond to the global socioeconomic world: “Science and Technology, interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, all based in elements of Mathematics.”She provides professional development training to individual educators and programs on how to use the STEAM framework.[9] In 2009, Senator Mark Warner announced Yakman’s nomination as NCTC’s STEAM Teacher of the Year 2009.
(source:Wikipedia)
In November 2022, Élargis tes Horizons hosted their Science and Technology event at the University of Geneva (UNIMAIL) following an extended hiatus of three years due to the pandemic. The event drew 270 girls, ranging in age from 11 to 15, and featured a total of 23 workshops and 16 stands. Notably, an interesting observation was made about the attendees.
There are many girls who may avoid workshops or other learning opportunities with computing or cod¬ing in the title due to the perceived technical expertise required or the stereotypes surrounding these fields. By framing these opportunities in terms of practical skills and outcomes, using accessible lan¬guage, and creating a welcoming and supportive environment, we can help to break down these barriers and encourage more girls to pursue careers in STEM. Furthermore, many girls may have internalized ste¬reotypes about what kinds of people are good at coding or computing. They may believe that these fields are only for people who are naturally gifted at math or who have been coding since they were very young. When they see a workshop or other learning opportunity that explicitly mentions computing or coding, they may assume that they don’t fit the stereotype of the “typical” person in these fields.
To address these barriers, it’s important to think carefully about how we describe and market work-shops and other learning opportunities that are focused on computing or coding. Instead of emphasizing these technical aspects, we should focus on the practical skills and outcomes that participants will learn. For example, a workshop could
be marketed as an opportunity further humanitarian goals. By framing the workshop in terms of these practical outcomes, we can make it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of girls and young women.
Élargis tes Horizons feels it is important to create a welcoming and supportive environment for girls who participate in these workshops. This means ensuring that there are diverse role models and mentors present, and actively working to combat the stereotypes and biases that may discourage girls from pur¬suing careers in computing and coding. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable learn¬ing environment that encourages girls to explore their interest in these fields and develop the skills they need to succeed.
Activities most preferred by registrants:
05: Seeing the Invisible
07: Virtual Reality
08: Electronic Jewelry
20: Salomé - Mission: exo-Earths
22: Let’s play detective !
Activities less preferred:
04: What is a website?
10: Earthquake table
14: Heavy or light ?
15: To stalk a virus online
16: Responding to an outbreak
19: Mechanics: forces & motion
21: Invisible women ! “The Matilda effect”
The popularity of requested workshops was distributed unevenly, with notable differences between them. For instance, workshops such as “09 Drones for Humanitarian Aid,” which included programming, were significantly more popular than workshops with similar advertising, such as “15 Stalk an Online Vi¬rus.”
At the next event in November 2024, we will be more mindful of the language we use when describing these workshops. We aim to avoid jargon and technical terms can help to make the workshop feel more approachable and less intimidating. Instead of using technical terms like “algorithm” or “syntax,” for ex¬ample, we could use more everyday language to describe these concepts. By doing so, we can help to demystify the field of computing and make it feel more accessible to girls who may not have much prior experience with these topics.
Photos credits: @elargisteshorizons
Last week, following a session where we discussed the technical intricacies of various computer solutions under development, some incorporating cutting-edge technology like Generative Artificial Intelligence, we gathered around a table at one of the EPFL restaurants. Suddenly, the colleague seating next to me looked at me astounded and exclaimed, ‘There are about 40 people at this table, and you’re the only woman! Why is that?’ Indeed! Why is that? Unfortunately, it’s not a new phenomenon. Reflecting on Marie Curie’s photo surrounded solely by men at the 1927 Solvay Conference, I realized that during her time and at her level of knowledge, the number of women with her expertise was likely very small. Sadly, little has changed since then.
The underrepresentation of women in technology is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors.
Historically, professional technology fields have been male dominated, which can create a culture and environment that may be unwelcoming or intimidating to women. Societal stereotypes and biases about gender roles can also discourage women from pursuing careers in technology. There are disparities in the way boys and girls are encouraged and supported in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects from an early age. Stereotypes and biases lead to girls being steered away from STEM subject. The scarcity of visible female role models in the technology industry can make it difficult for girls and young women to envision themselves succeeding in these fields. Some women in technology
report facing discrimination, bias, and harassment in the workplace. Hostile work environments can lead to feelings of isolation and contribute to women leaving the field or choosing not to enter it in the first place. The demanding nature of many technology jobs, with long hours and high-pressure environments, can make it challenging for women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities, to balance work and personal life. Unconscious biases can influence hiring and promotion decisions, leading to women being overlooked for opportunities or not being taken as seriously as their male counterparts. The absence of strong support networks and mentorship opportunities for women in technology can make it harder for them to navigate their careers and overcome obstacles.
Addressing the underrepresentation of women in technology requires a comprehensive approach that involves efforts to promote gender equality and diversity in education, workplaces, and society as a whole.
Girls Can Code Switzerland (girlscancode. swiss) is a swiss non-profit association (co-founded by a 13-year-old girl back in August 2020!) registered at Swiss Commercial Registry with No.: 2021-48645.01 and focused on supporting and encouraging girls to explore technology, through a series of real-life projects, themed workshops, coding clubs, leadership classes, work opportunities as well as scholarships for tech boot camps.
Through mentorship programs, girls are paired with women working in technology fields as role models and guides, helping to inspire and support them in their journey. Our members club allows girls and women create a supportive community to connect, share experiences, and support each other, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement. Girls Can Code Switzerland collaborate with schools, businesses, and other organizations to expand the reach and impact of their initiatives, and to create more opportunities for girls and women to engage with technology. The girls and women participating in our mission are the best messengers for our awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and biases about gender roles in technology, and to highlight the achievements and contributions of women in the field.
Please, come and join us and I really hope that in 5 years from now, I will be laughing at that EPFL restaurant enjoying the technical discussions, intelligence, and company of many professional technology lady leaders!
2 https://www.techopedia.com/women-in-tech-statistics
SDGzine ‘s ambition is not only to document best practices and create a growing ecosystem of people and organisations that are taking on the challenge aiming for sustainable change.
Projects coming from the SDG Fablab, or the MIHDS students of the University of Geneva.
Bus Ya Furaha is an innovative educational initiative, likened to a mobile community learningcentre. It represents a harmonious collaboration between educational institutions in both Geneva and Kalobeyei.
In partnership with Addictlab, a dynamic think tank specializing in workshops and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) kits for cross-disciplinary and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning, our mission is to establish an educational bridge that connects students in Geneva with those in Kalobeyei. Our overarching goal is to provide refugee children residing in the Kalobeyei settlement with the transformative opportunity to engage in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, ones that their vulnerable circumstances would otherwise deprive them of.
The program’s infrastructure is embodied in a mobile van, carefully designed to maximize engagement across different sections of the refugee camp. This van moves systematically throughout the major divisions of the camp, rotating locations every few days and offering fresh lessons at least once a month. We provide a diverse array of activities focused on sustainability.
Embracing a multi-scenario approach, we integrate art, technology, active games, and concise theoretical sessions. Each activity can be tailored based on available resources, with a primary objective of repurposing waste and using local materials. Regardless
of whether these activities are conducted in Kenya or Switzerland, they remain consistent but are adapted to fit the locale, language, and children that we serve.
Furthermore, as part of the inaugural phase, we have planned a series of workshops in collaboration with an educational institution for migrants, in Geneva, enriching the program’s offerings.
Our initial phase, situated within the Kalobeyei Refugee settlement, enjoys the support and collaboration of two primary schools with whom we have closely coordinated. The Bus Ya Furaha First Phase Project will directly benefit 80 children, ranging in age from 8 to 15 years.
In alignment with Bus Ya Furaha’s visionary commitment to pioneering innovative edutainment resources and pedagogical modules, we have meticulously crafted a curated collection of activities underpinned by four core themes: environment, arts, sports, and technology. These activities have been thoughtfully designed with the valuable input of our collaborating partner, Addictlab.
The timeline for our first phase spans two months, from January to March 2024. The ground-level execution will be facilitated through our esteemed regional partner, the Global Consortium Social Business Lab, rooted in Kalobeyei. To ensure the success of this inaugural phase, two dedicated Bus Ya Fura-
ha team members from Geneva, Switzerland, will be physically present in Kalobeyei, lending their expertise and support.
Our foremost objective is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where every participating child can flourish, fostering an atmosphere for socialization, self-expression, idea-sharing, and talent development. Through an array of carefully crafted activities, we anticipate the program will nurture self-confidence, cultivate critical thinking, and promote empathy and mutual understanding among the children.
In addition to the personal growth and development of the children, we have outlined a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to rigorously assess the project’s success. These KPIs will serve as a robust framework for evaluating the program’s efficacy, generating tangible evidence of its positive impact on the community. This data will be instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for the program’s expansion beyond its inaugural phase, extending its reach to empower even more children in the future
Contact Us
Email: busyafuraha@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Bus Ya Furaha
Phone: +41779919976
Instagram: busyafuraha
SDGzine ‘s ambition is not only to document best practices and create a growing ecosystem of people and organisations that are taking on the challenge aiming for sustainable change.
Projects coming from the SDG Fablab, the MIHDS students of the University of Geneva or the SDG Summer School
Beyond its reproductive significance, menstruation wields a profound influence on women’s overall health and quality of life. From mood swings and energy levels to skin conditions and appetite fluctuations, the menstrual cycle can orchestrate diverse experiences. Notably, these experiences can vary significantly from one individual to another, emphasising the need for a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between menstruation and various external factors.
In this context, the importance of comprehending how different factors affect menstruation and how menstruation, in turn, influences these factors must be considered. Imagine the potential impact of stress, medications, lifestyle choices, and other variables on the delicate harmony of the menstrual cycle. A deeper understanding of these interactions can empower women with personalised insights into their bodies, aiding them in navigating the ebbs and flows of their cycles.
Despite being recognised as a crucial field of medical study, the comprehensive exploration of women’s menstrual health faces significant
challenges due to the following factors:
Societal stigma surrounding menstruation leads to limited open discourse and education. Variability in menstrual experiences poses challenges in standardising research methodologies and generalising findings. Ethical considerations and inclusivity gaps impact recruitment and relevance across diverse populations.
The lack of standardised data-sharing platforms inhibits interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge dissemination.
Amid these complex challenges emerges a groundbreaking solution – ‘Her Menstrual Trials.’ This innovative feature harnesses the power of blockchain technology to revolutionise the comprehensive study of women’s menstrual health. By seamlessly integrating surveys and quizzes into the Lunar Menstrual Tracking App, ‘Her Menstrual Trials’ empowers women to contribute their experiences actively, overcoming societal barriers and variability hurdles.
Through blockchain’s decentralised architecture, this pioneering feature ensures data privacy and security, eliminating stigma-associated concerns and facilitating
inclusive participation. Each completed challenge becomes a building block in a shared knowledge repository, unifying diverse insights and minimising funding disparities. The blockchain-based token system not only incentivises participation but also enables seamless cross-disciplinary collaboration and data sharing.
Description of Prototype:
The prototype of ‘Her Menstrual Trials’ presents an engaging and user-centric interface that adapts to the diverse landscape of women’s health. Each challenge within the feature is tailored to the specific factor under examination, whether it’s stress, contraceptives, or a myriad of other influences. Users have the autonomy to select challenges aligned with their interests and experiences, allowing for a personalised journey of discovery.
As users complete each challenge, they earn tokens, setting the stage for a transformative incentive system. Accumulated tokens can be redeemed for rewards – namely, redeemable discounts on menstrual products of their preference. This innovative approach not only amplifies user engagement but also underscores our commitment to valuing the invaluable contributions of each participant.
Value proposition
‘Her Menstrual Trials’ is a dynamic and inclusive platform, offering users the power to shape their Menstrual Health journey while earning meaningful rewards. It bridges the gap between the individual and collective, catalysing a data-driven revolution that enhances our understanding of menstrual health and fortifies the future well-being of women everywhere.
Conclusion
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise the field of menstrual health research. The HER-Menstrual Trials project aims to bridge the gap between clinical trials and menstrual tracking apps, empowering women to gain a deeper understanding of their bodies while contributing valuable data to advance medical research.
Addictlab is a bottom-up and self-managed cultural platform, that guests creative thinkers from all disciplines and cultures, aiming to create a global display for cultures and ideas through networking, to accelerate and empower local talent, and to create sustainable change. The site has had different iterations yet exists since 1997.
You can join the eco-system, showcase your work, and join projects that aim to create sustainable change. Documentation & sharing is key.
What can you do?
1. Register & profile yourself : present yourself - what are your skills, your profession, and what is your drive and passion? Use the Creative Chemistry elements - https://addictlab.academy/ creative-chemistry-cards/
2. Link to a creative hub: link your profile to a creative hub if applicable. This allows the development of a local ecosystem.
3. Use the site as your creative portfolio : upload your work on your profile. Link it to projects, creative disciplines, SDGS
4. Understand about the Sustainable Development Goals : the navigation system through this site are the creative disciplines but also the 17 sustainable development goals as developed by the UN.
REGISTER & CREATE A PROFILEC
5. Join a collaborative project : comment on ideas, add your own, link your work to that project, join in the conversation.
6. Get published! Join the SDGzine projects and have your work published in the magazine.
Other Addictlab projects include:
Lab services/Whereas the Addictlab.com community is all about free research and experimentation, it functions as the R&D department for Your Own Lab, a consultancy and business unit focussing on collective intelligence.
Lab Academy/ Share ideas & educate / The Addictlab Academy is our educational department developing tools to create awareness on the Sustainable Development Goals , Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) and create a holistic approach on education
Publications/ Addictlab published over 35 magazines and books on creative topics, and has now started publishing the SDGzine. www. sdgzine.org
Other functions of the site
Create your Photo album /Make Friends / Send Messages /Shop
Create a Hub & build your own online community
Create a Project & build your own online brainstorming tool. Have an idea to work on? You can start your own research - attention, Addictlab management needs to approve your project
Contact & help
jan@addictlab.com
CREATE A PROFILE
JOIN A HUB
creative think tank // laboratoires d’idées
creative think tank // laboratoires d’idées
UPLOAD YOUR PORTFOLIO
JOIN PROJECT(S) & LINK YOUR WORK TO PROJECTS
ADD IDEAS TO A PROJECT
SEARCH ON SDGS OR ON CREATIVE DISCIPLINES
I am HATUNGIMANA Ephrem, a Burundian by nationality, aged 46 years. I am currently living in Kenya. I was born on 6th February 1978 and started my education curriculum in 1980 when I was 4. I completed my Secondary Education in 1996 and went to the University of Burundi between 1997-2001 whereby I completed my Diploma in Business at the High Institute of Commerce with a Concentration in the Secretariat of Direction.
During my career as a Professional, I have been a project planner and project designer in favor of the Association for the Social Reintegration of the Blinds in Burundi from 2002 up to 2016. Equally important, I have served as a Scout Leader for the Burundi Scouts Association whereby I have been the Saint Paul II Group Scout Leader at the Lycée of Kayanza where I completed my Secondary Education, the Rover Scouts Leader at the Bon Pasteur Scouts Group in Mutanga North in Bujumbura, the Troop Scouts Leader at Saint Uriel in Mutanga South in Bujumbura, the Cub Scouts Leader in Saint Aubin in Nyakabiga in Bujumbura, and the Regional Scouts Commissioner in Kayanza located in the North of Burundi.
While I was serving the Association for the Social Reintegration of the Blinds in Burundi, I was able to be the Founder of the Global Consulting and Training Company that has finally become the Global Consulting and Social Business Lab. In 2019, I was the Winner of the Open Seventeen Challenge which is organized every year by the Geneva Tsinghua Initiative of the Geneva University in Switzerland and the Tsinghua University in China.
My Project Global Consulting and Social Business Lab was awarded the Best Innovative Project as the first project to introduce the engagement of Holders of Secondary Certificates, Diploma, and Degrees in order to boost their creativity and empower them by contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by generating new ideas for tackling Community Challenges.
From 2019 to 2021, I completed my Diploma in Social Work from Regis University and the Certificate in Learning Facilitator Course at the Catholic University of Germany. Currently, I am doing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development (BASD) at Xavier University.
Additionally, I am working on the Harry’s Nursery for Founders Program, a program that contributes to achieving the following objectives:
- Prepare targeted children to have entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurship mindset,
- To educate children to do savings that they will use for establishing their own start-ups and ventures when they complete their education curriculum,
- To discover how they can apply what they learn through practicum of entrepreneurial skills
- To involve children to become engaged for Community Development by helping them become aware of the Sustainable Development Goals on the one hand, and accompanying them through developing their own ideas on the other hand.
Finally, I would mention that I like Scouting, Camping, Playing Guitar, Going for long walks, Singing, and Spending Time with Children through Games and Songs.
Wise Bio-Energy Hub is a project that is Tackling aggressive deforestation in Kenya. It is contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” and SDG 8: “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”.The project aims to recycle and reuse organic waste by making eco-friendly charcoal. By doing so, Refugee and Host Communities in the Kalobeyei Settlement get increased awareness on tackling aggressive deforestation.
While the project got initial funding from Creighton University through the Jesuit Worldwide Learning Incubation Program, there is a fact to say that we need more funding to establish a permanent team because some of the team members are committed somewhere else. Therefore, the project is looking for partners who are willing to upscale the implementation for future sustainability.
Addictlab proposes highly creative activities for kids and adults, from regular after school Wednesday Labdays, to school lab visits, Birthday Lab parties, ideation sessions and team building activities. Activities in the SDG Fablab (Geneva) and the Château Voltaire (Ferney Voltaire)
Virtual reality
Card Board upcycling & laser cutting
Printing with Lego
wine tasting & book binding
introduction to printing
coding for good
mobile lab to schools & organisations
3D design & 3D printing
unique birthday parties
Learning by Lab - an innovative view on education
School lab visits and multidisciplinary activities for students in the center of Geneva
During the lockdowns, the Addictlab Academy crew has started documenting its activities and tools.
1. A database of all the tools.
Do you want to set up a STEM or STEAM center? A Fab lab with educational purposes? We have created a database with over 120 tools today.
The Filemaker based database allows for partners to be added, an inventory of all tools, possible costs of consumables and where purchased. For maintenance purposes a manual can be added as well as safety tips.
2. A growing database of workshops.
• linked to the tool database.
• linked to one or more SDGs
• contains description & manual
• PDF if available
• age group
• duration
3. A unique reward system.
Addictlab’s creative chemistry table has over 140 creative disciplines. Fulfilling a challenge from the workshop database can have you unlock a badge and with it, a diploma.
1. Building a Lab Curriculum
The Badges to be earned are for a wide range of fields, as defined by Addictlab’s unique Creative Chemistry table. Collecting the badges will mean growing skills in art, design, robotics, science, but also soft skills such as collaboration and critical thinking.
2. Gamification of educational activities. Gamification is a known technique to increase interest in activities. Applying this to educational aspects of the lab will allow kids and participants to have fun while learning and learn while playing.
3. Returning students & fidelity program. As the interest in Addictlab keeps growing, there is an increasing group of returning kids to the lab. To make sure activities proposed are matching the participants level and maturity, the Lab Badge System will allows us to document on the students and Labbies progress, capabilities and past activities.
4. Levels
Badges are creative disciplines, organised per category. Badges will also mention levels, as challenges for the same badge will increase in difficulty, growing with the students’ skills.
How to earn the badges?
At the end of an Addictlab activity (STEAM Camps, Summer camps, other) or during the Wednesday Lab Activities, students will need to solve a challenge. The result will be assessed by the Addictlab team. The Student will receive a Badge certificate and a real badge.
SDG based challenges, age group, duration, protocol and safety tips, linked to to the tool database & the Lab badges reward system
IDEA
Project for the Labfiles.org
Lab Badges database for diplomas and reward system
The UN has called ‘Code Red for Humanity’ in its most recent IPCC report.
Schools should reinvent themselves to become learning communities that go beyond preparing for the future; instead they should help shape that future, by allowing students and educators to prototype solutions for today’s challenges. This magazine contains the collaborative work of about 450 students from years 7, 8 and 9 from the International School of Geneva.
partner:
editorial team
Nicola Curtin and her year 7 mentors, Sonia Eastham and her Year 8 mentors, Paul Grady and his Year 9 mentors, Sarah Lalaz
date November 2022
pages 108
Link:https://issuu.com/addictlab/ docs/sdgzine_ecolintse4
Class Title:
Decision-makers today face a truly daunting set of social, economic and environmental challenges prompting a rethink of political and economic systems not least in relation to contemporary capitalism. This class studies the different manifestations, practices and effects of contemporary capitalism in terms of its social and environmental dimensions.
Drawing upon theoretical insights from political economy, sociology and anthropology, the students will brings into play concepts such as accumulation, dispossession, value and neoliberalism to explore how social and environmental dimensions are being affected and renegotiated including through new forms of regulatory mechanisms and practices. In their projects, they will critically analyze one specific challenge, from the flexibilization and precarity of labour, environmental degradation to nature commodification, and propose potential solutions in the local context of their choice.
partner:
editorial team
Peter Bille Larsen
Mallory Xinyu Zhan
Gautham Varada Narayan
date
June 2022 pages 32
Link: https://issuu.com/addictlab/ docs/sdgzine_se4_2
The SDG Summer School is a one-month intensive team-based innovation program, inspired by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs, that were launched by the UN in 2015. To achieve these goals, we need to enable today’s youth to play an active and meaningful role in tackling them. That’s what the SDG Summer School is all about.
The motivation of the SDG Summer School is for teams of university students, in close collaboration with International Organizations in Geneva, to conceive ways to use open data, crowdsourcing technologies, and lowcost open source solutions to achieve concrete steps towards achieving the SDGs, at a local, regional or global level.
The SDG Summer School is based on teambased problem solving and hands-on prototype development, going from a conception phase to producing practical demos. All accepted participants receive intensive mentoring and coaching to help transform their ideas into impactful projects and become part of a global community of civic innovators.
partner:
editorial team
François Grey - Saray Quirant - Gautham Varada Narayan - Jan Van Mol
date 2January 2023
pages 24
Link: https://issuu.com/addictlab/docs/sdgzine_se06_summerschool2022_1
Open Geneva est une association à but non lucratif qui agit avec humilité, agilité et efficacité, pour permettre que l’innovation à Genève soit le fruit de la créativité, de l’empathie et de la volonté d’améliorer le monde des divers membres de la communauté Open Geneva. Bref, Open Geneva est une aventure humaine collective pour l’innovation à la frontière entre la société et les sciences, les technologies et les arts.
Créée en 2017, l’association Open Geneva a su lancer et porter de nombreux projets en partenariat avec l’écosystème genevois, et plus récemment avec des acteurs internationaux, avec toujours pour mission de démocratiser la pratique de l’innovation ouverte et d’en changer la culture pour la rendre plus accessible et au service de l’atteinte des objectifs du développement durable.
partner:
editorial team
Julia Dallest
Natalie Joray
date November 2022
pages 122
Link: https://issuu.com/addictlab/ docs/se7_opengeneva_-_magazine
How to turn a school into a lab.
During the Summer 2023 Addictlab facilitated 6 weeks of STEAM Camps at the St George’s International School.
Every two weeks an SDGzine magazine was published, showcasing the students work and ideas.
partner:
editorial team
This magazine was created with the help of students from the 3 Summer Camp Sessions. They participated in writing, taking pictures, selecting art work.
date
August 2023 pages 96
Link: https://issuu.com/addictlab/ docs/sdgzine_se08_2
The SDG Summer Schools are a one-month intensive team-based innovation program, inspired by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs, that were launched by the UN in 2015.
The motivation of the SDG Summer Schools is for teams of university students, in close collaboration with International Organizations to use crowdsourcing technologies and low-cost open source solutions to achieve concrete steps towards achieving the SDGs, at a local, regional or global level.
In 2023, there were SDG Summer School teams in Paris, at the Learning Planet Institute, in Lagos at the University of Lagos, in Nairobi at the CitSci Africa Association based at United States International University and in Bangkok at the Asian Institute of Technology. In Geneva, the event was hosted at the SDG Solution Space of the University of Geneva.
This edition of the SDGZine covers the projects developed in the 2023 Summer Schools in Geneva, Paris, Bangkok, Lagos and Nairobi. These five summer schools served as a pilot for the SDG Olympiad, a program to be launched in 2024.
partner:
editorial team
Ivonne Arica
Katherine Temple
Jan Van Mol
François Grey
Belén Falla
All the Summer Schools Teams
date
Sep 2023 pages 52
Link: https://issuu.com/addictlab/ docs/sdgzine_se9_summerschool2023
95 CHF 3 magazines gift pack
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This inspirational box contains SDGzine 01 on Quality Education, SDGzine 02 on Responsible Consumption & production, SDGzine 03 on Good Health & Well-Being Check www.sdgzine.org for more information or drop by our lab.
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