Women's eNews - TOP 10 Stories of 2017

Articles 2017 10 TOP Articles of 2017

After Boko Haram –

A photo story on the Nigerian women and girls returning from captivity By: Harriet Lamb | Photos By: Carol Allen Storey / International Alert “Stepping Out from the Shadows” marks the second installment of stories from around the world by peacebuilding organization International Alert. The following tales of capture, escape and continued hardship, as well as determination, love and forgiveness, are showcased in this series of portraits by award-winning photojournalist Carol Allen-Storey.

Since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency, approximately 8,000 women and girls, as well as many boys, have been abducted in Nigeria. Tragically, girls that escape or are rescued face stigma from their own communities, families and husbands, who fear they may have been radicalized. This places them at risk of rejection, isolation and poverty.

Barely a decade ago, Maiduguri in Northeast Nigeria was a thriv-

ing city and trade hub. People of different faiths lived peacefully side by side. Since invasion by the insurgency group Boko Haram in 2009, the city lies in near ruins, its surrounding villages pillaged. Hundreds of thousands of women, men and children have been displaced, kidnapped or forced to join the insurgency.

People fleeing the villages around Maiduguri fill the displacement camps located around the city. It is estimated that 2.1 million people have been displaced by the insurgency of Boko Haram.

A girls herds chickens in a displacement camp in Maiduguri.

The living conditions in a displacement camp are extremely

crowded. A dormitory can typically house several families. Government and humanitarian agencies cater to basic needs such as food, health, shelter and clothing, but these are limited.

Women and girls returning from Boko Haram can be especially vulnerable in this setting. They are labeled “Boko Haram Wives” or annoba (epidemics), as community members fear they may have been indoctrinated in captivity.

Isolated and ostracized, these women and girls face dire poverty and some are even forced into prostitution to feed their children. A project ran by charities International Alert and UNICEF is helping them rebuild their lives through trauma, healing and dialogue.

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A converted classroom serves as a dormitory for a displaced family in Maiduguri.

When Boko Haram invaded her village, Jummai ran away with her

sister and children. The insurgents found them, raped Jummai in front of her children, and left. Afraid the insurgents would come back, the women decided to run. After walking for 60 miles with their children strapped to their backs, the women reached a crowded displacement camp. There, Jummai discovered she was pregnant with twins.

“The issue of being raped and carrying a baby from sexual violence, the stigma, the isolation from suspicious people in the camp – it was emotionally overwhelming. The dialogue sessions helped me cope with the loss of my husband and the impact of rape. As for my twins, I love them as my other children. They are innocent.”

Jummai, 25 years old, five children. A displacement camp in Maiduguri.

Boko Haram kidnapped Yagana the day she was visiting her moth-

er in a hospital. She was kept in a crowded room with other women, and only allowed to leave to attend Islamic classes. When she refused to wear the burqa, she was beaten and isolated from the other women. Months later, she was rescued by the Nigerian army and faced a rigorous screening process to ensure she had not been radicalized. One day, she found a little orphaned boy whose parents had been killed. Yagana adopted him and they now live together in a displacement camp.

“In the camp, women used to whisper and gossip about us. They called us Boko Haram Wives. A woman who refused to trust us beat one of my close friends.”

Yagana, 22 years old, one child (adopted). A displacement camp in Maiduguri.

In a culture where stigma around sexual violence runs deep, husbands may not be willing to take their wives back and may divorce them on their return from captivity. Dialogue sessions can encourage greater compassion for the suffering of returning women and girls, and help reunite husbands and wives.

Sani and his wife Fatima were separated when Boko Haram invaded their village. When Fatima was rescued from captivity, she was so emaciated that her husband could not recognize her.

“I didn’t want to re-take my wife when she first arrived. A few months later I was attending a dialogue session. Many of the men said that they had accepted their wives back and why shouldn’t I? The discussions helped me change my mind. I knew I was still in love with her.”

Sani (42 years old) and his wife, Fatima (20 years old). A displacement camp in Maiduguri.

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When Ladi’s husband joined Boko Haram, she refused to follow him. He became abusive, repeatedly beating and raping her. In defiance, Ladi decided to run. She walked for six days before reaching a displacement camp.

“When I first arrived in the camp, I was labeled a “Boko Haram Wife” with a dark soul. They thought I was wicked, evil. I was sad and lost in thought of my time in misery. The woman that ran the workshop was very nurturing, like a mother. She treated me as if I was her daughter, her family. Now when I feel low, I just visit one of the women from the workshop.”

Ladi, 18 years old. A displacement camp in Maiduguri.

Kubili was abducted with four other girls. They were kept with a woman that was a

Boko Haram Wife, as her personal slaves. After three weeks, the insurgents came to pick a girl to marry. The girls decided to risk their lives and escape. After walking for two days, Kubili reached her village. There, she found out her brother was killed – in revenge for her family being unable to pay ransom to her captors. Today, she lives with her mother in one of the few Christian displacement camps in Maiduguri.

“I wish I could return to my village and go to school. My dream is to be a nurse and help people. The only thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I have some friends from the village who are also still here in the camp. We sit and talk a lot. If a former Boko Haram insurgent repented and came to live in the community, I would forgive him. I believe you shouldn’t be focused on revenge. Treat with kindness whoever treats you with cruelty.”

Kubili, 15 years old. A Christian displacement camp in Maiduguri.

In the community, religious leaders of all faiths can be the most ac-

cepting of women and girls returning from captivity. They council husbands to not divorce their wives, and they can be great ambassadors for changing attitudes towards survivors. Abdulrahman, a Muslim cleric, uses verses from the Quran to preach compassion toward survivors of Boko Haram.

“In the camp, I knew I needed to talk to people about forgiveness.

Everyone in the camp had shared problems, they were ousted from their homes, savaged by the insurgents. Since the program started, people have become more calm and accepting of the past and are keen to move on. The program brings us all together.”

Cleric Abdulrahman Adamu, 58 years old, married with four wives and 21 children. At a displacement camp in Maiduguri.

In this exciting new monthly series from peace-building organization NGO International Alert, we explore how achieving peace exists within our collective power. Through a new article each month, we profile peacemakers around the world, from the stigmatized women and girls who escaped from Boko Haram in Nigeria, to those tackling sexual and gender-based violence in areas like Pakistan and Tajikistan.

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Voting as the Daughter of an Immigrant By: Amani Rahman Creamer from our partner NYS Women’s Suffrage Commission

For as long as I can remember, I’ve told people that, one day, I

want to be President of the United States. When I was younger, people thought it was cute, and that I would outgrow it. But it has been ten years since I first uttered those words, and I am still repeating them. That’s one reason why voting is especially important to me, but there is yet another reason. As the child of an immigrant, I know that my mother wasn’t able to vote when she first came to the U.S. As a result, she was unable to help elect someone to represent her ideas in office.

When my mom was eighteen, she moved to the U.S. to attend Princeton University. This was her first trip to the U.S., and she arrived with no more than one suitcase holding all of her belongings. That was it. She didn’t have any relatives or friends here, and the idea of earning citizenship and voting weren’t yet a priority. She came here on a student visa, and later stayed a work visa. It wan’t until ten years later that she became a citizen.

My mom is an immigrant from Bangladesh, which is a predominantly Muslim country, and she is Muslim herself. Since she is Muslim, and I am half Muslim, it has always been an important part of my identity, and my mom has always told

me to never be ashamed of it. It is especially because of that, in fact, that I want to see someone in office who supports us, especially today.

Conversely, my dad was born in Maryland, and has always had the right to vote. While he does consider voting an important right, however, he also views it as just a normal part of life, rather than a privilege. But for me, voting means having a say in this country, and really being a part of America, which is a nation of immigrants. Voting is a way to show our ideas, and make sure that these ideas are represented in government.

Another reason why voting is important to me is that one day, as I previously mentioned, I want to run for office myself.

Since my mother can never become President because she was born in another country, I am even more inspired to represent people who cannot run for office as well. I also want to run to demonstrate to other children of immigrants that they can, and should, represent America.

So on Tuesday, November 7th, when you exercise your right to vote, think of all of the others who can’t, and appreciate the privilege you have.

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Internalized Ableism Disables Some Teen Girls By: Leanne Libas GABRIELA CAMEROTTI ON FLICKR, UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (WOMENSENEWS)—I didn’t find out I was

autistic until I was 11. My parents knew seven years earlier but didn’t tell me because they wanted me to have a “normal” life.

I uncovered my diagnosis when I was looking through my individual education plan papers. Knowing I was autistic helped me understand why I was in special education, speech therapy and the resource specialist program, but the sadness and anger it brought out in me was overwhelming. Prior to this moment I didn’t know what autism was nor did my parents ever acknowledge the fact that I was autistic. However, it started the grudge that I had with my parents and, most importantly, myself.

After discovering my diagnosis, I hated myself. I felt I was a burden to my family and friends. I didn’t know it then, but I had accepted all the stereotypes people have about autism. I had

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“After discovering my diagnosis, I hated myself. I felt I was a burden to my family and friends. I didn’t know it then, but I had accepted all the stereotypes people have about autism.” absorbed the negativity and the shame. I was discriminating against myself.

This internalized ableism isn’t unique to autistics. There are many disabled girls that also experience internalized ableism. A study from the University of Kansas found that many disabled participants didn’t like themselves and noted how “the lack of

discussion of ableism and internalized ableism means that the casting of disability into the background…often erases or disavows disability.”

The hatred and disassociation I felt with my diagnosis is familiar to other teens, too. Grace T., 17, knows it well. “I have the same ‘worthless, lazy and useless’ type of thoughts,” she told me from her home in Fort Mill, South Carolina. “It usually occurs during a depressive episode or when I have to miss out on something due to my health.”

However, her dark thoughts have been slowly going away and Grace credits the Disability Visibility Project for helping her develop her identity as a disabled person.

her stand out and that she wishes she was less obvious about her disabilities from time to time. She said other teen girls also have a hard time dealing with internalized ableism.

“I think internalized ableism is caused by the pressures of society to be seen as ‘normal.’ [Girls] want to fit in somewhere, but having a disability just makes them feel like more of an outsider,” she said.

ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF

After discovering my diagnosis, I felt like an outsider because I thought the world didn’t need autistic people. I wanted to be like everyone else and I didn’t want to stand out. My attitude changed once I got to meet other autistic people. I realized I wasn’t alone TAKING TIME and we were able to talk about the internalized ableism that we Developing a sense of acceptance as a disabled person can take had. time. Sixteen-year-old Esmeralda Lomeli, who has neurofibromaIf I could give advice to my younger self, I would say to actively tosis type 2 and is hard of hearing, said she occasionally struggles search for people who have similar experiences and learn from with her self-esteem. them. It’s important to be around people who are also disabled.

“I’m not and don’t ever think I’ll be proud to have disabilities,” Even though everyone’s personal experiences are different, a spethe Lahaina, Hawaii, teen said via Facebook messenger. “I still cial bond is created. get sad about my hearing situation but I’m trying to love myself.”

Participating in Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Lack of exposure to people Disabilities, Youth Organizwith disabilities is a big cause ing! Disabled and Proud and of internalized ableism, said the Autism Campus Inclusion “I think internalized ableism is caused by the Diego Mariscal, chief execuhave also helped keep my negpressures of society to be seen as ‘normal.’ [Girls] tive officer of the Washington, ativity at bay while recognizing D.C.-based disability nonprofit that the challenges I faced with want to fit in somewhere, but having a disability just 2Gether-International. internalized ableism made me makes them feel like more of an outsider.”

“We don’t hear disability in stronger. Occasionally, the inthe media, news. Families don’t ternalized ableism comes back talk about disability. Ableism but it diminishes more quickly is negative. It doesn’t allow people to be included,” he said in a now. video chat interview.

Like me, Desiree Washington, 18, experiences internalized Not being included was something that 20-year-old Lilly ableism every once in awhile. Nevertheless, the Menifee, CalGrossman has experienced multiple times. ifornia, resident is able to control these negative thoughts. She “People don’t even see me first; they see my wheelchair and reminds herself that being deaf is a part of who she is and educates get freaked out about how to act around me. Most people, un- those who don’t understand her disability. less I approach them first, never even give me the time of day,” Her disability “helped shape the person I am today. It’s a part Grossman said in an email interview. of me, it’s not a burden,” she said.

Grossman, a college student from Whittier, California, has two rare genetic mutations that cause her to have seizures and ABOUT LEANNE LIBAS muscle weakness. Although she is disabled, she is treated equally Leanne Libas is an autistic advocate and writer who is currently pursuing by her family and friends, but Grossman said her disabilities make higher education. She currently volunteers for Youth Organizing! Disabled and Proud.

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‘My Passion, My Philanthropy’: Suzanne Lerner’s Work Grows Out Of a Feminist Consciousness By: Suzanne Lerner (WOMENSENEWS) – It was part luck and part pluck that helped

me navigate the sexism that surrounded me growing up in the 60s, and that would eventually catalyze me to defy the social norms and become a successful entrepreneur in an industry that was dominated by men.

My parents were people of modest means. Both of them worked, which was unusual in those days. Mom was an accountant who enjoyed her career, considered it a calling, and worked to the ripe age of 80. Since my parents couldn’t afford for me to join both the Girl Scouts and Hebrew School, I had to choose. So in my defiant, competitive spirit, I chose Hebrew School just like my two older brothers. Believe me, this was not nearly as fun as joining my girlfriends on weekend camping trips!

Confronting Gender Bias: It wasn’t until I was in high school

working summers as a secretary that I confronted the gender bias that fueled the women’s movement of the 1960s. My mother had advised me to learn to type so that I could be assured a job.

It was working as a secretary that I discovered how pervasive sexism was in the workplace. I was sexually harassed. Maternity leave was unheard of. And all of this was considered “normal.”

My feminist conscience was stirred. Social change was rising up all around me. My generation protested the Vietnam War, racism, environmental pollution and sexism. My parents had always been progressive in their thinking, so I had support at home for my evolving progressive awareness. But nothing affected me like the primarily African American high school I was enrolled in during my senior year. This, and the various social justice programs and leaders I was able to witness in action, exposed me to the true lack of racial justice and equality in our country.

My social conscience was fully formed.

By the time I entered college, my eyes were wide open. After one year I dropped out, opting instead to travel and work. I took jobs abroad wherever I could find them, from Europe and India, to Nepal and Australia. This was liberal education in a completely different sense of the word because my exposure to other cultures, especially in countries like India, would have a

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lasting imprint and liberate me and open me to a much broader sense of the world.

Becoming a Philanthropist: Four years of living abroad taught me that, at heart, we are all the same, and that some of us are just luckier. The groundwork had been laid for my becoming a philanthropist.

But first I had to earn a living while building a career. In India, I was invited by some people I’d met to join them in starting a

new fashion business. The ten years that followed taught me much day. In 2011, I traveled to Haiti as a member with Women’s Donor about how businesses succeed and fail, and would contribute Network to witness the devastation and massive recovery work to my eventual success. My partners had chosen to base their resulting from the earthquake there. Here, and through my travcompany in Los Angeles, so that’s where I put down roots. When els to other developing countries like India, Nepal, South Africa the company folded, I continued to work in the industry and and Liberia, I had come to see that wherever there are social then decided to start an independent sales company representing ills, wherever people aren’t able to thrive, women are the key to various fashion lines. solving these problems.

This was how I met the man who would become my husband I found this to be true here at home as well. So, in 2013, when and business partner for the rest of his life. Michael possessed Gloria Steinem was in LA hosting a get-together for the Ms. what I thought was the beginning of a very good business. At its Foundation, which funds grassroots, women-led organizations heart was a collection of fine, luxury t-shirts, which was unheard across the U.S, I was intrigued. When the leaders of the organiof in the 1980s. He was the marketer, and I was the merchant. zation announced that they were looking for their 40th gift of $1 The line was called Michael Stars, which paired my partner’s first million to celebrate their 40th anniversary, my hand immediately name with the last name, Stars, named after the man whose poster shot up to become that 40th. It was one of the most exciting and art appeared on the first Michael Stars’ collections. The name liberating moments of my life! would take on another meaning after celebrities began wearing Like most women donors at the time, I was capable of writour line, thus gaining us invaluable visibility. ing bigger checks, and I viewed this as my moment to give big Michael and I would marand give bold. By this time, ry two years after going into especially with the founding business together. We started of Women Moving Millions, “I haven’t regretted for one moment that philanthropy as only two, but today Michael a group of donors who had Stars employs 175 people, and scaled up their giving and were eventually became a passion even greater than my many have been with us for encouraging other women to business.” years. Most of the clothing we do so, a culture of larger-scale make is done right at home, giving by women had taken in LA County. It feels good to root in philanthropy. Since the have grown a business that has supported people and their fam- dawn of American philanthropy, successful men had been giving ilies over the decades. boldly in proportion to their wealth. Yet the causes they supportSuccess has brought many rewards. We prospered beyond ed mostly included hospitals, universities and other institutions what we could have imagined. As our business grew, we began that had merit, but which overlooked the grassroots initiatives writing checks to organizations we believed in, both together and where women were leading change. individually. I personally supported organizations that were quite I haven’t regretted for one moment that philanthropy evenprogressive, very much in keeping with the values I’d embraced tually became a passion even greater than my business. Today, throughout my life. alone and in what Jane Fonda calls the “third act” of life, I am looking for even greater ways to leverage my giving to advance Business as a Platform: We took it upon ourselves to use Michael societies through philanthropy of, by and for women and girls.

Stars as a platform to build awareness for organizations promot- With money comes responsibility. It has been a great honor, and ing gender equality, as well as those like the Joyful Heart Foun- fulfilling beyond description, to carry out that responsibility. I’ll dation, which helps educate and heal survivors of gender-based be doing so for the rest of my life. violence. So, in 2005, we established the Michael Stars Foundation, which has thus far funded millions of dollars to support a ABOUT SUZANNE LERNER variety of organizations largely focused on the empowerment of Suzanne Lerner boasts decades of experience in business, as well as a background in philanthropy with a primary focus on gender equality, economic women and girls in the U.S. and around the world. empowerment and social justice. In 1986, Lerner co-founded clothing Even as I was growing in business, I sought to grow as a philan- company Michael Stars, of which she now serves as President. Lerner’s thropist. For example, I discovered an organization called Woman second career focuses on philanthropy and giving back to communities, both Thrive Alliance, a global organization that works to empower domestically and abroad. She supports numerous causes personally, as well grassroots women so that their perspectives and solutions may as through the Michael Stars Foundation. Lerner serves on the Boards of the Women Thrive Alliance, the Ms. Foundation, the ACLU Foundation of shape local, national and international policies, helping women Southern California, and as Advisory Board Members for Prosperity Cataand their families break free from poverty, violence and inequal- lyst and Children Mending Hearts. She is also a member of Women Donors ity. Eventually, I joined its Board, and I remain involved to this Network and Women Moving Millions.

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Mass Shooters and Men’s Will to Change By: Rob Okun

Enough is enough! Not another obfuscating word from you know

who that “it’s not time to talk about gun control.” No more deflections that “he was a twisted individual; it’s a mental health issue.”

No more hemming and hawing from the Speaker of the House and his coterie of National Rifle Association lackeys. As a total of 26 people—including an 18-month-old, a pregnant mother, and three of her five children—were being laid to rest in Sutherland Springs, Texas, there’s a common denominator among all of the shooters that we in the pro-feminist men’s movement are blue in the face from shouting from the rooftops for decades: They’re all men. And, many are domestic abusers. (Consider: the November 14 murders in Sacramento, California began with the gunman killing his wife.)

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No, we don’t hate men. We care about men. We care about our sons and grandsons, our fathers and brothers—and our mothers and daughters, sisters and wives. That’s why we speak out. Over my decades supporting men and challenging men’s violence, I’ve learned how critical it is to transform our ideas about boyhood and manhood. Step one: acknowledge that how we train boys restricts the expression of their humanity. It’s time for Congress to fund the Centers for Disease Control to conduct a study of how boys are socialized, starting with preschoolers.

I’ve proposed this to an aide to Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Please, Senator, introduce the legislation.

MEN’S CAMPAIGN TO END GUN VIOLENCE

CONNECTING THE DOTS OF PRIVILEGE

What else? The NRA considers most men tacit supporters, and In between Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, came Harvey unless they hear otherwise, they have us right where they want Weinstein, Roy Moore, and a growing line-up of men, exposed us—silent. If the politicians for sexually assaulting or sexwon’t wake up and the media ually harassing women. What keeps missing the story, men connects the shooters and the must step in, consciously us- “No, we don’t hate men. We care about men. We assaulters is men’s entitlement, ing our privilege to change the men exerting power over othcare about our sons and grandsons, our fathers narrative. In the aftermath of ers. It’s time to examine the and brothers—and our mothers and daughters, the Las Vegas shootings, I proconnection between the shootsisters and wives.

That’s why we speak out.

Over posed a “Men’s Campaign to ers’ poisonous masculinity and End Gun Violence.” Now, let’s the Weinstein-Moore crowd’s my decades supporting men and challenging men’s launch it. Men must demand variety. violence, I’ve learned how critical it is to transform that gender becomes central With these chilling behavour ideas about boyhood and manhood.” to any national conversation iors in mind, men have an that continues to only revolve opportunity to look within, to around mental illness and regbe accountable for our own beulating guns. For days, the media paraded expert talking heads havior. Congress and the media may not be ready to see gender before us; none mentioned gender. This has to stop. as key to the gun debate, but thanks to the brave women in the We can partner with former Congresswoman Gabby Gif- #MeToo campaign, they and others are waking up to the truth ford’s organization, Americans for Responsible Solutions, urging about powerful men and sexual assault. they incorporate gender into their analysis, and that they share This is a moment both for men to engage in critical self-extheir insights with the other hardworking gun groups. Women amination and to sit together with other men, talking honestly, launched “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense” the day after openly, holding each other accountable.

Newtown’s Adam Lanza murdered 26 people, including 20 sixMass shooters see guns as the way to make them feel powerful. and seven year-olds. The day after.

Sexual assaulters see harassment, groping, and rape the same way.

Research between 2009 and 2015 by Everytown for Gun Safe- Men can do better; uniting to reject both definitions, instead ty revealed that of all mass shootings in the U.S., 57 percent of redefining power as collaborating with others, not exerting it victims were family members, the spouse, or the shooter’s ex. In over them. other words, domestic violence was central in more than half of the cases.

ABOUT ROB OKUN Profiles of nearly all of the (usually white) male shooters are Rob Okun is editor of Voice Male, a magazine addressing the transformasimilar—loners, disaffected, a limited support system. (Texas tion of masculinity. A new edition of his book, “Voice Male - The Untold Story of the Profeminist Men’s Movement,” will be published in 2017. He shooter Devin Kelley was court-martialed by the Air Force in can be reached at rob@voicemalemagazine.org.

2012 on a domestic violence charge for assaulting his spouse and their child.) How did the Air Force not flag him as a danger?

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Teen to Headmaster: Girls Need Their Own Textbooks By: Moureen Kisakye from our partner Women In Leadership Uganda CAFOD PHOTO LIBRARY ON FLICKR, UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS

When I was 11 years old, my school days were hard like rocks be- books. He ordered the student to bring 50 books even though the cause even if it rained cats and dogs I had to leave very early for school to be there for 7 a.m. Hunger and canes were my daily friends. We were hit with sticks for many different reasons: for being late, for not wearing the right socks, for dirty uniforms, for not finishing work. When we came late, we were told by our beloved teachers that “latecomers eat bones.” We were also hit for not putting on the proper school uniform at the school campus.

Our teachers used to tell us that “You are caned because we want you to improve your academic performance.”

I also had to run barefoot the 20 kilometers (more the 12 miles) to and from school since my parents are poor like church mice and couldn’t afford shoes. This isn’t unusual in Uganda.

The transition into high school wasn’t easy. I was a boarding student and made sure to sit in front so I could understand what the teacher was teaching, especially during mathematics and physics lessons.

At this level the studies were more complicated but the shortage of textbooks made the situation extreme. Especially for the girls in the class. One day, a mathematics teacher sent students for text-

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class had 78 students. Boys were given one book each and girls were given one book on each desk. This meant that we girls had to share one book between four people while the boys read individually.

After reading, the boys disturb the girls by taking our books from us. This practice is causing some of the female students to lose interest in their studies.

I don’t want to drop out of school. I want to become a doctor.

At school I spend a lot of time on my science classes, including biology, chemistry and physics. But how am I supposed to study and learn and beat the boys in my class if I only get one quarter of a textbook to learn from?

This essay serves as my plea to the directors, headmaster and staff: Please buy more books and distribute them evenly among the students. I can’t help our people who suffer from malaria and diabetes unless you help me learn.

ABOUT MOUREEN KISAKYE

Moureen Kisakye, 15, is a student at Townside High School in Busembatia, Uganda.

Taking the Stigma Out of Menstruation in Uganda One Girl at a Time By: Patsy Kisakye OXFAM EAST AFRICA ON FLICKR, VIA CREATIVE COMMONS

When I was in primary five, most of the girls I studied with were

a lot older than me. We used to hold meetings after class where our female teachers would talk about our bodies and how we should manage ourselves when we start menstruating.

One day my friend Gloria got scared by the things her body was doing. Seriously concerned, Gloria ran to the teacher, who was in the middle of class. “The boys I sit with have put a razor blade at the desk and it has cut me,” she told the teacher. The teacher explained to Gloria that she wasn’t injured, gave her a piece of cloth to insert in her underwear and told her to go home.

The next day Gloria felt comfortable enough to talk to her Mum about what she was going through. Two weeks later, our teachers talked to the girls in the school whom they thought were about to start their periods. This was an amazing occurrence to happen in Uganda. Nobody in Kenya ever talks about these “embarrassing” topics. Even though I hadn’t started my period yet, their talks emboldened me. I was eager to start menstruating.

Gloria and I took a lot of initiative by following up what we

learned in the meetings, such as using cloth pads. Before we had this information the girls used leaves from cassava plants and others used to tear mattresses as menstruation pads. Some girls used banana leaves but they are slippery. Being prepared with this information allowed us to feel free and without worries when we are with are friends, even if we are menstruating. In the past, girls were uncomfortable thinking that they may bleed through their clothing. Leaves and mattresses aren’t very absorbent or comfortable.

I now attend every woman’s session at school. Our group in these after-school sessions use to be small, just four girls. But because Gloria and I seem so confident and know so much about our bodies, more and more girls are coming to the meetings and are also being taught about the periods. I always tell my friends how I feel privileged being a woman.

ABOUT PATSY KISAKYE

Patsy Kisakye, 15, is a participant of WIL-Uganda and a student at Townside High School.

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Trump Presidency Pushes Some International Students to Rethink U.S. Colleges By: Anthea Yew ADELAIDE, Australia (WOMENSENEWS)–Jing Shen had big plans

to leave her home in Adelaide, Australia, for college in the United States.

“Going to the U.S. for college has always been my dream,” said the 11th grader, “but I’m just amazed at the fact that [Donald] Trump is in the White House and it’s pretty off-putting.”

Shen is one of five female international students Teen Voices interviewed who intended to apply to colleges in the U.S. until the Trump presidency made some of them reconsider their options.

Now, Shen is switching her plans, focusing on Australian and Canadian universities instead.

The U.S. has traditionally been the most sought after college destination for Australians, attracting 16 percent of overseas Australian students in 2015. However, IDP Education, an international student placement service, reported a 29 percent drop in its recruitment of students from Australia to U.S. universities in the second half of 2017. In comparison, its placements for Canadian universities during that time rose by 105 percent (versus a 59 percent increase in 2015-2016).

Australia and Canada are becoming increasingly appealing to international students, and the concerns surrounding the new U.S. presidency are working in their favor.

Last year, Australian universities experienced their largest surge in international student enrollment in 10 years. There were 306,691 international students enrolled in higher education by the end of 2016, which was an 11 percent increase from 2015.

In comparison, 39 percent of U.S. universities reported a decline in such applicants in early 2017, with 77 percent of institutions concerned about their application yield.

Cindy Su, a senior at an American international school in Taiwan, said she and many of her classmates decided to apply to Canadian universities, such as the University of Toronto and McGill University, following the election.

“We never thought he’d be elected and it was just a backup decision in case we changed our mind about the U.S. Of course, Canada has good universities too and some of my classmates, after getting offers, have actually decided to go there instead,” she said.

14 | TEEN VOICES

International student interest in Canadian universities increased last year, peaking post-election. The University of Toronto, for example, reported an increase of 9,000 visits on their international recruitment website in early November.

POLITICAL INEXPERIENCE

Some female international students cite Trump’s lack of political experience and bigoted nature as a major concern in deciding whether they really want to pursue higher education in the U.S. Su, who sent the bulk of her applications to U.S. colleges, including Carnegie Mellon and Rice University, was glad she applied to schools in Canada as well. Despite her acceptance to the University of Toronto, having family in the U.S. means she will most likely be going there.

However, she still has concerns, one of which is Trump’s political inexperience.

“Trump’s first political job ever is as president, and the last time someone went into office without experience, there was the Great Depression,” she said. “So I am definitely concerned whether he is suitable for his position.”

Jing, who will be applying to college in 2018, said, “I’m wor- REASONS FOR OPTIMISM ried about how much his choices will change America within Despite some students’ negative perceptions of the Trump presfour years, and whether for the good or the bad, it’ll probably idency, there are still reasons to be optimistic about university be less stressful for me not to be in the country.” education in the U.S. Other students, like Minjoo Lee, have issues with Trump on Ester Wong, who is in secondary 4 in Singapore (the equivaprinciple and ideology. lent of sophomore year in high school in the U.S.), said, “Donald Lee, a senior at an international school in Korea, applied Trump being president doesn’t change the fact that the U.S. has to universities in both the U.S. and Canada. She expressed her some of the best institutions in the world.” discontent at how Trump justifies sexually assaulting women American universities attract masses of undergraduate and and the zero respect he shows females overall. postgraduate students each year, with elite names such as Har“The general atmosphere [he] has put America in just ter- vard, Stanford and MIT consistently in the top 10 of ranking rifies me. He amplified the worst parts of America: racism and systems, such as Times Higher Education and the QS World misogyny,” she said.

University Rankings.

Despite feeling this way, she hadn’t decided whether or not “The diversity and quality of the American higher educashe’ll forego college in the U.S. tion system is unparalleled in the world,” said Rahul ChoudaOne of the main concerns for international students apply- ha, the chief executive of interEDGE, a U.S.-based nonprofit ing to the U.S. in 2016 was the that provides training and “perception that the climate in resources for international the U.S. is now less welcom- “We never thought he’d be elected and it was just a students. “Many international ing to individuals from other students aspire to study in the backup decision in case we changed our mind about countries,” according to a surU.S. not only for the learning vey by the American Associthe U.S. Of course, Canada has good universities too experiences, but also life expeation of Collegiate Registrars and some of my classmates, after getting offers, have riences. The fundamentals of and Admissions Officers. the universities and colleges actually decided to go there instead.”

As a Filipino, Airene, 16, are strong and many of them cites the post-election increase recognize the importance of in outward prejudice towards hosting international students minorities as a reason to stay away from U.S. colleges. Airene on the campuses.” requested her last name not be used because she is from a promRegarding life after graduation, international girls intending inent family and fears retribution from the U.S. government. to apply to U.S. colleges during Trump’s term may be worried In the past, she only ever considered the U.S. as her college about how his nationalist ideals will affect work prospects and destination, but now with Trump in office and the realization the ease of gaining an H-1B work visa. that the costs are quite high, she is very open to the idea of The recent presidential executive order proposes “reforms to staying in her home country. help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or “I’m definitely worried about possible discrimination, being highest-paid petition beneficiaries,” and according to Choudaha, both Asian and female,” she said. “I value my education very this will likely raise the minimum salary needed for a H-1B visa. highly but I’m not very sure that relocating and paying a much Thus, it is more paramount than ever for international students higher tuition than I would [in the Philippines] is worth it if to have adequate work experience in order to be eligible. such discrimination can get in the way of my learning expeWhile the new reforms may add a layer of difficulty for interrience.” national students, there is still hope that concerning matters will Higher education for international students at top U.S. insti- be revised within the four years of Trump’s term, and that there tutions can reach above $60,000 a year. The high costs associated will be other future options to pursue. with American universities have made some female interna“Being international students, we can always go back to our tional students unsure about if they’d be willing to spend so home countries if it turns out that we’re still going to be restricted much money on tuition in a country they would feel unsafe in. by visa policies,” said Wong. “Don’t let the president dictate your In Airene’s case, going to her dream school, University of goals for your education and your future.”

California, Berkeley, would cost her family $66,000 a year. In contrast, her dream school in the Philippines is only $20 a year, ABOUT ANTHEA YEW due to government subsidies.

Anthea Yew is a high school student residing in Adelaide, Australia. She has a strong interest in political theory, loves public speaking and is passionate about maximising the potential of girls through education.

WOMEN’S ENEWS | 15

“Yes Men Can,” says India’s Kant Brothers By: Swapna Majumdar

It was a routine visit to the brothel in New Del-

hi as a part of the awareness drive on HIV/AIDS that changed their lives. Seeing the desperation in the eyes of a terror-stricken 14-year-old girl while they were distributing condoms left them shaken. Realizing that she was there against her will, Ravi, Nishi and Rishi Kant knew they had to rescue the girl.

After they managed to get the girl out, the three brothers realized that they had to channel their outrage at the violence against women in a more organized manner if the brutality of trafficking were to be accurately exposed. Born out of that mission is Shakti Vahini, a non-profit organization created to put an end to men attacking, trafficking, abusing and enslaving women. Beginning with just one state 17 years ago, it is now working in 13 states and has rescued over 6,000 female victims from physical and sexual abuse, trafficking, honor killings and forced marriages.

According to a recent report by the UN Office for Drugs and Crime, South Asia, with India at its centre, is the fastest-growing and second-largest region for human trafficking in the world, after East Asia. The Indian state of Assam had 1,494 cases of human trafficking, the highest number in 2015, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau.

“We were horrified by the violence we saw against the minor girls. In many cases, oxytocin injections were given to make the girls look older and voluptuous. Taught by our parents Ravi Kant, eldest of the brothers of Shakti Vahini. to always respect and protect women, all three of us decided to set up an organization to comviolence against women. Even women’s groups didn’t take us bat violence against women. We wanted to become a voice for seriously at first,” Ravi says. the unheard and amplify the issues to bring about change,” says But this didn’t deter them. Neither did threats from pimps, 50-yer-old Ravi Kant, eldest of the three brothers and president brothel owners and corrupt law enforcement officials. “It is a of Shakti Vahini. difficult and risky job to raid a brothel and bring the culprits to In 2001, when the three brothers began their work, they faced court. But we were determined to continue,” says 43-year-old skepticism and even discouragement. “Initially people laughed at Rishi Kant, youngest of the brothers. us. Here were three men working on women’s issues, especially 16 | TEEN VOICES

“Taught by our parents to always respect and protect women, all three of us decided to set up an organization to combat violence against women. We wanted to become a voice for the unheard and amplify the issues to bring about change.”

In fact, it was the viciousness of the violence that kept them Delhi-bound trains, where middlemen pocket approximately Rs going. “Crimes against women have a lot of layers of violence- 50,000 per girl. The girls are then sold in Delhi, Ghaziabad and prostitution, forced marriage and slavery. One of the more hor- Agra brothels for at Rs 2-3 lakh (USD $250-$300),” Rishi says.

As the only NGO run by three brothers, Shakti Vahini’s misrific cases was rescuing an enslaved girl who was a minor, and subjected to severe violence. We found her naked with cut marks sion is to also teach boys to respect women. They do so by enall over her body. Her head had a deep wound and was full of gaging boys in various gender sensitization programs in schools maggots. We were horrified, but it also deepened our commit- and colleges, “until every one of them understands the importance of respecting women,” Nishi says. Shakti Vahini has also ment to end trafficking,” Rishi developed a database of trafrecounts. fickers who have been arrested To do so, they adopted a during their raids and rescue multi-pronged strategy. While “As the only NGO run by three brothers, Shakti Vahini’s operations. Believing that hutheir push for rescues led to the mission is to also teach boys to respect women. man trafficking is a form of arrest of a major trafficker who They do so by engaging boys in various gender organized crime, “profiling had allegedly smuggled more these traffickers will help us sensitization programs in schools and colleges, ‘until than 10,000 minors from ruand law enforcement agencies ral areas in 2013, simultaneous every one of them understands the importance of track them down, since trafadvocacy efforts with other respecting women.’ ” fickers tend to be involved in groups led to changes in Secmany other cases as well,” Nishi tion 370 of the Indian Penal points out. code, which prohibits slavery Eradicating violence against women through honor killing is and sex trafficking. It also brought about the country’s first comalso an important part of Shakti Vahini’s mission. The organiprehensive anti-human trafficking law, introduced in 2016. “Alzation, in fact, has filed several public interest litigations in the though it is still in the drafting stage, it will hopefully increase Supreme Court to highlight cases where women were publicly prosecution and convictions,” says 47-year-old Nishi, executive paraded naked and branded as witches, which led the Court to director, Shakti Vahini. require state governments to inform them about the actions be“This Bill is necessary since there is a shift in the way these ing taken to put an end to this. “Many state government officials trafficking traps work now,” Rishi adds. “The traffickers get the grumble about this and consider us a nuisance,” Ravid says. “But phone numbers from mobile recharge shops that maintain rewe are willing to be a nuisance as long as it helps bring justice cords of the pre-paid numbers that get recharged. Once the girls for women.” leave the shop, the traffickers pay the staffers Rs 500-1000 (USD $7-$10) per phone number. Traffickers then start shadowing ABOUT SWAPNA MAJUMDAR these girls, luring them with promises of jobs and marriage, or Swapna Majumdar is an independent journalist based in New Delhi and taking them to visit Taj Mahal. If the girl agrees, she is placed on writes on development and gender.

WOMEN’S ENEWS | 17

Teen Voices: Take That, Tampon Tax! By: Colleen Falconer

It’s no secret that having a uterus is expensive- period. The av-

erage woman menstruates from ages 13-51 and spends $150-300 on feminine hygiene products each year, which adds up to a staggering $11,400 spent throughout her lifetime. In 2016 alone, the American feminine hygiene product industry reaped almost $6 billion in profits.

Fortunately, many women, teen girls, and non-binary/transgender people who menstruate are beginning to combat that cost by using more environmentally and economically sustainable period products. Among those in the lineup are Diva and Lunette Cups, Thinx period panties and cloth pads.

Further, with girls entering puberty at an earlier age, they are using technology to learn more about global strides in menstrual

18 | TEEN VOICES

“For women at a lower socioeconomic level, the lower long-term cost savings can prove even more crucial since the monthly investment in traditional feminine hygiene products is not covered by food stamps.” health. As a result, with older women loyal to traditional products entering menopause, these alternative products are being primarily targeted to younger people who menstruate, and it’s working.

One of the foremost benefits of reusable products, such as the

“I bought a menstrual cup when I was doing a lot of research about choices that would reduce my carbon footprint. In the past year, I’ve cut down on so much paper and plastic waste, not to mention trips to the store.”

popular menstrual cup, is becoming increasing appealing to en- icant. “Although the initial purchase is an investment, you end vironmentally conscious teens. “I bought a menstrual cup when up saving so much in the long run,” adds Ana Tobio, a student at I was doing a lot of research about choices that would reduce my Colgate University, “And they aren’t any more time consuming carbon footprint,” says 17-year-old Ethel Mendius. “In the past or inconvenient than traditional items”. year, I’ve cut down on so much paper and plastic waste, not to For women at a lower socioeconomic level, the lower longmention trips to the store.” term cost savings can prove even more crucial since the monthly Menstrual cups can also be an attractive option due to the investment in traditional feminine hygiene products is not covhealth and comfort benefits they provide. Cups don’t contain ered by food stamps. Almost 40 million women in the U.S. curtoxins found in cotton used rently live in poverty or on the in tampons and sanitary pads. brink of it, so when presented Further, they provide athletes with the choice of spending greater freedom of movement “The price of menstruation is only exacerbated by the their last few dollars on menand less anxiety about leakage, ‘tampon tax,’ which many legislators and advocates strual products or food, many and are travel efficient since feel forced to neglect their are now locked in a bloody battle to eradicate. carrying one silicone cup remenstrual health. Further, quires much less space than young girls who may not be a fleet of pads, tampons, or able to afford pads or tampons panty liners. On the whole, “It’s just less upkeep, and it’s easier,” often miss school each month because of their periods. says Christina Elejalde, age 17. The Randolph, New Jersey teen The price of menstruation is only exacerbated by the “tampon recognizes that “the idea of reusing a silicone cup” can “sound tax,” which many legislators and advocates like Jennifer Weissreally disgusting,” inciting inhibition in many of her peers. Still, Wolf are now locked in a bloody battle to eradicate. Under curElejalde feels that her Diva Cup has helped her learn more about rent U.S. law, feminine hygiene products aren’t categorized as a her own body, and anticipates that other teens may experience necessity and are therefore not exempt from sales tax. The reality, the similar feelings. however, is that they are a basic human right, designated as such Additionally, reusable period products can prove to be a far by the United Nations in 2013. cheaper alternative to their traditional disposable counterparts.

Clearly, the shift towards economic and environmental susElejalde points out that the monthly cost of pads and tampons tainability in menstrual products is part of a larger movement essentially adds “another bill” to the lives of all women, and that by a younger generation to normalize periods and eliminate the it takes the biggest toll on low income women. In comparison, shameful stigma that shrouds them. This is a positive sign for while the cost of a menstrual cup is initially equivalent to five everyone, particularly for those women and girls who struggle to six boxes of tampons, the long-term cost savings are signif- economically.

WOMEN’S ENEWS | 19

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