Jenie Fernando’s Post

https://lnkd.in/drH73AKi Do you know, that about 1.3 billion people in the world experience significant disability, which accounts for about 16%? Meaning 1 in 6 people has one form of disability or the other. The impact of mine action and EO has contributed greatly to making even more people disabled in recent years, especially in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria. And this has affected their full participation in society. Future Resilience and Development Foundation with funding from United Nations OCHA has Established a State Level Advocacy Committee comprising of Traditiona Leaders, Religious Leaders, Commissioners and Directors from various government agencies, humanitarian actors as well as representatives of PLWDs in Borno State. This committee was saddled with the responsibility of identifying and advocating for the needs of PLWDs. This is in a bid to ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are attended to and they are given a chance to participate fully in society. At Future Resilience and Development Foundation, we believe that this committee is a starting point for a life long journey of ensuring that PLWDs are included in not just humanitarian response, but are given opportunity to thrive and participate fully without any barrier.

Religious leaders are stepping up as advocates for family planning in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) region, encouraging healthier, planned families while respecting community values. By openly discussing the benefits of family planning and addressing cultural concerns, they are helping to boost awareness and acceptance. Watch the video below to see how this approach is transforming perspectives and increasing family planning uptake across the ASAL region thanks to the #DESIP Programme. https://lnkd.in/dEeYw9tk #ReproductiveHealth #FamilyPlanning #PSKenya #BetterHealthandWellbeing Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Akaco Ekirapa

Youths Led-VNR Report 2024 On June 10, 2024, representatives from the Youth Initiative , Youth Advocacy Nepal - YAN , VSO Nepal ,ROYM Nepal and other youth-focused organizations met with Prof. Dr. Sangeeta Singh, a member of the National Planning Commission (NPC), presented a youth-led Voluntary National Review (VNR) report. The VNR report highlighted the perspectives and priorities of young people across the country, providing valuable insights to inform the NPC's policymaking and sustainable development efforts. The youth delegates engaged in a constructive dialogue with Prof. Dr. Singh, ensuring their voices were heard at the highest levels of national planning. This collaborative effort underscored the important role of youth in shaping the future of the nation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The NPC's engagement with these young leaders demonstrated a commitment to inclusive and participatory governance, as the country continues its progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future. #YouthInitiative #SDGs2030 #YouthLedVNR #YouthLedMovement #YouthLedPrevention #youthledsolutions

Tertiary institutions have long served as hubs for #criticalthinking, #advocacy, and the development of social change issues. They offer a platform where both students and faculty can engage with complex societal issues and create a #safe space for diverse voices, making them ideal for fostering dialogue on #SOGIE rights, a topic that remains sensitive in many cultures and societies. In this article published by Business Daily Africa, Abuya Enosh, Executive Director of The Eagles for Life Kenya (TEFL-K), highlights the vital role that tertiary institutions play in promoting a more #inclusive and #equitable society, particularly in advancing SOGIE rights. #SOGIERights #DiversityAndInclusion #Advocacy #Equity #HumanRights

#WithUsForUs Project staff share insights as to how, through the CISU project's innovation lab sessions, children identified key issues in their villages and presented these challenges to government officials. Trained child advocacy agents are now passing on their knowledge to community agents, fostering a cycle of empowerment and positive change. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Civil Society in Development Project aims to encourage rural communities speak up against violations of UN convention on child rights and initiate change through community-led advocacy funded by CISU - Civilsamfund i Udvikling and supported by Assist Denmark #childrights #communityfirst #advocate #positivechange #problemsolving #youthempowerment #children #Participation #WhereChildrenComeFirst

The latest programme to be profiled in our Youth Inclusion and Engagement Space is the CLARISSA programme, a groundbreaking five-year initiative focused on eradicating the worst forms of child labour in Bangladesh and Nepal through systemic action research and child-led advocacy. Placing children at the heart of its participatory model, CLARISSA empowered them to analyze their realities, design interventions, and amplify their voices through creative mediums like photo stories, exhibitions, and storytelling projects. Managed by the Institute of Development Studies and funded by the UK FCDO, CLARISSA showcased how collaborative, community-driven solutions can foster systemic change and uphold children’s agency in combating child labour. Read more now: https://ow.ly/7nHZ50Uqg0W #YouthInclusion #ChildLabour

#BalPanchayats are a critical platform enabling effective #ChildParticipation and creating community-based #ChildProtection mechanisms. Miracle Foundation India works alongside Bal Panchayats, strengthening their understanding on child rights and building their leadership skills. This #NationalPanchayatiRajDay, we reiterate our commitment towards further empowering children and communities to own decision-making, design and implementation of the programmes meant for them. Support our efforts: https://lnkd.in/efU7uEC

Families Australia have been engaged by the Department of Social Services (DSS) to undertake the ‘Changing the Balance’ research project which explores the potential impact on non-indigenous Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). They are hosting a series of sector consultation sessions to explore how non-Indigenous NGOs can best work collaboratively with First Nations organisations in supporting the growth and capacity of the ACCO sector. The consultations will help to better understand the potential changes and impacts on non-Indigenous NGOs as sector funding profiles change to accommodate a shift in proportionate investment for child and family support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). There are two sessions for NSW: Monday 22 April, Sydney Metro, 10:00am-12.30pm AEST (in person, includes morning tea), Sydney Masonic Centre. Click here for more details and to register - https://lnkd.in/gfVbJYaw Monday 22 April, NSW regional, ACT & Tasmania (online) 2:00pm – 4:00pm AEST. Click here for more details and to register - https://lnkd.in/gXnGRSHu Part of the research project also includes a survey, which you can fill out here - https://lnkd.in/gCzmpSYg #safechildren #strongfamilies #supportivecommunities

The youth of the Vaidu community are raising their voices, calling for urgent attention to the mental health care needs of Nomadic and Denotified Tribes (NT-DNTs). On the 1st of August, Anubhuti initiated the #हक्कांचंकाय campaign on occasion of Vimukta Month, a powerful movement where members of the NT-DNT communities are standing up for their rights. This campaign highlights the stark reality: these communities are demanding access to basic needs—education, housing, water, toilets, and healthcare. These are not mere luxuries but fundamental rights that every individual deserves. It is concerning that in 2024, these communities still have to fight for what should be guaranteed. At the core of these challenges is a deep-rooted issue: landlessness. Without land, these communities lose critical documents, access to water resources, proper sanitation, and as a result, suffer from both physical and mental health issues. The lack of stable land ownership exacerbates their vulnerability, leading to a cycle of poverty and marginalization. It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on. We must provide NT-DNT communities with the facilities and resources they need, not just to survive, but to thrive. This includes ensuring access to mental health care, which is often overlooked but is crucial for the well-being of these communities. The time has come for us to listen, to act, and to stand in solidarity with the NT-DNT communities. Their fight for basic rights is a fight for dignity, equality, and justice. Let's amplify their voices and work together to create a future where no one is left behind. #MentalHealthMatters #RightToDignity #NTDNTVoices #HakkanchyaKay #SocialJusticeNow #StandWithNTDNT #EqualRightsForAll #LandRights #HealthcareForAll #EmpowerCommunities #MentalHealthAwareness #VoicesOfChange #InclusionMatters #BasicRights #youthforchange

Ms. Hyun Hee Ban, Chief Social Policy, @UNICEFIndia, shared her thoughts from the platform of #PanchayatSammelan in #Agra, highlighting the power of digital platforms to enhance local governance, and grassroots level service delivery to ensure inclusive participation in achieving the #SDGs for children. #MoPR UNICEF India UNICEF