Rise N Shine Trust

📢 OPPORTUNITY ALERT! - Grassroots Researcher  Opportunity Alert for a Grassroots Researcher to contribute to important fieldwork documenting the impact of climate disinformation on indigenous communities in Matebeleland North, Zimbabwe. The role involves: ✅ Conducting interviews with community members  ✅ Observing local climate impacts firsthand  ✅ Collecting and verifying community-level data  ✅ Engaging with climate justice and community research Fluency in Ndebele or related local languages would be an added advantage. Recommendations for professionals with experience in grassroots research and community engagement would be greatly appreciated. Please share or tag anyone who might be a great fit! Patrick Chandiga Justine Opportunities for Zimbabweans OppsForZim #ClimateJustice #GrassrootsResearch #Zimbabwe #ClimateDisinformation #IndigenousCommunities #ResearchOpportunity #Opportunities

I'm thrilled to share that my work in storytelling and communication for development has been featured in the latest edition of FEPA - Fonds für Entwicklung und Partnerschaft in Afrika's publication! This article dives into the power of social media and storytelling as a tool for positive change. Social media platforms and storytelling have the incredible potential to shape narratives around critical social issues, fostering awareness and driving real-world progress. Want to learn more about how communication and story telling can be a catalyst for development? Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dsvuQzGP • • • Ich freue mich, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass meine Arbeit zum Thema Storytelling und Kommunikation für die Entwicklung in der neuesten Ausgabe der FEPA-Publikation vorgestellt wurde! Dieser Artikel befasst sich eingehend mit der Macht der sozialen Medien als Instrument für positive Veränderungen. Social-Media-Plattformen und Storytelling haben das unglaubliche Potenzial, Narrative zu kritischen gesellschaftlichen Themen zu formen, das Bewusstsein zu stärken und den Fortschritt in der realen Welt voranzutreiben. Möchten Sie mehr darüber erfahren, wie Kommunikation und Geschichtenerzählen ein Katalysator für Entwicklung sein können? Den vollständigen Artikel finden Sie hier: https://lnkd.in/dsvuQzGP It was lovely chatting with you for this piece Denise Staubli. Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) Rise N Shine Trust Young Women Rising

Last week I spent an inspiring afternoon equipping the brilliant Young Women Rising Class of 2024 with essential digital safety and online branding skills. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, it is crucial for young women, especially those in the development sector, to navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely. Digital safety is not just about protecting personal information; it is about safeguarding the power to drive change. In regions with repressive systems, these skills become even more critical for exercising freedom of association and assembly, and ultimately, shaping the future of democracy in Africa. Empowering young women with digital literacy is investing in a safer, unbiased future. I was truly impressed by these young women's eagerness to learn and their understanding of the challenges they face along with their peers. It is inspiring to see a generation committed to using their voices and platforms responsibly. Let us continue to prioritize digital safety education and support young women in harnessing the power of technology for good. FEPA - Fonds für Entwicklung und Partnerschaft in Afrika Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders Rise N Shine Trust DefendDefenders Internews Rosewita Katsande #DigitalSafety #WomenInDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #Africa #democracy

I recently had the privilege of traveling to Luanda, Angola, with the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative). We participated in an academic visit with the newly appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, Ms. Gina Romero, and the Chair of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu. This visit was crucial in exploring how human rights defenders, civil society, and academia can work together to counter repressive legislation. We discussed the mandates of the United Nations Special Rapporteur and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) Special Rapporteur, focusing on how to best advocate for changes that protect the fundamental rights of assembly and association. Our visit was hosted by Kutakesa, a phenomenal local NGO dedicated to empowering human rights defenders in Angola. Before diving into the heart of the visit, we held a crucial one-day training on Gender-sensitive Situational and Risk Assessment for women defenders in Angola. This may sound technical, but it is incredibly important. Women defenders in Africa face unique challenges, often compounded by gender-based and sexual violence as well as societal expectations. This training equiped them to assess potential risks specific to their work and context. By identifying threats, defenders can strategically plan their activities and advocate for change with a clearer understanding of the potential consequences. Women Defenders were able to share best practices on how best to navigate complex situations and work on ways in which to collaborate in future advocacy efforts. The WHRD Initiative believes in building solidarity within women defender networks as it fosters collaboration and collective action and support in order to create an environment where women defenders can advocate freely and safely in Africa and beyond. One of the ways in which the Initiative does this is through our Annual Africa WHRD Convention. Registration for the convention is currently open. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dAaFJz5P Mary Pais Da Silva Sheila Nhancale Tinomuda Shoko Fiona Iliff Hurisa Ngo #StandWithWHRD #Angola #HumanRights #GenderEquality #WHRDs #Women #freedomofexpression #TakeUpSpace #BloomWildly #ACHPR

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗪𝗛𝗥𝗗? 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗪𝗛𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! Join us in Accra, Ghana from the 28th to the 30th of November 2024 for the 2024 Africa Women Human Rights Defenders Convention! This hybrid event, both in-person and virtual, unites WHRDs from across Africa and beyond. It is a powerful space to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and strategize for a brighter future. Applications for 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 and 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 participation are NOW OPEN! 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲, 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀. The application deadline is 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. Do not miss out! This year's theme, "𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 - 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀," reflects the incredible strength and transformative power of WHRDs across Africa and beyond. The convention will be a platform to celebrate your collective voice and advance a future where your work shapes the very systems that impact our societies. This is your chance to be part of a movement for transformative change! Apply today! For more information and to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/dKtZ7Z-i or 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝗥 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱. #SafeguardingWHRDs #AWHRDC2024 #Resurgence #BeyondResilience Ford Foundation William and Flora Hewlett Foundation National Endowment for Democracy Mama Cash Wallace Global Fund Global Fund for Women Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa Funders for LGBTQ Issues UN Women African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) The Fund for Women and Girls Black Feminist Fund Mary Lawlor FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund Equality Fund Equality Now Fòs Feminista Feminists In Kenya (FIK) Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR) AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Amnesty International Human Rights Foundation American Bar Association Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) Justice Funds Disability Rights Fund Restless Development Open Society Foundations Society of Gender Professionals Alletha Muzorewa CAMFED - Campaign for Female Education Patrick Chandiga Justine Emma Kalea Centre de Documentation et de Formation sur les Droits de l'Homme (CDFDH) Coalition for Peace and Gender Champions Gina Romero

The reports of rising child pregnancy are concerning, yet this disturbing trend may only show the tip of the iceberg . While investigating these child pregnancy causes, we must reflect inward. Have we, as a society, done enough to empower children through comprehensive sex education , access to contraception, and meaningful after-school programs ? Age-appropriate sex education is crucial, yet we are still conflicted on how to do this. After-school activities and mentorship are limited, and most children have no access to sex education and positive development. Most importantly, have we fostered open parent-child communication ? Uncomfortable discussions are essential for guiding child responsibility . Our silence solves nothing - it's time we better support our next generation. Together, through education, availability of SRH services, and communication, we can help children and young people make informed choices. But we must start the conversations to drive real change. I am sure there is more that can be done to empower, protect our children, and ensure they enjoy their childhoods.

𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗪𝗛𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗟! We asked, and you responded Keikantse E. Phele, Tebello Moreboli, Lidiya Mekonen, Generous Mable, Abigail Larbi, Dr Chiedza Simbo, Dagmawit M., Esther Bonyonga, Chioma Chinyere Chukwuemeka Did you guess correctly? 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐖𝐇𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄!! ● Theme: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 - 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 ● When: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖 - 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 ● Where: 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐚, 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚, 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 Women Defenders Mark Your Calendars to embark on a powerful journey where we move beyond resilience to actualize a new era of resurgence for Women Human Rights Defenders #WHRDs across the continent. Registration Opens:  𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝐬𝐭, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 UN Women Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa Mary Lawlor FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund Feminists In Kenya (FIK) Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) The East African Centre for Human Rights (EACHRights) Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria Institute Women for Women's Human Rights (WWHR) African Women and Youth Action For Development African Union Human Rights Watch Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Global Unit for Feminism and Gender Democracy Amnesty International Restless Development Mary Pais Da Silva Women Human Rights Defenders Hub - The Kenya Hub Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders Tanzania National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD) WHRDMENA Coalition Mama Cash Global Fund for Women FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Ngosa Kulula Hellen Lunkuse T. Waiswa Ford Foundation Sigrid Rausing Trust Open Society Foundations Music by Sounds from Africa_Pixabay

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY 2024 Many often overlook the importance of menstrual hygiene in achieving gender equality. Though not explicitly mentioned, access to menstrual products and proper hygiene practices are crucial for girls' education and overall well-being. Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual supplies, forces girls to miss school, hindering their education and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Conversely, good menstrual hygiene keeps girls healthy and allows them to participate fully in all aspects of life. This year's Menstrual Hygiene Day calls for a "Period-Friendly World," but in Africa, the focus is on creating a "Period-Friendly Africa." Breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation requires widespread knowledge and access to resources. By empowering girls, women and men with information and resources, we can dismantle negative social norms. Everyone can contribute to a Period-Friendly Africa. Individuals can educate themselves and others, supporting organizations that tackle period poverty and stigma. Businesses can champion menstrual health initiatives, advocate for lower taxes on menstrual products, and provide education and access to products in the workplace. Governments can prioritize menstrual hygiene in national policies and invest in WASH facilities (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) within schools. By prioritizing menstrual hygiene, we invest in a more equal and empowered future for all Africans. #PeriodFriendlyAfrica #PeriodFriendlyWorld #MHD2024 #MenstrualHygieneDay #GenderEqaulity #COPSDG5_ZIM FEPA - Fonds für Entwicklung und Partnerschaft in Afrika Rise N Shine Trust Girls And Women Empowerment Network Organisation Simukaupenye Integrated Youth Academy Signs of Hope Trust, Zimbabwe Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) Shamwari Yemwanasikana (SYS) Green Hut Trust

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD Initiative) stands in solidarity with WHRDs fighting for menstrual equity across Africa and beyond. Menstruation is not a biological concern alone; it is a human rights crisis. Period poverty, stigma, and inadequate sanitation facilities create significant barriers to hashtag #education, work, and basic well-being for women and girls across the globe. These limitations constitute a fundamental violation of their human dignity and hinder their ability to effectively participate and thrive in all aspects of life. Women Human Rights Defenders play a crucial role in this fight, often facing significant risks and challenges themselves. Their relentless advocacy for menstrual hygiene is essential in breaking down these barriers. However, WHRDs also need support and protection to continue their vital work. The WHRD Initiative demands change. We urge governments, NGOs, and the private sector to prioritize investments in menstrual health education for women and girls. Additionally, we call for ensuring access to affordable sanitary products and prioritizing the construction of safe sanitation facilities in areas where women and girls work and reside. It is also imperative to address the intersectional nature of period poverty, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Let us dismantle these barriers and build a Period-Friendly World. Together, we can make menstrual hygiene a reality, not a privilege, for all women and girls. To our fellow hashtag #WHRDs, we encourage you to continue your hashtag #advocacy, share your stories, and support each other in this crucial fight. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below: #SafeguardingWHRDs #MHD2024 #MenstrualHygeineDay #EndPeriodStigma #PeriodFriendlyAfrica Dzidzo Safepad UN Women Faith in Gender Justice Girls Talk Organisation Isatu Bokum WeWorld Onlus The Rahul Kotak Foundation Africa Community Leadership and Development Rise N Shine Trust Rust Media Ford Foundation Caren Ajwang Tembani Runyararo ECOBANA LIMITED Tiko UNESCO Child Survival India Dr Priyanka Bhadana Mel Street Ange ISHIMWE BENIMANA National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Fresh Life Esther Bonyonga Breakthrough Trust Girls First Initiative Sustainable Impact and Development (SID) Initiative International Human Rights Laboratory Curious Minds Curious Minds Ghana WASH Innovation Hub (WIH) Hope Raisers Global Foundation Kamo Tselane Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) Urgent Action Fund-Africa Gladys Mutemi ActionAid African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) The Fund for Women and Girls

Glad to have joined Accountability Lab Zimbabwe last week as they had their first ever combined cohort induction which included the 2024 Film Fellowship, Voice To Represent and Accountability Incubator fellows. As an alumni of the Film Fellowship under the New Narratives For Accountability in Zimbabwe project, I had the honor of joining other alumni (Courteney Mukoyi, Princess Thandeka, Roselilly Ushewokunze, Nkosikhona Dibiti) in a panel on best practice methods, leanings and teachings from our time as fellows as well as our journeys after the program. Best practice models serve as a roadmap for program growth because they leverage past successes and failures to inform future efforts. For me the journey was about finding my voice, a voice that could advocate for social justice and human rights, and I have been doing just that. Since the fellowship, I have been fortunate enough to work and interact with incredible organizations such as DefendDefenders, AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network), Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (Southern Defenders), Internews. My film has taken me to platforms I never dreamed of and been showcased globally including in India, The USA, New Zealand, Greece, Nigeria, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, Switzerland, (Silicon Valley African Film Festival, Women Deliver Arts and Film Festival, Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF), Athens Digital Arts Festival, Africa International Human Rights Film Festival) to name a few. I have sat on panels which speak to Accountability, Good governance, Human Rights and Gender equality. The film has been showcased for programs by The World Health Organization, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), under their Education Plus Initiative, the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders for their annual WHRD convention. Seeing the film resonate with audiences globally, sparking discussions and igniting change has been nothing short of amazing. We often see people as they are, but the greatest gift is to see them as they might become. That's what the Accountability Lab Film Fellowship did for me. It nurtured my potential, sculpted my skills, and empowered me to become the storyteller I was always meant to be. It is a testament to the transformative power of believing in someone's potential, and I am forever grateful for the chance to grow, to learn, and to make a difference. I wish the new cohort the absolute best in their journey. Nalenhle Moyo Dexter Fundire McDonald Lewanika Zibusiso John Dube Sefelepelo Sebata Magamba Network Rise N Shine Trust