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YOU(th) for YOU(th)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]South Africa is celebrating 27 years of freedom. Twenty-seven years since the country’s first democratic elections when Nelson Mandela was elected president. His legacy still lingers on in the hearts of many who lived through apartheid, as well as the many born-frees who get to enjoy a life of freedom in a democratic country. This is the theme for this month’s edition of the You(th) for You(th) newsletter.

We saw some of these hard-won freedoms threatened this month during the the wave of unrest which took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, and were reminded of some of the problems South Africa faces.The levels of inequality were yet again on full display with many human rights being violated, particularly the rights to food, movement, privacy and dignity. With these injustices playing out on different media and social media platforms, the youth of South Africa took it upon themselves to serve as active agents of change by truly embodying that “the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”, as Mandela once put it.

Mandela’s legacy of human rights reminds all of us to tap into our #PeoplePower and ensure that our voices are heard by calling on the government, in whichever way we can, to ensure that everyone’s rights are fully protected, and this is exactly the approach taken by the activists featured in this month’s edition of the You(th) for You(th) newsletter.

Our featured activists this month are Amnesty International South Africa’s very own activist leader, Cameron Barnard, and Nigeria based youth activist, Shona Olalera.

Also have a look at our youth conversations which were held on 16 and 23 July, discussing the #UnrestSA.

(Read Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed’s opinion piece on #UnrestSA and the need for accountability)

We hope that you enjoy the second edition of our youth newsletter. If you, or anyone you know, would like to be featured in the newsletter, please send us a one pager telling us about yourself to youth@amnesty.org.za, and who knows, you could be featured in the next You(th) for You(th).

We look forward to hearing from you![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1623267126932{background-color: #000000 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading”]

FEATURED LOCAL ACTIVIST

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CAMERON BARNARD

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S UCT CHAPTER CHAIRPERSON

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]South African youth activist Cameron Barnard is living as queer, loving as gay, close to some animals in his life, and usually unsure whom to vote for.

This is how the 22-year-old, Cape Town based LGBTQIA+ rights activist proudly describes himself.

Cameron is the chairperson of Amnesty International’s University of Cape Town chapter. He has a Bachelor of Social Science in Gender Studies and Law, and is currently in his final year of his Bachelor of Law.

“From an early age, I was othered as ‘gay’, the ‘moffie’ – it created an intense desire to understand this othering and its interconnectivity with all other forms of oppression, both in its roots and consequences,” Cameron says.

“Just as queerphobia is centred in toxic masculinity, so too is misogyny and gender-based violence, both resulting in the murder of femme bodies. In the same way racism is linked to white supremacy, so too is it linked to capitalism and the slave trade, resulting in apartheid, white economic monopolies and Black wage slaves,” he says.

“In understanding Queerphobia, I began to understand institutionalised oppression, and a desire for justice and transformation set in. This is what drove me to become an activist in law – the pursuit of a more just South Africa for all.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4472″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1627468237485{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][ucaddon_uc_material_social_icons uc_items_data=”JTVCJTdCJTIydGl0bGUlMjIlM0ElMjIlMjIlMkMlMjJiZ19jb2xvciUyMiUzQSUyMiUyM2ZmZmYwMCUyMiUyQyUyMmljb24lMjIlM0ElMjJmYSUyMGZhLWluc3RhZ3JhbSUyMiUyQyUyMmljb25fY29sb3IlMjIlM0ElMjIlMjMwMDAlMjIlMkMlMjJsaW5rJTIyJTNBJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbSUyRmNhbXhiYXJuYXJkJTJGJTIwJTIyJTJDJTIydGFiX3VuaXRlX3NlbGVjdGVkX3RleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJZZXMlMjIlMkMlMjJ0YWIlMjIlM0ElMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlN0QlNUQ=”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1627554912106{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cameron is particularly interested in the way queer men navigate risk and reward in “performing queerness in the public sphere”, with a focus on the interplay between class and race in producing varying privileges and oppressions.

“Wealthy, white, cisgender gay men are afforded more reward in their performance of queerness in most public spaces, while poor, Black, transgender gay men often risk everything,” he says.

“By understanding the nuanced intersections of social identities, we can begin to understand how various institutions present opportunities and challenges to certain individuals, allowing legal activists to challenge areas of law and culture holistically.”

So why is it important for the youth to have a voice? For Cameron, he believes in the power of storytelling, both as a means of resistance and as a mechanism of taking back agency in the face of oppression.

“Young queer people’s voices are vital to defining our experiences of queerness – any legislation that seeks to empower queer people, can only be effective when it includes the stories and voices of those whose realities are affected by it,” he says.

“Typical empirical research often fails to capture the challenges faced by queer folk, and by using storytelling, we can craft an intersectional legal framework that is truly reflective of the people it intends to lift up.”

Reflecting on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Cameron says the former president is a symbol of hope and community.

He says Mandela’s legacy reminds us to remain resolute in the face of overwhelming odds.

“Activists for change will always find community with others – to gather up strength, to mourn for our brethren, and to build up that which was lost, stolen and destroyed.

“By keeping faith, and remaining true to the ideals of a more just South Africa, the long road to true and unconditional freedom of gender expression and sexual orientation can be traversed,” says Cameron.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1623267290251{background-color: #ffff00 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading”]

FEATURED INTERNATIONAL ACTIVIST

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SHONA OLALERE

NIGERIAN YOUTH ACTIVIST & POLICY ANALYST

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Shona Olalere is a youth activist and policy analyst from Nigeria and a member of global human rights organisation, Amnesty International.

Knowing the importance of non-state actors, Shona has devoted her time to gathering evidence for human rights policies and research.

Shortly after completing her Master’s thesis, which focused on Amnesty International’s role in influencing the human rights agenda globally, she was appointed as a member of Amnesty International’s Youth Advisory Board. Through this role, she has contributed to Amnesty International’s Global Children and Youth Strategy, facilitated human rights discussions and hosted events for Write for Rights on Human Rights Day.

“What keeps me inspired is understanding human rights and the need for a more equitable world like an ocean: similar to the little drops of water that make the mighty ocean, it’s the little contribution of me and other young people that make a difference,” says Shona.

So why did Shona become an activist? She says the Rwanda genocide “moved me to my bones”.

“How do you explain that in just 100 days, some 800,000 people were slaughtered?… Learning about the Rwanda Genocide of 1994 whilst studying international relations changed my perspective about the international system and spurred my interest in human rights.”

Speaking about Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Shona says, leading complex reforms is one thing which comes to mind. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1627557929432{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1627557935818{padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]As a policy analyst, working in the human rights space, Shona says one of the key lessons she has learnt from Mandela’s life is “reforms are a process and not a sprint”.

“Nelson Mandela, without denial, went through a journey and a process to lead complex reform in South Africa.

“One thing that is evident is, reforming South Africa did not happen immediately and automatically. It required and took collective actions and a combination of strong character to remain undeterred in spite of the pace of the progress,” she says.

“This should be the mindset of everyone working in the human rights space, regardless of the country.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1627537782474{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]

ACTIVIST CONVERSATIONS: #UnrestSA the way forward

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Amnesty International South Africa held two discussions with youth activists on the unrest we saw in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1627559868710{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The first discussion was held on 16 July on Facebook where Amnesty International activists discussed ways to move the country forward.

Watch a recording of the discussion below:[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDdmlkZW8lMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjEwMCUyNSUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMmF1dG8lMjIlMjBjb250cm9scyUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ3NvdXJjZSUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGYW1uZXN0eS5vcmcuemElMkZZb3V0aEZvcllvdXRoLTEubXA0JTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnZpZGVvJTJGbXA0JTIyJTNFJTBBWW91ciUyMGJyb3dzZXIlMjBkb2VzJTIwbm90JTIwc3VwcG9ydCUyMHRoZSUyMHZpZGVvJTIwdGFnLiUwQSUzQyUyRnZpZGVvJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The second was held on Instagram on 23 July. Youth activists unpacked #UnrestSA and the role of government in ensuring that human rights are protected at all costs.

Watch a recording of the discussion below:[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDcCUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIybWFyZ2luJTNBMCUyMGF1dG8lM0IlMjB0ZXh0LWFsaWduJTNBY2VudGVyJTNCJTIyJTNFJTNDdmlkZW8lMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjYwJTI1JTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyYXV0byUyMiUyMGNvbnRyb2xzJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTNDc291cmNlJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhbW5lc3R5Lm9yZy56YSUyRllvdXRoRm9yWW91dGgtMi5tcDQlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydmlkZW8lMkZtcDQlMjIlM0UlMEFZb3VyJTIwYnJvd3NlciUyMGRvZXMlMjBub3QlMjBzdXBwb3J0JTIwdGhlJTIwdmlkZW8lMjB0YWcuJTBBJTNDJTJGdmlkZW8lM0UlM0MlMkZwJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1623267126932{background-color: #000000 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading”]

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

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Amnesty International South Africa Youth Representative – Global Youth Collective

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Amnesty International South Africa is looking for a passionate and engaged youth activist who will represent South Africa’s youth in Amnesty International’s Global Youth Collective.

You can enter by filling in the application form and sending a video via email to info@amnesty.org.za by 16:00 on 1 September 2021.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Apply” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ffff00″ custom_text=”#000000″ align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1YTAPSk5kzTYK2iGQzIvAxB5EhD8MFyTy%2Fview” el_class=”amnesty-button large-heading”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading” css=”.vc_custom_1627487043355{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

SA Youth Network

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The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has partnered with the Presidency (through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention) to launch SA Youth, a national network offering young South Africans free access to learning and earning opportunities.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Apply” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ffff00″ custom_text=”#000000″ align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyda.gov.za%2FOpportunities%2FSA-Youth-Network%20″ el_class=”amnesty-button large-heading”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading” css=”.vc_custom_1627487566994{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

Microsoft Global Skills Initiative – Afrika Tikkun and the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) Partnership

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The Global Skills Initiative offers learning to job seekers through LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn and GitHub platforms, thus equipping job seekers with tools to help them get employed.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Apply” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ffff00″ custom_text=”#000000″ align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fafrikatikkunservices.com%2Fgsisa%2F” el_class=”amnesty-button large-heading”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1623267126932{background-color: #000000 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading”]

WANT TO BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT?

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Become a part of the change and support human rights. Amnesty International South Africa invites you to join the movement.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Become a Member Now, Click Here” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ffff00″ custom_text=”#000000″ align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famnesty.org.za%2Fmembership-account%2Fmembership-levels%2F” el_class=”amnesty-button large-heading”][vc_btn title=”Become a Volunteer Now, Click Here” style=”custom” custom_background=”#ffff00″ custom_text=”#000000″ align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Famnesty.org.za%2Fvolunteer-sign-up%2F” el_class=”amnesty-button large-heading”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1627541508617{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Take Action on any of our campaigns here

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TAKE ACTION

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Access to basic services, such as water, sanitation, and housing, are the fundamental building blocks to an improved quality of life.

Take action and demand #DignityNow!

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