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YOU(th) for YOU(th)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In 1952, the South African Pass Laws Act required black South Africans, over the age of 16, to carry a passbook. This Act was enforced by the oppressive apartheid regime which forced black people to carry a form of identification document. These passbooks were commonly known as a dompas or a pass. The dompas controlled and restricted the freedom of movement of black people in South Africa during the apartheid era. For instance, if a black person was unable to present a pass upon request, they were barred access from white-only areas, set by the apartheid regime. Each year following the enforcement of the Pass Laws Act, over 250,000 black people in South Africa were arrested for “technical offences under the Pass Laws”. This occasioned into the dompass becoming one of the most scorned symbols of apartheid.

Filled with courage, strength, hope, and frustration at these violations of their human rights, 20,000 women mobilised on Thursday, 9 August 1956 in South Africa. The group marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the heart of the South African government, to protest against the restrictive Pass Laws Act. Once at the Union Buildings this united symbol of hope for liberation handed over a petition of more than 100,000 signatures opposing the introduction of the dompas for African women. Throughout the march, the thousands of women stood silently outside Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom’s door for 30 minutes before singing the protest song, “Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo!” (which loosely translates to, now you have touched a woman, you have struck a rock.)

Living in a present society where women are seldom heard and respected, the women of 1956 highlighted the possibility of positive change by coming together and peacefully reclaiming what is rightfully theirs: basic human rights.

This month we feature two phenomenal women, Candice Chirwa, a young South African and Malawian activist, and another young activist, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Louise Kanza. These women not only embody the strength, courage, and hope of the women of 1956 but they are actionising towards a world whereby women’s rights are not only recognised, respected, and protected at all times but will one day become a norm of an intersectional society: a liberated society, that consistently allows for #DignityNOW.

Also have a look at our National Women’s Month Instagram Takeovers, which, hosted from 6 to 27 August by a handful of inspirational activists discusses a number of roles that women played and/or play in enforcing justice; the DNA of an equitable society.

We hope that you enjoy the third 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! Phambili Phezulu (Onwards and upwards!) Here’s to making every day, women’s day! [/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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CANDICE CHIRWA

MENSTRUATION ACTIVIST, ACADEMIC, AUTHOR & PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Candice Chirwa, born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa with Malawian heritage is a menstrual activist, academic, author, and professional speaker.

“I became a menstrual activist due to the lack of conversations being had around periods and society’s negative perceptions. It was a conversation with the high school students I mentored along with the academic research I conducted that inspired me to start menstruation education through my non-profit company, Qrate,” Candice says.

Why does Candice think it is important for youth to have a voice?

“Young people have a passion and drive in solving the world through innovative and dynamic solutions. Young people are very capable, educated, and opinionated individuals. We understand that current political decisions have a major impact on our futures and therefore need to be driving these decisions” she says. “Current politicians do not understand the experiences of young people and our problems and concerns may not be addressed by these politicians. Young people need to take action and not just advise policymakers and decision-makers but rather become them”, she adds.

Candice believes that achieving gender equality and human rights isn’t only the role of women, gender equality is ensuring that everyone regardless of how they identify, has equal opportunities. It does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.

“I do think it is important to recognise the work that women have and continue to do in fighting patriarchy and as a society, I ask that we put the onus on everyone (women, men, non-conforming) to dismantle the patriarchy and ensure gender equality for all,” says Candice. “Women can play a greater role in amplifying their concerns in their own ways and on their own platforms.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4587″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1629964861038{padding-top: 10px !important;}”][ucaddon_uc_material_social_icons uc_items_data=”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”][/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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LOUISE KANZA

AWARD-WINNING PEACE ACTIVIST, SPEAKER, CAMPAIGNER

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Louise Kanza is an award-winning peace activist, speaker, campaigner, social entrepreneur, filmmaker, and project manager from the Democratic Republic of Congo with seven years experience in the non-profit sector and six years in the private sector as a project manager. Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Politics from the University of South Africa.

Louise co-founded the Sophie A Kanza Foundation in 2014, a youth-led advocacy organisation based in Southern Africa that creates safe spaces for refugee and migrant groups, curates advocacy campaigns, fundraising events, and inter-continental partnership building. Louise has spent the last four years working with grassroots organisations, corporates, and businesses as an event, fundraising, and corporate social responsibility consultant.

In addition, Louise is the founder of Fugee Assist, a mobile app that allows refugee and migrant groups access to fast and reliable information, services, and safety alerts. Fugee Assist is also a platform for small business development and employment opportunities.

Louise is the producer of Singabantu – We Are Human, a short film that documents the plight of migrant youth in South Africa as part of her work to mobilise a vibrant movement against institutionalised and communal Afrophobia. We Are Human went on to win the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Plural Plus Award and has been screened in 30+ countries on 4 continents. Watch #Singabantu – Afrophobia Awareness Video here.[/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]Louise is a contributor to the UNICEF Advocacy guide and The Human Rights Text Book by The Human Project that is distributed in schools in over 100 countries.

“I became an activist because I was personally affected by institutionalised and communal Afrophobia, I saw the effects it had on my community, [and] I saw the deep rooted scars and mental health issues we faced, it bothered me that the violence and exclusion was normalised and cultured,” Louise says.

“Migrant groups were always too scared to speak out in fear of persecution, unaware of their fundamental human rights. A very valid fear. As a result, I am most passionate about the representation and human rights of asylum seekers, migrants, refugees and stateless people with a special interest in women and girls”.

So why is it important that the youth has a voice? Louise says 60% of the African continent is under the age of 25, and therefore, “it only makes sense that we lead and that we speak”.

“It’s our future at stake. We are innovative, creative, and fearless,” she says.

Louise says women have always led.

“In the information age, we can use our platforms to amplify each other’s voices – especially the voices of women who live in places that are not afforded the same rights, we can also create safe spaces for exchange and dialogue on and offline and advocate for gender balancing and equality in the spaces we find ourselves in”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1627537782474{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text]

ACTIVIST CONVERSATIONS: National Women’s Month

[/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]Throughout Women’s Month, Amnesty International South Africa collaborated with activists to spark ideas, conversation, and engagement via Instagram Live Takeovers. We showcased the amazing work, perseverance, and determination of female activists to address some of the country’s more pressing issues, and how we can all get involved. To tune into future conversations, check out our Instagram page. [/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 6 August July where activists discussed, “The role that women played in bringing forward democracy in South Africa”. Watch a recording of the discussion below:[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDcCUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIybWFyZ2luJTNBMCUyMGF1dG8lM0IlMjB0ZXh0LWFsaWduJTNBY2VudGVyJTNCJTIyJTNFJTNDdmlkZW8lMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjYwJTI1JTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyYXV0byUyMiUyMGNvbnRyb2xzJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTNDc291cmNlJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhbW5lc3R5Lm9yZy56YSUyRlJvbGVPZldvbWVuLm1wNCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ2aWRlbyUyRm1wNCUyMiUzRSUwQVlvdXIlMjBicm93c2VyJTIwZG9lcyUyMG5vdCUyMHN1cHBvcnQlMjB0aGUlMjB2aWRlbyUyMHRhZy4lMEElM0MlMkZ2aWRlbyUzRSUzQyUyRnAlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The second discussion was held on 13 August where activists unpacked the climate crisis and the role female activists are playing to curb the deadly impact of the crisis. Watch a recording of the discussion below:[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDcCUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIybWFyZ2luJTNBMCUyMGF1dG8lM0IlMjB0ZXh0LWFsaWduJTNBY2VudGVyJTNCJTIyJTNFJTNDdmlkZW8lMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjYwJTI1JTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyYXV0byUyMiUyMGNvbnRyb2xzJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTNDc291cmNlJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhbW5lc3R5Lm9yZy56YSUyRk91clBsYW5ldElzQnVybmluZy5tcDQlMjIlMjB0eXBlJTNEJTIydmlkZW8lMkZtcDQlMjIlM0UlMEFZb3VyJTIwYnJvd3NlciUyMGRvZXMlMjBub3QlMjBzdXBwb3J0JTIwdGhlJTIwdmlkZW8lMjB0YWcuJTBBJTNDJTJGdmlkZW8lM0UlM0MlMkZwJTNF[/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_1629974546811{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

Learning opportunity: Coursea

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Understanding Violence is an online course is a 5-week, self-paced online course from Emory University (a university in Atlanta, Georgia, US) on Coursera.org.

The course consists of video lectures, readings, assignments, discussions, and quizzes. At the end of the course, course partakers will be asked to engage in a day of action and compassion.

[/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%2Fwww.coursera.org%2Flearn%2Fviolence” el_class=”amnesty-button large-heading”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”large-heading” css=”.vc_custom_1629974605244{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

Sonke Gender Justice – Internships (unpaid)

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Sonke Gender Justice offers internships for dynamic, enthusiastic, mature, and committed individuals and professionals who are interested in learning from and contributing to Sonke’s work. There is no financial support for internships at Sonke.

The internships have no closing dates and are thus opened indefinitely.

[/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%2Fgenderjustice.org.za%2Fabout-us%2Finternships-sonke%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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