A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.
Central America
Cross-Border Cartels Dig in Their Heels - IPS News, Mar 22, 2010
While the war on drugs intensifies in Mexico, other countries feel the heat as cartels migrate. The Guatemalan president says, "When (Mexico) has a success, I have a problem."
Mexico
Coalition Takes on the PRI in Oaxaca's Crucial 2010 Elections - Upside Down World, March 30, 2010
Oaxaca may play a role in leveling the political playing field this year.
India
Schizophrenia of agricultural policy - India Together, March 27, 2010
India's agricultural policies are all over the place regarding biodiversity, genetically modified crops, and food prices.
Nepal
Women tortured on charges of practicing witchcraft displaced - Nepal News, March 30, 2010
Three women were beaten after a man accused them of being witches. Police were present but unable to intervene.
Southern Africa
Celebrating local successes against gender violence - Pambazuka.org, March 26, 2010
The first Southern Africa Local Government and Gender Justice Summit and Awards included participants from 10 countries.
Zimbabwe
Men Take a Hands-On Approach to Pregnancy – AllAfrica.com March 30, 2010
Men in rural Zimbabwean are taking a hands-on approach to pregnancy - and to preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
IDEX Board member and adventurer, Diane Dodge, undertook a field visit to IDEX's partners in South Africa and Zimbabwe over the holiday season. Diane began her trip in Zimbabwe and visited IDEX partner, Girl Child Network (GCN), in Hwange to learn more about their programs and the situation in Zimbabwe.
Diane first met with Ruth, GCN's Program Officer. Ruth explained that in the last few years many people have left Zimbabwe because of the economic and political crises. This has created lots of vacancies in social organizations that work with GCN. Since there are fewer resources to connect with, there has been less support available. Although it has been a challenging time, GCN continues to provide counseling and support to the girls as well as tuition and school supplies.
GCN continues to plays a critical role in raising the profile of abuse in Zimbabwe. They support girls both in filing police reports and when they attend court to give evidence. GCN has been instrumental in encouraging people to speak out about abuse and persuading the courts to convict perpetrators.
After Zimbabwe, Diane traveled to meet several IDEX grantees in South Africa and spent some time in Cape Town. By chance, she found herself at a flea market one day where she started talking with a couple selling Zimbabwean artwork. She was delighted to discover that the woman, named Maurible, was not only from Zimbabwe, but that she had been a girl at Girl Child Network.
She greeted Diane warmly and shared her story. Maurible, now 21, credits GCN with saving her life and still regards herself as a GCN girl today. Maurible learned of GCN when she rescued from an abusive situation as a girl. GCN provided her school fees and supplies, and later she became an intern with them, in turn, helping other girls.
When the situation got really tough in Zimbabwe, GCN helped her raise some money to leave the country. Now she is in Cape Town and she says her life is good. She is married and has a little girl. The business is going well, too. Maurible says she will always appreciate GCN and hopes her daughter can experience such a powerful support program to help her find a place in the world. IDEX would like to share with you details of Other Worlds, which invites you to learn more about them (details below).
All over the world, creative people are thinking outside the box and creating alternatives to the status quo, challenging conventional thinking about the ways in which economies, societies and cultures best function. These solutions are seeding another kind of world--one of solidarity rather than greed, of community self-determination rather than corporate control, of sustainability rather than destruction, and of peace rather than war. These alternatives take many different shapes and forms: food production that is healthy, sustainable and sovereign, energy production that is clean, local and renewable, health care that is affordable and accessible to all, and more.
Because we feel that learning about and supporting these models is so hugely important, we've created the Other Worlds Are Possible Giving Circle, to provide an opportunity for funders to learn about and support these global efforts, in the context of a diverse peer community of practitioners and funders who are all exploring this essential leading-edge work together. Now in its second cycle, this year's Giving Circle will have a special focus on Haiti, and on women.
If the Other Worlds are Possible Giving Circle sounds intriguing to you, and you would like to learn more about what we have planned for 2010, I would invite you to:
1. Follow this link to Other Worlds to see their brochure, examples of alternatives, and update on the 2010 cycle.
2. Contact Laurie Emrich, Program Coordinator, to talk more about it (202) 722-1903.
3. Participate in an information session, by phone. Call above, for details.
4. Share this information with anyone else who you think can use some inspiration and might be interested in participating!
Guatemala
Report of OHCHR on the activities of their office in Guatemala - Guatemala Times, March 25, 2010
The present report describes some key aspects of the human rights situation in Guatemala as well as the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in 2009.
India
Environment clearance: A sham again - IndiaTogether.org, March 22, 2010
Permission to build in ecologically sensitive areas is routinelly given without any true regulation behind it. Building projects and even expansions are commonly begun before clearence is received.
Mexico
Rare Worthen's sparrow nest sites found in Mexico - BBC, March 22, 2010
Scientists are optimistic about the current number of existing sparrows. Conservationists are eager for new information that will help them increase the sparrows’ chances of survival.
Nepal
Ramping up the fight against child malnutrition - IRIN, March 16, 2010
Half of the children under age five suffer from chronic malnutrition. The government is renewing their efforts to tackle the situation and has coordinated different ministries to work together.
South Africa
What South Africa's World Cup really means - Pambazuka.org, March 18, 2010
There are concerns that the World Cup will not bring much income to the country’s poorer citizens. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is permitted to outlaw vendors within a kilometer of the event, and even to revoke any journalist’s license.
Zimbabwe
MDC begins campaign to name and shame perpetrators of violence - SW Radio Africa, March 23, 2010
Many of perpetrators of the 2008 election violence serve in parliament or the military. The MDC will be publishing their names this week with the hope of bringing some justice to the country.
Guatemala
Guatemala: Off Track for Millennium Development Goals - Womensnet.org, March 03, 2010
Guatemala will not be able to reach its goal of halving the number of its citizens living in extreme poverty by 2015. The goal was set at an international summit in 2000 and is based on 1989 poverty figures.
Mexico
How Mexico gets it wrong - LA Times, March 16, 2010
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has criticized Mexico for its increase in human rights abuses in the name of fighting crime. This includes immunity for military personnel, arbitrary detention and a lack of transparency.
Latin America
Abortion in Latin America - Still Illegal, Still Killing, Despite Growing Awareness - UpsideDownWorld.org, March 10, 2010
This article explores the role of patriarchy, the feminist movement, and the church in Latin America's anti-abortion stand.
India
India endorses Copenhagen climate accord, with conditions - CNN.com, March 10, 2010
India committed to reducing carbon emissions 20 to 25 percent by 2020 in a legally non-binding agreement.
Nepal
One-ninth of Nepal faces starvation, UN warns - MalaysiaNews.com, March 10, 2010
Food shortage, natural disasters, and sanitation and hygiene issues are all problematic. "An estimated 28,000 children die every year from preventable diseases."
South Africa
Gender Loses Out in Basic Education Crisis - AllAfrica.com, March 11, 2010
Curriculum that promotes gender equality is overshadowed by the socio-economic problems faced by schools and students. Many schools lack water, electricity, teachers, or bathrooms.
Zimbabwe
Millions in Zimbabwe face hunger woes - BigPondNews.com, March 12, 2010
About a third of the population is facing starvation due to the drought. The Red Cross is on location but facing funding shortages.
Guatemala
All Guatemalan Regions Improve Illiteracy Rates - Prensa-Latina, Mar 4, 2010
A Cuban literacy program is working towards eradicating illiteracy in all Guatemalan provinces.
India
Indian upper house approves women's quota bill - BBC.co.uk, Mar 9, 2010
Parliament approved a bill to reserve a third of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures for women. Currently women occupy about 10% of seats.
Mexico
Battle to Preserve Baja's Whale Nursery Celebrated, but Threats Remain - OneEarth.org, Mar 8, 2010
A historic victory 10 years ago gave the whale population a chance to remain steady. Corporations, like Mitsubishi, are still interested in developing the area.
Nepal
Murders and death threats to silence Nepali media - Speroforum.com, Mar 06, 2010
The government recently acknowledged that police are concerned about media investigations into illegal police activities; this concern has led to the muder of prominent media figures.
South Africa
Zuma Wraps Up UK Visit - AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
President Jacob Zuma was in Britain attending a business seminar. The seminar will discuss climate change, the global economy, and international trade.
Zimbabwe
Government Revising Empowerment Rules - Chris Muronzi, AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
A business regulation designed to "broaden the ownership structures… as to also involve our own citizens" by suggesting 51% of shares to be sold to blacks.
Asia
Pesticides pose health risks - The Pesticide Action Network, Feb 25, 2010
The Pesticide Action Network is concerned about the "unacceptably high health risks" suffered by several Asian countries. Studies found that pesticide poisoning is severely under reported.
Nepal
Leprosy eradication could be years away - IRIN News, Feb 19, 2010
Leprosy is on the decline but authorities are concerned that this knowledge will breed complacency. There is also a concern that the country will now receive less funding for battling the disease.
Guatemala
Indigenous women in Guatemala and climate change - Guatemala Times, Feb 18 2010
Several organizations have come together to promote the involvement of women in issues regarding climate change. It is believed that, worldwide, "women have the potential to mobilize against climate change".
Mexico
Five peasants slain in land feud in Mexico - Earth Times, Feb 21, 2010
Two communities in Oaxaca have a long-standing feud over an area of land. Their recent violence has resulted on the loss of members from both communities.
Africa
Finding the food crops of the future - IRIN News, Feb 24, 2010
Research institutions have been concerned about how climate change will impact Africa's ability to grow food in the future. Michigan State University began working on a computerized research model years ago.
Zimbabwe
Union leader back in hiding after police raid - Alex Bell, Feb 25 2010
Gertrude Hambira has been hunted several times since reports on government land grabs were published. Hambira is the Secretary General of the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ). Amnesty International is calling for a stop on intimidation of all GAPWUZ staff.
Central America
Cross-Border Cartels Dig in Their Heels - IPS News, Mar 22, 2010
While the war on drugs intensifies in Mexico, other countries feel the heat as cartels migrate. The Guatemalan president says, "When (Mexico) has a success, I have a problem."
Mexico
Coalition Takes on the PRI in Oaxaca's Crucial 2010 Elections - Upside Down World, March 30, 2010
Oaxaca may play a role in leveling the political playing field this year.
India
Schizophrenia of agricultural policy - India Together, March 27, 2010
India's agricultural policies are all over the place regarding biodiversity, genetically modified crops, and food prices.
Nepal
Women tortured on charges of practicing witchcraft displaced - Nepal News, March 30, 2010
Three women were beaten after a man accused them of being witches. Police were present but unable to intervene.
Southern Africa
Celebrating local successes against gender violence - Pambazuka.org, March 26, 2010
The first Southern Africa Local Government and Gender Justice Summit and Awards included participants from 10 countries.
Zimbabwe
Men Take a Hands-On Approach to Pregnancy – AllAfrica.com March 30, 2010
Men in rural Zimbabwean are taking a hands-on approach to pregnancy - and to preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Labels: Central America, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
IDEX Board member and adventurer, Diane Dodge, undertook a field visit to IDEX's partners in South Africa and Zimbabwe over the holiday season. Diane began her trip in Zimbabwe and visited IDEX partner, Girl Child Network (GCN), in Hwange to learn more about their programs and the situation in Zimbabwe.Diane first met with Ruth, GCN's Program Officer. Ruth explained that in the last few years many people have left Zimbabwe because of the economic and political crises. This has created lots of vacancies in social organizations that work with GCN. Since there are fewer resources to connect with, there has been less support available. Although it has been a challenging time, GCN continues to provide counseling and support to the girls as well as tuition and school supplies.
GCN continues to plays a critical role in raising the profile of abuse in Zimbabwe. They support girls both in filing police reports and when they attend court to give evidence. GCN has been instrumental in encouraging people to speak out about abuse and persuading the courts to convict perpetrators.
After Zimbabwe, Diane traveled to meet several IDEX grantees in South Africa and spent some time in Cape Town. By chance, she found herself at a flea market one day where she started talking with a couple selling Zimbabwean artwork. She was delighted to discover that the woman, named Maurible, was not only from Zimbabwe, but that she had been a girl at Girl Child Network.
She greeted Diane warmly and shared her story. Maurible, now 21, credits GCN with saving her life and still regards herself as a GCN girl today. Maurible learned of GCN when she rescued from an abusive situation as a girl. GCN provided her school fees and supplies, and later she became an intern with them, in turn, helping other girls.
When the situation got really tough in Zimbabwe, GCN helped her raise some money to leave the country. Now she is in Cape Town and she says her life is good. She is married and has a little girl. The business is going well, too. Maurible says she will always appreciate GCN and hopes her daughter can experience such a powerful support program to help her find a place in the world. IDEX would like to share with you details of Other Worlds, which invites you to learn more about them (details below).
All over the world, creative people are thinking outside the box and creating alternatives to the status quo, challenging conventional thinking about the ways in which economies, societies and cultures best function. These solutions are seeding another kind of world--one of solidarity rather than greed, of community self-determination rather than corporate control, of sustainability rather than destruction, and of peace rather than war. These alternatives take many different shapes and forms: food production that is healthy, sustainable and sovereign, energy production that is clean, local and renewable, health care that is affordable and accessible to all, and more.
Because we feel that learning about and supporting these models is so hugely important, we've created the Other Worlds Are Possible Giving Circle, to provide an opportunity for funders to learn about and support these global efforts, in the context of a diverse peer community of practitioners and funders who are all exploring this essential leading-edge work together. Now in its second cycle, this year's Giving Circle will have a special focus on Haiti, and on women.
If the Other Worlds are Possible Giving Circle sounds intriguing to you, and you would like to learn more about what we have planned for 2010, I would invite you to:
1. Follow this link to Other Worlds to see their brochure, examples of alternatives, and update on the 2010 cycle.
2. Contact Laurie Emrich, Program Coordinator, to talk more about it (202) 722-1903.
3. Participate in an information session, by phone. Call above, for details.
4. Share this information with anyone else who you think can use some inspiration and might be interested in participating!
Labels: Other Worlds
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Report of OHCHR on the activities of their office in Guatemala - Guatemala Times, March 25, 2010
The present report describes some key aspects of the human rights situation in Guatemala as well as the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in 2009.
India
Environment clearance: A sham again - IndiaTogether.org, March 22, 2010
Permission to build in ecologically sensitive areas is routinelly given without any true regulation behind it. Building projects and even expansions are commonly begun before clearence is received.
Mexico
Rare Worthen's sparrow nest sites found in Mexico - BBC, March 22, 2010
Scientists are optimistic about the current number of existing sparrows. Conservationists are eager for new information that will help them increase the sparrows’ chances of survival.
Nepal
Ramping up the fight against child malnutrition - IRIN, March 16, 2010
Half of the children under age five suffer from chronic malnutrition. The government is renewing their efforts to tackle the situation and has coordinated different ministries to work together.
South Africa
What South Africa's World Cup really means - Pambazuka.org, March 18, 2010
There are concerns that the World Cup will not bring much income to the country’s poorer citizens. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is permitted to outlaw vendors within a kilometer of the event, and even to revoke any journalist’s license.
Zimbabwe
MDC begins campaign to name and shame perpetrators of violence - SW Radio Africa, March 23, 2010
Many of perpetrators of the 2008 election violence serve in parliament or the military. The MDC will be publishing their names this week with the hope of bringing some justice to the country.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Guatemala: Off Track for Millennium Development Goals - Womensnet.org, March 03, 2010
Guatemala will not be able to reach its goal of halving the number of its citizens living in extreme poverty by 2015. The goal was set at an international summit in 2000 and is based on 1989 poverty figures.
Mexico
How Mexico gets it wrong - LA Times, March 16, 2010
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has criticized Mexico for its increase in human rights abuses in the name of fighting crime. This includes immunity for military personnel, arbitrary detention and a lack of transparency.
Latin America
Abortion in Latin America - Still Illegal, Still Killing, Despite Growing Awareness - UpsideDownWorld.org, March 10, 2010
This article explores the role of patriarchy, the feminist movement, and the church in Latin America's anti-abortion stand.
India
India endorses Copenhagen climate accord, with conditions - CNN.com, March 10, 2010
India committed to reducing carbon emissions 20 to 25 percent by 2020 in a legally non-binding agreement.
Nepal
One-ninth of Nepal faces starvation, UN warns - MalaysiaNews.com, March 10, 2010
Food shortage, natural disasters, and sanitation and hygiene issues are all problematic. "An estimated 28,000 children die every year from preventable diseases."
South Africa
Gender Loses Out in Basic Education Crisis - AllAfrica.com, March 11, 2010
Curriculum that promotes gender equality is overshadowed by the socio-economic problems faced by schools and students. Many schools lack water, electricity, teachers, or bathrooms.
Zimbabwe
Millions in Zimbabwe face hunger woes - BigPondNews.com, March 12, 2010
About a third of the population is facing starvation due to the drought. The Red Cross is on location but facing funding shortages.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
All Guatemalan Regions Improve Illiteracy Rates - Prensa-Latina, Mar 4, 2010
A Cuban literacy program is working towards eradicating illiteracy in all Guatemalan provinces.
India
Indian upper house approves women's quota bill - BBC.co.uk, Mar 9, 2010
Parliament approved a bill to reserve a third of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures for women. Currently women occupy about 10% of seats.
Mexico
Battle to Preserve Baja's Whale Nursery Celebrated, but Threats Remain - OneEarth.org, Mar 8, 2010
A historic victory 10 years ago gave the whale population a chance to remain steady. Corporations, like Mitsubishi, are still interested in developing the area.
Nepal
Murders and death threats to silence Nepali media - Speroforum.com, Mar 06, 2010
The government recently acknowledged that police are concerned about media investigations into illegal police activities; this concern has led to the muder of prominent media figures.
South Africa
Zuma Wraps Up UK Visit - AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
President Jacob Zuma was in Britain attending a business seminar. The seminar will discuss climate change, the global economy, and international trade.
Zimbabwe
Government Revising Empowerment Rules - Chris Muronzi, AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
A business regulation designed to "broaden the ownership structures… as to also involve our own citizens" by suggesting 51% of shares to be sold to blacks.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Asia
Pesticides pose health risks - The Pesticide Action Network, Feb 25, 2010
The Pesticide Action Network is concerned about the "unacceptably high health risks" suffered by several Asian countries. Studies found that pesticide poisoning is severely under reported.
Nepal
Leprosy eradication could be years away - IRIN News, Feb 19, 2010
Leprosy is on the decline but authorities are concerned that this knowledge will breed complacency. There is also a concern that the country will now receive less funding for battling the disease.
Guatemala
Indigenous women in Guatemala and climate change - Guatemala Times, Feb 18 2010
Several organizations have come together to promote the involvement of women in issues regarding climate change. It is believed that, worldwide, "women have the potential to mobilize against climate change".
Mexico
Five peasants slain in land feud in Mexico - Earth Times, Feb 21, 2010
Two communities in Oaxaca have a long-standing feud over an area of land. Their recent violence has resulted on the loss of members from both communities.
Africa
Finding the food crops of the future - IRIN News, Feb 24, 2010
Research institutions have been concerned about how climate change will impact Africa's ability to grow food in the future. Michigan State University began working on a computerized research model years ago.
Zimbabwe
Union leader back in hiding after police raid - Alex Bell, Feb 25 2010
Gertrude Hambira has been hunted several times since reports on government land grabs were published. Hambira is the Secretary General of the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ). Amnesty International is calling for a stop on intimidation of all GAPWUZ staff.
Labels: Asia, Guatemala, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe