World day of

Hi everyone!

Spring is a comin'! I can feel it, I can feel it!

Did you know that yesterday was a World Day of Social Justice? The United Nations has recognized January 20th as day to promote efforts to ameliorate poverty and lessen disparities in our world. I did not know that such a thing existed. While I am proud that we have designated a day to become more aware of social injustice, I am disappointed that it is not a widely celebrated day. 

Still, our chapter celebrated it and now all our members know of the day! woot! We filled out a slogan, "This year, I am fighting for _________." This exercise was simple and short, but it got me started to think about the various social injustice around me. The simple act of thinking, "what AM I fighting for!?" was inspring and motivating. 

This year, I am fighting to end domestic violence and sexual abuse in households. Domestic violence not only damages the victims' physical and mental health, but it may also teach witnesses (often children in the family)  that violence is acceptable. Studies show that boys who have witnessed violence in their homes grow up later to become perpetuators and girls become more likely to be victimized. I want to stop this perpetuation of domestic violence. I hope to become more sensitive to signs of domestic violence and be able to take action when I interact with children who may be in this situation.

One step at a time, 

Sera 

Some World News

Hello folks,

I hope you all are enjoying a relaxing Presidents' Day Weekend. With a bit of spare time on my hands (finally), I've had the chance to catch up on some world news that I thought I'd share here on the blog.


From the New York Times: Malawi's Leader Makes Safe Childbirth Her Mission

The drive to make childbirth safer in Malawi involves a delicate balance between respect for tradition and stressing the importance of medical science.
http://nyti.ms/XOANpe


And also from the NY Times: Anti-Apartheid Leader Forms New Party in South Africa

Mamphela Ramphele, a respected veteran of the anti-apartheid movement, announced the formation of Agang, meaning "build," in a challenge to the governing African National Congress.
http://nyti.ms/YBmBzc


Enjoy!

Marisa M.

Ted Talk: "The Danger of a Single Story"

Hi everyone!

I recently watched (and enjoyed) this Ted Talk featuring Chimamanda Adichie. She is a Nigerian woman who, in this video, discusses the dangers of having "a single story," specifically focusing on the problems associated with a "single story" of Africa. She discusses how Sub-Saharan African, although composed of many countries, cultures, languages, and ideologies, is often viewed as one collective place and "one thing." This single story of Africa often portrays the entire continent as being a place of poverty, AIDS, and "darkness" among other things. If you're interested... take a look! The link is below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

GlobeMed love,

Meygan