James Morris, intern at UNRIC for the Director in Brussels
In making this 7th edition on gender I have come to realise that many people either question the legitimacy of gender analysis or feel that it is not an issue deserving of attention. We all know on a personal level between our friends and family that there are gender differences. The majority of us also agree that there’s a need for equality. But when it comes to putting the achievement of gender equality into action, the movement lacks practical widespread support.
And the issues that face women in particular are desperate for attention. Gender-based violence is an issue that is now, thankfully, getting more attention. However, more discrete gender issues such as pay equality at work, glass ceilings and support for mothers are also key issues to address. Only by addressing these can we achieve gender equality and see the positive benefits that it will bring.
As interns, we need to remember that there are gender issues present in all of our work. We are the next generation of the work force and decision makers and we must engage in gender analysis and promote it in our workplaces---what we need is a groundswell. There are teams of experts to help us when we need advice, and as Joanne Sandler from UNIFEM has told us, there’s a huge demand but not enough supply. While this ‘demand’ is a surprising statement to hear for those of us on the lookout for jobs, spreading the message and encouraging gender perspectives will only help the amount of gender-based jobs, and more importantly funding, to become available.
But gender issues don’t end with the working day. In our homes and in all our relationships the move away, for example, from household gender roles and gender stereotypes are all areas where we should also take action.
I hope that this issue will demonstrate to all who take the time to read it that gender is part of everything we do and that it is a real issue. We are all passively involved but we need everyone’s support to take real and effective action. ■
Download the 7th edition here.
Editor JAMES MORRIS
Deputy Editor IAN DEAN
Website Editor SØREN FRIIS
Layout Team JAMES MORRIS, LAURA NEUVONEN, SØREN FRIIS, IGNACIO PUENTE
Contributors SIMONA DONINI, VIIVI ERKKILÄ, ANDREW MILROY, POLLYANA DE MORAES BORGES, MARIA ERDAL ASKIM, JOS RAYMENANTS, IAN DEAN, JOÃO REDONDO, ALEXANDRA BASHA, HELENE FAURE, SØREN FRIIS, LANA OH, IGNACIO PUENTE, ASTRID BOTHMANN
Special thanks to CLARA DE LA HOZ DEL REAL, LAURE MEURISSE, ǺSA DAHLVIK, UNRIC STAFF, KAMALA ERNEST, UNIFEM BRUSSELS, GREGORY CORNWELL
Cover image Karin Beate Nøsterud/norden.org Atomium images ANNE BJØRN 6th edition atomium images Katariina Juvonen
IMAGES are predominantly UN Photos available from un.org/photos or public domain images from wikipedia. We have noted all sources and photographers where information is available. Alternative sources are noted on the image.
I.V. is a 100% UN interns' magazine giving all UN interns the opportunity to network, express opinions and share knowledge, points of view and experiences. Everything from articles to layout and editing is done by UN interns. If you want to get involved, the intern team at UNRIC in Brussels would love to hear from you!
0 comments:
Post a Comment