Think this is a really good project especially as it could be used in other countries to educate women on the problems they suffer!
Just wondering if whether the media image has changed at all so far even in the smallest way? How much public attention has this scheme had already? Through the use of the training you are putting the women through? Also how are the women dealing with being put into the media and dealing with these issues they are addressing??
The media image in terms of homosexuality hasn't changed much, though quite a few of journalists are starting to attend our events (such as Soweto Pride) and reporting positively. There is still a lot of stigma around being a lesbian. Women's soccer is growing in popularity but the society still shuns the idea that some of the players are gay.
The leadership programme that the players are part of, only started last year in July after we got funding from some donors. We have a follow up this year again and the changes that we've noticed with the women is that some are starting to feel a bit more comfortable speaking to the media about issues affecting lesbian women, especially hate crimes. They have even started realising their roles as Women Human Rights Defenders and are identifying with that label and not just as soccer players.
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Mbumbi:
you have a great program and comprehensive program here with many wonderful and strong components to empower black lesbian athletes and competitors.
In terns of raising money for your efforts- one suggestions,you should look up on line and approach a Lesbian Righs organization here in New York City called Astraea. Katherine Acey Director as they fund with grants, both domestic and international projects that empower lesbians.
Keep up the great concept and work that you are doing.
Liz
Thank you Liz, we have had contact with Astraea as they funded a lot of our smaller projects years back before we restructured into the current programmes. We are crossing our fingers as we've sent our proposal to them but for funding not the team in particular but our leadership programme.
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Women Win is the first ever international women’s fund that supports sport and physical activities as instruments for social change and women’s empowerment.
Women Win believes that sport is the way for women and girls to learn leadership skills, develop character, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, while at the same time discover the fun, support and power of being together.
Women Win is excited to be a part of the GameChangers Competition.
Women Win will use the competition to find a fellow between the ages of 15 and 65 years old that positively change the lives of women and girls in their community through sports.
Women Win has fellows and ambassadors who are brilliant, innovative and effective women who contribute significantly to the advancement of societies and address social problems through sports as a strategy. http://www.womenwin.org/fellows.html
I think your project is doing a great deal in terms of raising awareness about sexuality, I don't know if you would agree with me that in townships -it is much easier for people accept gay men then lesbians.
I think your team can solve this challenge and teach tolerance.
i would disagree with the fact that gay men are less vulnerable because the more effeminate men are usually targeted as well. I think what causes the attacks to be more directed at lesbian women is that we challenge the whole idea of masculinity and because of cultural pressures and teachings that place women in submissive roles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
I just wanted to add my voice to the other comments here in saying that your project sounds amazing, and I wish you best of luck with it.
I just read a statistic saying that "homosexual acts" are still illegal in 78 countries--that is 40% of the countries in the world! We all need to do everything we can to raise awareness and visibility. Thank you for your efforts.
it's shocking how the world still views homosexuality and for FEW it's very important to make sure that our constituency know and understand that the SA Constitution VS Reality are two different things and it's very hard when you have culture and religion being thrown in your face as well.
Reality is that a lot of countries may talk about about human rights being important and being protected but it's usually all talk and no action.
South Africa has the largest number of hate crimes against black lesbian women and the justice system has failed us over and over.
-----------------------------------------------------
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Hi Mpumi
Congratulations on your great project. We also do a lot of work around queer and transgender issues at our project Boxgirls Berlin. We are planning on starting a project in South AFrica in cooperation with the University of the Western Cape, the Western Cape Boxing Association and a gym in Capetown. Where are you based? Do you have programmes in Cape Town? Lets meet to discuss how we can help each other.
Please take a look at "boxgirls: courage wins".
Cameron
Heather Cameron
Executive Director
Boxgirls International
Professor - Freie Universitaet Berlin
Comments
Hi,
Think this is a really good project especially as it could be used in other countries to educate women on the problems they suffer!
Just wondering if whether the media image has changed at all so far even in the smallest way? How much public attention has this scheme had already? Through the use of the training you are putting the women through? Also how are the women dealing with being put into the media and dealing with these issues they are addressing??
Hi Dominique,
The media image in terms of homosexuality hasn't changed much, though quite a few of journalists are starting to attend our events (such as Soweto Pride) and reporting positively. There is still a lot of stigma around being a lesbian. Women's soccer is growing in popularity but the society still shuns the idea that some of the players are gay.
The leadership programme that the players are part of, only started last year in July after we got funding from some donors. We have a follow up this year again and the changes that we've noticed with the women is that some are starting to feel a bit more comfortable speaking to the media about issues affecting lesbian women, especially hate crimes. They have even started realising their roles as Women Human Rights Defenders and are identifying with that label and not just as soccer players.
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Mbumbi:
you have a great program and comprehensive program here with many wonderful and strong components to empower black lesbian athletes and competitors.
In terns of raising money for your efforts- one suggestions,you should look up on line and approach a Lesbian Righs organization here in New York City called Astraea. Katherine Acey Director as they fund with grants, both domestic and international projects that empower lesbians.
Keep up the great concept and work that you are doing.
Liz
Thank you Liz, we have had contact with Astraea as they funded a lot of our smaller projects years back before we restructured into the current programmes. We are crossing our fingers as we've sent our proposal to them but for funding not the team in particular but our leadership programme.
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Hello Mbumbi,
I would like to invite you to join the Women Win group at http://sportforchange.changemakers.net/en-us/group/womenwin. Just click in join this group.
Women Win is the first ever international women’s fund that supports sport and physical activities as instruments for social change and women’s empowerment.
Women Win believes that sport is the way for women and girls to learn leadership skills, develop character, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, while at the same time discover the fun, support and power of being together.
Women Win is excited to be a part of the GameChangers Competition.
Women Win will use the competition to find a fellow between the ages of 15 and 65 years old that positively change the lives of women and girls in their community through sports.
Women Win has fellows and ambassadors who are brilliant, innovative and effective women who contribute significantly to the advancement of societies and address social problems through sports as a strategy. http://www.womenwin.org/fellows.html
We would love to hear opinion on the topics debated here http://sportforchange.changemakers.net/forum/262.
All the best luck!
Hi Renata,
thank you for the invitation to join the group, i will definitely do so.
Mpumi
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Hi Mpumi
I think your project is doing a great deal in terms of raising awareness about sexuality, I don't know if you would agree with me that in townships -it is much easier for people accept gay men then lesbians.
I think your team can solve this challenge and teach tolerance.
Hi 3 Tin,
i would disagree with the fact that gay men are less vulnerable because the more effeminate men are usually targeted as well. I think what causes the attacks to be more directed at lesbian women is that we challenge the whole idea of masculinity and because of cultural pressures and teachings that place women in submissive roles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Hi Mpumi,
I just wanted to add my voice to the other comments here in saying that your project sounds amazing, and I wish you best of luck with it.
I just read a statistic saying that "homosexual acts" are still illegal in 78 countries--that is 40% of the countries in the world! We all need to do everything we can to raise awareness and visibility. Thank you for your efforts.
Best,
Kathleen
www.rownewyork.org
Hi RowNewYork, (i like the name)
it's shocking how the world still views homosexuality and for FEW it's very important to make sure that our constituency know and understand that the SA Constitution VS Reality are two different things and it's very hard when you have culture and religion being thrown in your face as well.
Reality is that a lot of countries may talk about about human rights being important and being protected but it's usually all talk and no action.
South Africa has the largest number of hate crimes against black lesbian women and the justice system has failed us over and over.
-----------------------------------------------------
Who I love is not the issue, your hatred, prejudice and homophobia is!
Hi Mpumi
Congratulations on your great project. We also do a lot of work around queer and transgender issues at our project Boxgirls Berlin. We are planning on starting a project in South AFrica in cooperation with the University of the Western Cape, the Western Cape Boxing Association and a gym in Capetown. Where are you based? Do you have programmes in Cape Town? Lets meet to discuss how we can help each other.
Please take a look at "boxgirls: courage wins".
Cameron
Heather Cameron
Executive Director
Boxgirls International
Professor - Freie Universitaet Berlin
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