Call for COVID-19 change champions
Date:
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of many across the world and continues to threaten socio-economic development for all. For women and girls the threat is potentially greater due to widespread pre-existing discrimination and inequalities. Women are at increased risk of losing livelihoods. Existing trends point to less access to sexual and reproductive health and rise in domestic violence during crisis.
Amidst this adversity, we are witnessing some of the most compelling examples of human resilience, compassion, and solidarity from local to global levels, where women and men and organizations are working to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those groups most at risk of being left behind in benefiting from emergency support and recovery solutions.
As in any crises, many champions are emerging - whether they are grocery store workers, household waste, health and social workers, aid workers, teachers and physical exercise trainers, scientists rushing to develop a vaccine or vaccine trial participants, parents and siblings or just ordinary citizens caring for their neighbours. Each one of them are juggling many responsibilities and looking out for one another.
Our staff at UN Women and other organizations are working against all challenges - taking care of their families, children - making a massive impact. Our teams are making a difference in supporting communities in vulnerable situations - including women, the elderly, the sick, children, refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants, survivors of violence - in addressing the insurmountable challenges that COVID-19 has put in front of us.
Through the podcast COVID-19 Change Champions, we are looking to raise the voices of these extraordinary heroes and heroines who have demonstrated superpowers while at work, through volunteering and within their homes. These could be individuals working in an organization, company, or even contributing through unpaid work in their homes and communities.
We are looking to spread positivity and inspiration by shining a light on the incredible practices and on the contributions of both women and men who are making a difference and the world a better place. If you know of such a hero or heroine, or you yourself, have played a key role during these unprecedented times, please come forward and share your name and story.
Please write to Blerta Cela at blerta.cela@unwomen.org and Linnea Carleson [ Click to reveal ] and include a page or paragraph of your heroic story and superpower(s). Do also include what motivated/inspired you to champion this change.
If your COVID-19 Change Champions story is selected, you will be invited to an online interview and will have an opportunity to be featured in a podcast with global outreach.
Get writing, and good luck!