Hi there Readers!
Hope you’re keeping well and having a stunning April and a surprising Spring 2024.
Today we’re going to talk about an extremely important subject: Civil Rights and Women’ rights.
First of all, let me introduce AIDEZ NOUS À AIDER.
‘Aidez nous à Aider’ is committed to promoting self-reliance through a variety of entrepreneurial projects, with a specific focus on skill development for migrants in Morocco. Their mission is migrant empowerment by facilitating practical skills and enhancing the lives of marginalized communities. As a grassroots movement, they actively engage with migrants in Morocco, working collaboratively to provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge. Their goal is to establish sustainable pathways for these individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, fostering both personal growth and community improvement.
Probably, when you think of Morocco, you only imagine colourful seascapes, crowded markets, historical towns, local folklore and so on…just through a tourist’s eyes.
Well, your mind would dream of these images:
Morocco attracts many tourists drawn by its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, flavorful cuisine, and diverse ecosystems. Yet, the narratives of migrant communities often fade into the background. Among them, women migrants encounter a myriad of challenges. Predominantly originating from Sub-Saharan African countries, migrants in Morocco confront various hurdles, especially those living without legal documentation. Women migrants, in particular, face many obstacles such as limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to exploitation, discrimination, and gender-based violence. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion, protection, and empowerment of women migrants in Moroccan society.
‘ Women migrants in Morocco often lack legal documentation, rendering them vulnerable to exploitation and hindering access to essential services. They face heightened risks of gender-based violence due to cultural norms and inadequate legal protection. Language barriers and discrimination impede their access to healthcare services, while informal employment sectors offer low wages and exploitative conditions. Separation from families causes emotional distress, particularly for women with children, and social integration is hampered by language barriers and social stigma. Limited access to childcare services complicates the balance between work and family responsibilities. Moreover, women migrants may lack awareness of legal rights and face obstacles in obtaining residency and protection from violence. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts to strengthen legal protections, promote gender equality, and enhance access to essential services for women migrants in Morocco.’ (ANA website)
So, how can ‘Aidez nous à aider’ help Women?
‘ What is so special about Aidez nous a Aider, is its distinctive approach, as our entire team and board of directors, except for the founder, are migrants. This intentional composition stems from our belief that those directly affected by migration possess unparalleled insights into their needs and the potential for change. We consider it essential to be guided by individuals who intimately understand the complexities of migration, ensuring our initiatives are not only relevant but also reflective of the lived experiences of migrants. Beyond practical considerations, this approach serves as a powerful vehicle for empowerment, providing a platform for migrants to lead, share their stories, and advocate for change. By placing migrants at the forefront, our organization becomes a conduit for their voices, fostering a culture of representation and actively shaping a narrative that is authentic, inclusive, and impactful.‘ (from ANA website)
Compassion and empathy should not stop at borders. We must extend our helping hand to those who have left their homes in search of a better life.” – Unknown
OPULENT ART GALLERY PROUDLY SUPPORTS ‘AIDEZ NOUS À AIDER’ !😀😀😀
Finally, let us now consider the awesome words concerning CIVIL RIGHTS and help initiatives supported by one of my favourite Downton Abbey Stars, Ms JOANNE FROGGATT:
The BBC announced:’Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt will read ‘Like a Girl’ by Lori Degman and illustrated by LRS artist Mara Penny on Saturday, March 30th. The story follows 24 women who took risks, broke barriers and transformed the world – from civil rights activist, Rosa Parks to astronaut, Sally Ride’
The Star explained: ‘Storytelling has always been my passion and I couldn’t be more excited to be reading for CBeebies Bedtime Stories. The story is so beautiful and empowering and would be a lovely way to spend a little of the Easter weekend. I hope you enjoy it.’
Well, here is the plot: Twenty-four women leaders are pictured as models of working ‘like a girl’ in this rhyming inspirational poem jn a sort of multicultural roster of talented, hardworking women and girls, all apparently cis, depicted in grayscale portraits with their names below their pictures.
‘Each page holds one line of a rhyming couplet with one woman at work in illustrations composed of strong shapes and vivid colors. “Stand up like a girl, by refusing to stand”—Rosa Parks sits calmly on an (empty) bus, looking out at readers; “Stand up like a girl, by extending your hand”—Mother Teresa offers a bowl of rice to three children of different races. Malala Yousafzai raises a fist in the air, holding a “Resist” sign and surrounded by other feminist signs at a protest march; the young Ruby Bridges stands facing a crowd with calm dignity, with the text “keep on going; persist.”
Leaders who overcame challenges, such as Hellen Keller and Tammy Duckworth, “prevail like a girl.” Artists, architects, and writers like Frida Kahlo and Zaha Hadid all “create like a girl.” Pilots and astronauts “soar,” athletes “train,” philanthropists and activists “change the world like a girl.” Minibiographies at the end of the book introduce the major accomplishments of each featured leader, helping this book to double as a fun read-aloud and an informative lead-in to further research.’ ( from Kirkus website)
IN CONCLUSION, WE SHOULD AND WE MUST PERSIST AND DEFEND ALL DIGNITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS, UNTIL WE ARE ALL EQUAL. LIKE A GIRL.
PLEASE HELP ‘AIDEZ NOUS À AIDER ‘ TO HELP WOMEN.
Please visit https://aideznousaaider.com/
written by Downton Gazette & Fontana Shelter (Artsy and Opulent Art represented artist)
downtongazette@gmail.com
Instagram downtongazett
Twitter Downtongazette
https://www.oxmag.co.uk/oxloves/downton-gazette/
