Using Cricket to Confront Gender Inequality in Mumbai

While in Mumbai this past summer on my study abroad program, I learned from the residents living in “slums” about the systemic mistreatment of girls. The giving away of girls in marriage at the age of 16 is very commonplace. Additionally, there is a significant number of girls who are forced to drop out of school when puberty hits simply because there are no bathroom facilities for girls. Unfortunately, this basic oversight contributes to their lower educational achievement. Although girls and women play a huge role in holding up the community, they are very often dismissed as less than human beings.

Disparity in gender equality has created practices such as child marriage, high incidences of domestic violence, bodily mutilation, and constraints on a woman’s education or freedom outside the home. Harmful practices toward children can often be based upon tradition, culture, religion, or superstition. However most of these practices are rooted in individuals taking advantage of vulnerabilities faced by girls and the lack of ability to consent or refuse consent themselves. ¹ While there are initiatives that exist to protect and empower girls and women, they sometimes place less importance in addressing the male counterpart of this issue because there is less consensus on how to approach it.

Here is one account of a community organization’s effort at addressing this gender issue beginning at childhood. The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) executed a program in Mumbai, India called Parivartan, which means “transformation” in Hindi. This initiative gathered boys from the ages of 10 to 16 to play the enticing game of cricket and simultaneously challenged them to think about women’s roles and their roles as males in their communities.  These young boys spanned the economic spectrum; some came from middle and upper class families, and others were from Shivaji Nagar, a large slum community that was one of my field work locations. Of course, the cricket coaches as role models would first have to confront their personal views of gender inequality before they taught their boys about a manhood that conferred respect and equity to girls and women.

Their traditional views of men such as one of machismo and views of women as submissive helpers kept in the homes were challenged. Across the span of the program, Parivartan did see changes in the boys: they were less supportive of the physical abuse of girls. For example, most boys in the program agreed that a girl should not be hit if she did not finish her homework. However, the program hasn’t shown evidence that the little change that began here in young boys will continue to develop as they grow older, but is a launching point for other similar programs to address gender inequality. Violence is so commonplace in India, especially in poorer communities that the lessening of it will be gradual and will necessitate a difficult transformation in the heart and mindset that shifts from one of rigid and oppressive patriarchy to one of supportive gender equality. The commitment of boys and men to confront this difficult problem is redemptive to the girls and women in their community. What seems as simple to us in the U.S. as gaining support and respect from the male figures of their families already speaks a great deal about the worth of females in their eyes.

Read more about the Parivartan project here.
¹ International NGO Council on Violence Against Children, Violating Children’s Rights: Harmful Practices Based on Tradition, Culture, Religion or Superstition, http://www.crin.org/violence/search/closeup.asp?infoID=29619 (October 2012)

Esther Liew

AATOP Program Development Intern

Crossroads: Human Trafficking and Immigration

There are between 14,500 and 17,500 foreign men, women, and children trafficked into
the U.S. every year. Many come under the false pretense of work in America, a way to free
themselves and their family of extreme poverty or other circumstances. However, as they step off
the plane or out of a bus, ready to embark on a new life they are told they have a fee to pay back
to those who offered them a way out. Passports are taken and threats made against their families
back home, and so these young immigrants are forced into domestic servitude, prostitution,
restaurant work, and exploitive labor. With the fear of deportation, angst over the safety of family
members, and no connections in America besides those who brought them over, immigrant
women, men, and children are forcibly trafficked within the country.

In the U.S. detention, a very real threat to immigrants subjected to human trafficking, is a
billion dollar business. The purpose of detention is to deport those with severe criminal offenses.
In the past 4 years over 396,000 people have been deported from the U.S. However, according to
Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) records 45% of those deported had no criminal
records. Detention centers across America, especially those run by companies such as
Corrections Corporation of America, are places where many human rights violations occur. Lack
of medical attention, access to a lawyer or pastor, and contact with family is denied, in addition,
physical and sexual abuse by guards is not uncommon. Young people who came to the U.S. with
their parents as children are sent to countries they do not know or remember after being detained
and deported.
The fight for immigrant rights is strong in the country and with the success of the No
Crete Detention Center campaign, and new immigrant federal law and policy, activists work is
slowly making strides. However, immigrants who have been trafficked into the county and find
themselves in detention centers with their human rights being denied further is a group for which
more advocacy and awareness is needed. Right now, there is a T-Visa for which undocumented
immigrants subjected to human trafficking may apply for stay in America if they adhere to
certain obligations, such as helping to prosecute their trafficker. Yet, there are still thousands of
individuals who are unaware of this opportunity or may not qualify. The crossroads of
immigration, detention, and trafficking is one that is unique and requires the assistance of human
rights activists, social justice seekers, policy makers, and social workers. As rates of human
trafficking continues to rise a stronger response will be needed by those who are able to advocate
 for immigrants whose human rights are being thoroughly denied.

Barriers to Education for Conflict Affected Youth

The story of young Malala Yusoufzai captured the attention of many across the world for her courageous stance against the Taliban’s ban on educational attainment for girls. Her struggles represent the daily hardships that youth face growing up in the midst of conflict zones. For the international community, Malala sheds light on the millions of children living in conflict zones that cannot go to school safely. In fact, weeks before Malala’s incident, UNICEF endorsed an urgent call to action to ensure that these vulnerable youth can access quality education by protecting schools from attack, increasing humanitarian aid for education, and budgeting for emergencies beforehand. Malala’s incident brought the importance and significance of this issue at the forefront.

            One might wonder, how significant is the lack of education for youth in conflict zones and what is the long-term impact? According to UNESCO’s 2011 Global Monitoring Report, conflict affected areas have only a 79% literacy rate among youth compared to a 93% literacy rate among adults. Moreover, 28 million children of primary school age are out of school in conflict-afflicted countries—about 42% of the world total.  One of the many reasons attributed to the high number of kids out of school is the lack of safety; schools and schoolchildren are viewed as legitimate targets for combatants. The consequence is a growing fear among kids to attend school, among teachers to teach classes, and among parents to send their kids to school. As a result of a lack of education, UNESCO reports a high probability that these kids will grow up in poverty without skills necessary for social mobility.

            International organizations pose protecting schools from harm as the solution to an interrupted school system. However, the focus on youth in conflict zones needs to be approached more holistically, looking at the wider impacts of violence on society. First, the breakdown of social structures in society can cause deprivation of basic services, care, and safety that children need. Second, violent conflicts destroy social support networks for youth, creating a massive amount of orphans. According to the World Bank, in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, there are about 13 million orphans, primarily under the age of 15. Finally, reports by the UN continue to provide evidence that rape and sexual assault is still prevalently used as a tool of war in many countries such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Sudan to break the family unit. Most of the targets are young girls. For those affected, rape not only brings physical harm, but psychological trauma and stigmatization within society. It also creates a sense of fear and insecurity within a victim, making them scared to leave their homes. Boys are also subject to participate in the violence as child soldiers. According to the World Bank, over 300,000 children under the age of 18 take part in armed conflicts across 30 different countries. The combined impact of all of these variables significantly reduces a child’s life chances to grow up as a healthy adult with developed cognitive and non-cognitive skills.

            While school safety is vital for the future success of these kids, it is important not to forget and work to address other deleterious effects of war that might be a barrier to a kid’s education. Only by addressing all of these concerns can kids like Malala be able to live long and healthy lives.  

Follow the link to access the full UNESCO Global Monitoring Report for 2011 titled
The Hidden Crisis: Armed Conflict and Education
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0019/001907/190743e.pdf


Aatifa Sadiq
IOFA Program Development Intern

30 Young People Graduate from Project Prepare!

The Project Prepare team is pleased to announce that two of the pilot sites, Children's Heaven and AHOPE for Children, have successfully completed IOFA’s 6-week life skills curriculum for orphaned youth in the process of aging out of care.

Since the last time we blogged, participants have discussed a wide variety of topics including family planning, protection against sexual assault, and how to say no to drugs. These classes further highlighted the importance of Project Prepare’s curriculum as it was the first time many of the kids thought about when they would be ready to have a family, identified their own comfort levels within a relationship, and learned about the various types of drugs that existed aside from Khat, a locally grown and legal street drug.

The class ended this week with a module on planning for the future, specifically addressing how to attain higher education. Participants were asked to identify individuals in their own lives that have attended university or vocational training. For many of them, they could only name staff members at their organization or peers within the class who have been able to achieve such a level of education. Students then listed qualities that made these individuals successful not only in school, but in life. Kids identified qualities such as being a hard-worker as one of the most important. Thereafter, participants were asked what career path they would like to choose for their future. Some of the many answers included doctor, pilot, business owner, social worker, and soccer player. While many participants could quickly identify their future dreams and goals, it was the first time they were asked to think about what it would take to achieve their dreams. “The class was very helpful and practical,” said one participant.

To end the curriculum, students were presented with a certificate of completion to be presented as part of their future portfolios. Both pilot sites recognized and thanked IOFA for providing instruction to facilitate the class. They hope to continue and build on the conversation that the class started. As one AHOPE youth mentor explained, “the life skills curriculum was very helpful and opened the door to talk to the kids about important issues. However, learning these skills is something that we hope to continue to give the boys as they move into the transitional house.” AHOPE also plans on implementing IOFA’s curriculum for the girls in the near future.

IOFA would like to thank the staff and youth allies at AHOPE and Children’s Heaven for their cooperation and diligent work to implement the first Project Prepare curriculum for Ethiopia! Thank you!

Amharic Word of the Week:

Chigrellum (shig rey lum)- No problem 

IOFA Ethiopia - Adolescents Transitioning to Adulthood, Together

It’s hard to believe my time in Addis has already come to an end. After seven incredible weeks in Ethiopia, it is difficult to leave and say goodbye to so many familiar faces. Each of the organizations we have worked with have welcomed us into their family and their home, and I feel honored to have worked with such amazing and inspiring individuals. Something I have learned from all of the youth, youth allies, and the people of Ethiopia, is that it takes a village to raise a child. I will always remember the strong emphasis on community and family here. As one Ethiopian explained, this strong community bond can even be seen in the way they eat their food: all sharing one plate of injera and eating together. It is even a sign of friendship and respect to eat from another’s hand. I am still honored and in awe every time I walk into a corner store and am offered injera while the employees and their friends share their meal. This shared mentality also provides a shared sense of responsibility for one another and for the community as a whole, and is something we can all learn from.

This sense of community and belonging is apparent in all three of the orphanages we have been working with. They each function as a family, all working together and looking out for one another. It is impossible not to feel this strong familial bond and community upbringing. There is a sense of responsibility and belonging, and I have been impressed and inspired by the way each youth fits into their strong community. Not only is the staff looking out for each child, but also the older children support and guide the younger ones. This strong family identity has also become apparent through each Project Prepare module, as these adolescent youth work together to prepare for their life after care. It is clear that these strong community and familial ties will greatly support these adolescents, as they attempt to form their own social support network. Additionally, all three orphanages we are working with plan to provide additional support and guidance during this transition into adulthood and beyond for their youth.

Although I am unfortunately leaving before the last Project Prepare module, I have no doubt that the youth will continue to learn and benefit from the curriculum, and I know Aatifa and the youth allies will continue all of their hard work! I am also proud to have been a part of the launch of Project Prepare, and am eager to continue to develop and expand the curriculum to ensure its lasting impact. I will greatly miss Ethiopia and each and every individual we have worked with, and I will take these lasting memories and lessons with me throughout my life.

When I return, I will continue to work with IOFA in analyzing the results of the Project Prepare pilot and help move forward with full implementation of the Transitions Initiative in Ethiopia with our valuable partners and allies.

Amharic Word of the Week:

I miss you :     Enafekehallo (m)

                        Enefekeshallo (f)

Amy Gilbert 

IOFA Program Development Intern

AHOPE and IOFA - Celebrating New Beginnings

New beginnings in life are often difficult. It means that we must turn the pages to a new chapter of our lives, say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and muster as much strength and courage to face the uncertainties of what lies ahead. This week I witnessed the celebration of 16 youth who will move away from the sanctuary of their orphanage, AHOPE, to a transitional home. In some ways, the celebration marked not only their geographical move from one space to another, but signified their transition from kids to young adults. 

Preparation for this exciting event started days in advance. Official invites were sent to honored guests, dignitaries, partner organizations, and any loved ones close to the youth; the kitchen staff started cooking days prior, filling the air with smells of sweets, breads, and cakes and sacrificing a lamb in honor of the occasion; and the young kids at AHOPE practiced choreography and a short skit as a farewell to their elder peers. Meanwhile, the youth transitioning out had one full week of training to help them understand the significance of their move, some of the difficulties they might face, and how to overcome them.

The culmination of all these efforts was a touching ceremony attended by many community members. The kids at AHOPE adorned themselves with their best outfits and welcomed guests with smiles and hugs. The program included remarks by AHOPE’s executive and program directors, songs and choreography performed by the young kids, games, and an awards ceremony to recognize each of the individuals that will move into the transitional home. As explained by one of the program directors at AHOPE, this occasion is special because it celebrates a successful future for kids that are HIV/AIDS positive, some of which would have passed away as infants. The growth and transition of these 16 youth means that there is hope for future generations of children with similar situations.

When discussing the transition with two of the youth, they admitted that they were excited, but nervous at the same time. “This is the first time that we will move into a community where we will not know anyone. I hope people will welcome us into the neighborhood,” one youth commented. Another mentioned that he will miss AHOPE. “I will miss all of the kids and they will miss us. We grew up together. Now we will only see them during holidays.” Despite these sentiments, both kids felt ready for their move. “AHOPE prepared us well psychologically and physically. They held trainings for us to teach us about everything. They also gave us a guidebook to use as a resource.” Talking with both of the youth, each was confident that they were prepared for this new beginning.

The transitional home is the first facility created by AHOPE to provide further support to youth aging out of care until they reach the age of 24. Established as a communal living space, the home will give youth the opportunity to learn together how to live independently from the orphanage. The youth will be responsible to maintain this facility, continue with their education, and develop their own daily routines with the help of an AHOPE mentor. The goal of this transitional house is to familiarize youth with the various responsibilities associated with living independently, while maintaining some support from the orphanage. This will better prepare them for independence once they become 24.

Congratulations to all of the youth! We wish you the best!

Amharic Word of the Week:

Bayt- Home

Aatifa Sadiq

IOFA Program Development Intern

Unintended effects: How the war on drugs is fueling human trafficking

What do a Berkeley real estate tycoon and the Italian mafia have in common? Lakireddy Balireddy, infamous landowner, and several members of the Italian mafia have been key players in the business of human trafficking. These recent cases mark a change within organize crime groups. While gangs and other organized groups have been historically known for perpetuating the underground drug business, the war on drugs has marked a shift in operational focus. Tighter regulations and stricter enforcement have been behind several drug busts around the country, and gangs were not blind in noticing the threat to their livelihood.

When it comes to exploiting, gangs often are the first to recognize new avenues for profit and are dissuaded by little. Faced with the rising risk of engaging in large drug deals, they were left looking for a way to sustain overhead funds. They soon realized that smuggling humans could be an enormously profitable enterprise; women could be prostituted multiple times while drugs could only be sold once. Furthermore, the girls carry the bulk of the risk of getting caught and prosecuted rather than the traffickers.

In 2000, Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in response to this shift in the underground sector. However, the act was difficult to enforce and ultimately was regarded a missed opportunity to prosecute traffickers under these concrete terms.

Part of the reason for the increasingly difficult to prosecute gang members is because little research has been conducted on the details of the operations. In an effort to shed light on the issue, the Australian Institute of Criminology conducted an economic analysis of the trade. The research found that the most sophisticated trafficking circles are structured like actual businesses and are designed to respond to change quickly while maximizing profit. Common roles include anonymous investors, recruiters who find potential migrants, transporters who smuggle victims, money launderers who cover up the cash trail and corrupt officials who provide the documentation necessary for operations to proceed smoothly.  

Sadly, gangs have been largely successful in their newly chosen trades. The Chinese trafficking ring is controlled by the Chinese snakeheads and together make between $2.4 and $3.5 billion annually. The Italian mafia now has a combined capital of $800 billion, and the BBC estimates that one in five Italian businesses is controlled by an organized criminal group. They work in collusion with Albanian gangs and German foreign intelligence reports that they will be expanding operations soon.

When gangs have been in existence for centuries, it’s difficult to know where to begin to dismantle their operations.  The Witherspoon Institute has deemed these steps as necessary for improving the situation:

1) State and local governments must add human trafficking to the list of suspect activities for criminal gangs

2) Gang and human trafficking task forces must coordinate and plan joint prosecutions

3) Gang investigations should include specific tactics for actively spotting human trafficking 

4) Gangs involved in human trafficking should be charged under the TVPA or state trafficking-in-persons laws in addition to other criminal charges

5) Communities should develop specialized outreach, education, and training programs to address gang-related trafficking

6) Asset forfeiture laws should be utilized more extensively in gang related human trafficking cases

7) New and creative approaches to prosecution (such as using the child soldiers provision in the TVPA) should be explored and established.

While international human trafficking and gang activity have been growing issues of importance on the world stage, they are seldom looked at in conjunction. Clearly, a link exists between organized crime and the perpetuation of large scale trafficking circles. Acknowledging this connection is a stride towards combating trafficking more effectively. 

Nikhitha Murali, Intern