An invitation to Activism!
Are you an activist? I think so. You’re reading this blog because you believe that we’re doing something important together.
Let’s celebrate our commitment to justice and care for a world that needs us more than ever. We can make a difference in the lives of all those suffering and still hoping for a better world. Let’s celebrate the everyday acts of activism that make us human. Against the odds – in this culture of individualism and the disheartening moments of pain and disillusionment – we still believe that living on this planet requires acts of care. We also believe that we are stronger together.
The annual international campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence starts today. We invite you join us in celebrating the acts of care that move our world every day – a world it seems where care and being kind are ignored or overlooked. In fact, care and kindness are acts of powerful resistance when we speak up, hold open doors and serve and care for those in need.
When things are unfair, activism is like a fist that challenges the status quo and a pair of hands that open the door to let justice in. It’s a soft and determined fight. It’s a memory that never forgets, a meal that’s made with just a few ingredients but still fills us up.
Have you ever thought about what activism is? I think we often overlook our own courage when we compare it to heroism depicted on screen – where one person (usually a man) alone saves the day. But we collectively act with courage. We believe in justice, we care about others in need, we feel the suffering of siblings we have not met and yes, we take action in small and sometimes big gestures – every single day.
We value the strength of our friends, the generosity of our donors, the support of our partners and the hope of our allies around the world. Activism of all kinds keeps communities together, languages and hopes alive. It sings songs of remembrance and return. Our hopes, plans and dreams all flow towards justice. Let’s meet here to celebrate a more just, fair and kind world that’s born from the many small acts of care that fuel our activism.
So, you, the reader of this blog and me, the writer along with countless others in their acts of care are making a difference in our world, creating pathways of possibility. Together, we’re building 16 days of activism that will shake an indifferent world for bold and daring justice – for women, girls and gender-diverse people, for the planet and for us all. Join this invitation to activism! Bring your voice! Prepare the table for more folks because almost intangible yet powerful acts of care bring people together.
Share our blogs on social media and add your own story of activism in your posts! Tag #KAIROS16DaysofActivism. Visit KAIROS 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence page to learn more and read the daily reflections.
By Silvia Vasquez-Olguin, Global Partnerships Coordinator, Latin America and Gender Justice, KAIROS Canada
