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"Striving for a Greener Future: The Fight for Environmental Justice"

Hello everyone. Happy Friday! :D In today’s blogpost I’ll be talking about the topic of justice. First of all, what exactly does justice mean? We all probably have a rough idea about it, but I’ll explain what it means. Justice embodies the notion of moral integrity, encompassing ethical principles, rationality, legal systems, natural law, religious beliefs, fairness, and equity. It recognizes and upholds the right of all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, color, ethnicity, religion, or disability, to receive equal protection under the law, safeguarding their civil rights without any form of discrimination (Dibavar, 2023).

Now that we have a deeper understanding on what justice means, I will shed some light on Restorative justice. In both recent literature and government efforts, there's a strong focus on restorative justice.This approach aims to enhance the accessibility of justice for offenders, victims, and communities, highlighting its prominence in current discussions (Dibavar, 2023). Some examples of restorative justice, specifically applied in school and education, could include either grafitti or property damage, theft, and bullying. (Holtham, 2009). In order to solve these issues, we have a thing called “Restorative Resolution”. This process entails examining the damage caused by the incident and posing inquiries like, "How can we mend this harm?" "Who has been affected and what are their requirements?" "Who bears the responsibility to fulfill these needs?" (Dibavar, 2023). Let us take graffiti or property damage for instance. How can we apply restorative justice to this issue? Well, one can help in tidying up, fixing things, or giving a fresh coat of paint, they can also cover the costs incurred for any damages. What about theft? How can we apply restorative justice to this issue? One can give back the stolen items accompanied by a heartfelt apology. Additionally, they should take responsibility by covering the cost of replacing the stolen items (Holtham, 2009).

After doing some further readings on justice, I would like to discuss about environmental justice. First of all, climate change pertains to extended alterations in temperatures and atmospheric conditions over a significant period of time (United Nations, n.d). It is the most significant challenge faced in the 21st century (Dibavar, 2023). Climate change has the potential to impact various aspects of our lives, including our well-being, food production, housing, safety, and employment. Certain groups, like those residing in small island nations and less developed countries, are particularly susceptible to the consequences of climate change. For instance, rising sea levels and the intrusion of saltwater have reached a critical stage, forcing entire communities to relocate (United Nations, n.d). Did you know that many people don’t believe in climate change? Isn’t this saddening to hear?

 We're up against a massive challenge, but the good news is we've already discovered numerous solutions to tackle it! There are three main areas of action when it comes to addressing climate change:  reducing emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and  providing the necessary financial support to make these adjustments. Transitioning our energy systems from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as solar or wind power will significantly decrease the harmful emissions that contribute to the progression of climate change (United Nations, n.d). 

Lastly, I’d like to mention that every single person has the ability to make a positive impact. By actively making thoughtful decisions in our everyday routines, like using less energy, and incorporating sustainable habits, we can make a meaningful impact as a whole. When we unite, we hold the power to change our planet, guaranteeing a vibrant and adaptable environment for all. The time to act is now, and our actions, no matter how small, can be the catalyst for meaningful change! ♥

References:

Dibavar, A. (2023). Week 6 & Final week. [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from http://avenue.mcmaster.ca

United Nations. (n.d.). What is climate change?. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change 

J. Holtham (2009). Taking Restorative Justice to Schools: A Doorway to Discipline. Retrieved from https://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2011A/commsumm.nsf/b4a3962433b52fa787256e5f00670a71/a2e41f38df142ee2872578fc004c9451/$FILE/11SchoolDis0830AttachK.pdf

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Towards Equality: Exploring the Intersection of Human Rights and Gender

Hey everyone! :D This post is mostly centered on human rights and gender. Join me on this incredible journey as we set out to delve into the realms of human rights and gender dynamics!

 Throughout the course of history, human rights have been the beating heart of social progress. But let’s not forget that the notion of human rights is anything but stagnant; it possesses an inherent ability to flex and adapt, aligning itself with the evolving desires of people and communities worldwide. I read a quote once by Aretha Frank that said “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.” To me, this quote refers to the importance and worth that each person has just by being a human. Irrespective of our gender, race, attribute, etc., every single on of us is entitled to respect. Respect should not be treated as a selective privilege to be earned; instead, it should be recognized as an essential right that should be granted to everyone.

I would like to shed some light on gender-based violence. Did you know that Globally, one out of every three women endures physical or sexual abuse? Gender-based violence is an alarming and widespread problem that impacts many people worldwide. In addition to violating people's fundamental rights, gender-based violence also reinforces existing gender imbalances and unfair power structures. Acts of gender-based violence that occurred within the confines of private spaces were not recognized as human rights violations until very recently (Dibavar, 2023). Isn’t that shocking? 

Another thing I’d like to illuminate is the human rights of those a part of the LGBTQ2S+ population. People who identify as sexual and gender minorities in Canada continue to face significant financial gaps and healthcare and social inequalities despite improvements in legislation aimed at improving the social conditions for LGBTQ2S+ communities (Mulé et al, 2009). According to theory, these marginalisation conditions are partly caused by these groups being subjected to ongoing manifestations of stigma and discrimination associated with sexual orientation and gender identification (Ross et al, 2016; Scheim et al, 2017). In our world, every person, irrespective of their sexual identity, deserves equal human rights. Ensuring equal human rights entails acknowledging the inherent value and worth of every person, irrespective of their sexual identity. It means standing up for their right to live without fear of discrimination or bias. It’s  about fostering an environment where love and acceptance prevail over prejudice, allowing each person to live authentically and with the freedom to express their true selves!

Before you go, there's one more thing I’d like to briefly talk about. In 2006, The Yogyakarta Principles were established (Dibavar, 2023). What exactly are the Yogyakarta Principles though? The Yogyakarta Principles are a collection of principles that offer guidance on how international human rights law should be applied concerning sexual orientation and gender identity (ARC Internatinal, 2016). You might be wondering why I bought the Yogyakarta Principles up. This is because it plays a vital role in our collective journey toward equality and human rights for people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. These principles serve as a profound compass, guiding us to comprehend and safeguard the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The principles provide us the capacity to create a world that values diversity, actively fights prejudice, and ensures that everyone is treated with the respect and equality they are due, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my blog post. I hope it served as an eye-opener for many. Have a good rest of your day! ♥

References

ARC International. (2016). About the yogyakarta principles. Yogyakartaprinciplesorg. https://yogyakartaprinciples.org/principles-en/about-the-yogyakarta-principles/ 

Dibavar, A. (2023) Week 5: Human rights and Gender. [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from http://avenue.mcmaster.ca

Kia, H., Robinson, M., MacKay, J., & Ross, L. E. (2020). Poverty in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+) populations in Canada: An intersectional review of the literature. Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 28(1), 21–54. https://doi.org/10.1332/175982719x15687180682342

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Unveiling Gendered Realities: The Feminist Lens on Peace and Conflict

Happy Sunday everyone! =) In this blog post, we will explore the core principles and significant contributions of feminist viewpoints in comprehending peace and conflict, emphasizing the essentiality of gender equality and social justice in attaining lasting and sustainable peace. First of all, I’d like to say that I strongly believe that by involving women in these efforts, we embrace a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise, which enhances the overall effectiveness and inclusivity of peacebuilding initiatives. Feminist viewpoints regarding peace and conflict provide a distinct and crucial perspective for comprehending and tackling matters related to violence, warfare, and social inequities. I asked myself, “Does gender really matter when it comes to politics?”. Of course, it does! After doing some readings, I discovered that in October of 2000, the Security Council adopted a resolution known as Resolution 1325. Resolution 1325 strongly encourages all parties involved to increase the engagement of women and integrate a gendered lens across all peace and security endeavors conducted under the United Nations. The resolution reasserts the significant contribution of women in preventing and resolving conflicts.  It highlights the essentiality of their equal participation and active involvement in all endeavors aimed at upholding and advancing peace and security which I think is very crucial. I think Resolution 1325 is important also as it acknowledges the unique consequences of conflict on women and contributes to increasing awareness regarding the significance of gender perspectives related to peace and conflict.

I also read and discovered more about liberal feminism. This is considered as the first wave of feminism. It draws inspiration from the principles of classical liberalism, which emphasize the values of freedom and equal opportunities for all. Liberal feminists hold the belief that equality can be attained by establishing a fair and equitable environment that offers equal opportunities to individuals of all genders. According to them, the potential solution lies in the practice of gender mainstreaming, which involves increasing the representation of women in policymaking roles and positions of authority to ensure a more inclusive integration of women's perspectives. Another thing that I read and wanted to add about liberal feminism is that they believe if policy interventions are implemented to ensure women are granted liberal freedoms, it would result in the removal of violence and inequalities between women and men!

If there is a first wave of feminism, then there surely would be a second wave. The second wave of feminism, also known as Marxist or Socialist feminism, examines the larger socioeconomic systems as the primary origin of gender-based discrimination. After looking more into the second wave of feminism, I read that women's relationships with land underwent a fundamental transformation due to the transition from feudalism to capitalism and the adoption of private land ownership. This shift led to their confinement to domestic roles within the private sphere.

This blog is nearing its end, but I’d like you guys to remember some important things before you stop reading. Firstly, gender extends beyond biological distinctions and physical anatomy! And last but not least, by expanding and delving into a more intricate analysis of aspects like gender, which are frequently overlooked in conflict analysis and problem-solving, we can adopt a positive approach toward peace. I hope you guys enjoyed my blog and learned something valuable from it like I did!