The International Gender Champions - Geneva initiative has just celebrated its first anniversary. Its annual report, published on 2 November 2016, reviews its achievements and outlines the way forward for the second year.
In October 2015, the Director-General of UNOG, together with the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and non-governmental organization Women@TheTable, launched the Geneva Gender Champions (GGC) initiative, a leadership network which encourages collaboration to spur innovative solutions to achieving gender equality. The decision to launch the GGC was based on a common realization that 20 years after the Beijing Declaration, little had changed and that real change in this field required greater visibility at the highest levels.
Each potential Champion signs the Panel Parity Pledge and has to commit to at least two additional and personalized measures destined to advance gender equality within their organization. Over 300 commitments have now been made. Though tailored to each organization, common themes have emerged such as recruitment and promotion of talented women, changes in organizational culture, women's representation on delegations or the development of policies or strategic frameworks on gender and diversity.
123 Champions have now joined the initiative, of which two thirds are men. 60 are Permanent Representatives, 39 heads of international organizations and 24 heads of civil society organizations including non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and private companies.
An International Gender Champions - New York chapter was launched last month, and others may follow.
Jackie Nickerson’s series “Farm” came together during the three years the artist spent traveling in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. These beautifully constructed images highlight the pride and strength of the migrant and plantation workers photographed throughout Southern Africa, while reminding the viewer of their inevitable link to the land they work. Nickerson’s photographs are held in many collections including The Museum of Modern Art, NY; The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; and National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.
The above portrait, entitled “Chipo”, is currently included in Jackie Nickerson: August, on view at FotoFocus Biennial through January 23, 2017.
