Daylong Observances
August 9: International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People
There are nearly 476 million Indigenous People across 90 countries, which is representative of right under 5% of the world's population, while disproportionately over representative of 15% of those enduring poverty and economic oppression. They speak most of the world's 7,000 languages and have 5,000 distinct cultures.
Indigenous Peoples' rights violations persist due to historical colonization and contrasting with a changing society. They have long sought recognition of their identities, way of life, and rights to their lands and resources. Special measures are now recognized as necessary to protect their rights and preserve their cultures. To raise awareness, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9, in memory of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
The UN states, “This International Day of Indigenous Peoples 2023, under the title of "Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination", revindicates the role that indigenous youth must occupy in decision-making while recognizing their dedicated efforts in climate action, the search for justice for their people, and the creation of an intergenerational connection that keeps their culture, traditions, and contributions alive.”
Indigenous youth are vital in addressing global challenges, using technology and new skills for a sustainable future.
Resources for Indigenous Youth | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) (un.org)
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023 | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) (un.org)
Virtual Commemoration on 9 August 2023 - Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination
(09-10:30am EST/New York time)
Link to register: https://tinyurl.com/Indigenous23
Report: Implementing the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169: Towards an inclusive, sustainable and just future
August 12: International Youth Day
The world is moving towards an eco-centric transition, crucial for confronting the climate crisis and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (See below for more on SDGs). To succeed, society needs to develop green skills in the population, which encompass knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes necessary for sustainable living and supporting a resource-efficient society.
Green skills include technical expertise in using eco-friendly technologies at work and transversal skills that promote sustainable decisions in daily life. These skills are often associated with terms like "skills for the future" and "skills for green jobs”. The future will require young people to play a leading role in this transition, making green skills particularly vital for them as the inheritors of earth’s climate crisis and diminishing resources.
To mark International Youth Day, August 12, 2023, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs will host a global webinar in collaboration with the UN Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth and Generation Unlimited. The webinar will provide essential information, data, and discussions on green skills for youth, featuring perspectives from international organizations, governments, and young experts in the field.
THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)
Generation Unlimited | Generation Unlimited
Celebrating Ways #YouthLead as Agents of Change for the Global Goals (International Youth Day 2023) - Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth (un.org)
International Youth Day 2023: Celebrating Ways #YouthLead as Agents of Change for the Global Goals | Trello
August 26: Woman's Equality Day
The Women's Right to Vote Amendment was first proposed on January 10, 1878. It faced many rejections before finally getting the nod from the House and Senate in June 1919. For the amendment to become law, two-thirds of the states needed to approve it. Over the next year, advocates worked hard to gain state support. It was officially signed into law on August 26, 1920, by the Secretary of State.
Fast forward to August 26th, 1970, Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women made the Women’s Strike for Equality a reality. This event, demanding equal work and educational opportunities along with 24-hour childcare, is recognized as the largest gender equity protest in U.S. history. Over 100,000 women participated, with 50,000 marching in New York City alone.
There were also unique protests highlighting gender inequities. In New York, women temporarily occupied the Statue of Liberty and displayed massive banners in support of uniting all women toward equality. Advocates also disrupted the American Stock Exchange with catchy slogans effectively communicating their important message. Meanwhile, woman educators sued the New York City Board of Education, leading to a decade-long case that eventually increased the number of female school principals.
In recognition of these milestones, in 1971, U.S. House Representative Bella Abzug, a former lawyer and forever women’s rights advocate nicknamed “Battling Bella” introduced a bill marking August 26th as Women’s Equality Day. The day represents women's ongoing fight for equality, and the U.S. stands with them in this endeavor. The bill also encourages the President to annually recognize the historic women's suffrage event and the 1970 equality strike. Everyone in our society could draw inspiration from these phenomenal women and take some time to honor the change makers in their lives.
Happening Now:
THE WOMEN’S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT OF 2023: LinkClick.aspx (socialworkers.org)
Don't Let the Math Distract You: Together, We Can Fight Algorithmic Injustice | ACLU
The Decade-Long Fight For Pregnant Workers | American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org)
Resources:
National Committee on Women's Issues (socialworkers.org)
Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights (socialworkers.org)
Global Issues: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (peacecorps.gov)
Women on the Web | National Women's History Museum (womenshistory.org)
Fact Sheet: National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality | The White House