Episodes

  • Militarization and Authoritarianism

    Militarization and Authoritarianism
    Dec 18 2024

    In recent years, democratic values have eroded globally, with increasing militarization and authoritarianism disproportionately affecting women. These trends correlate with restricted reproductive rights, limited access to education and careers, and reduced political representation, as oppressive regimes prioritize control over inclusion and justice.

    To explore these challenges, we are joined by two distinguished guests:

    Shirley Gunn, founder and director of the Human Rights Media Centre in South Africa, who amplifies the voices of survivors of state violence during and after apartheid.

    Fatna El Bouih, Moroccan activist and writer, whose experiences as a political prisoner drive her fight for justice, dignity, and women’s empowerment.

    The Difference She Makes is a production of the Global Initiative for Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation, which is a flagship program of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. It was produced and edited by Katie Marquette at MediaMarq. Learn more at www.sitesofconscience.org

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    46 mins
  • Sexual and Gender Based Violence

    Sexual and Gender Based Violence
    Dec 17 2024
    In 2023, conflicted-related sexual violence (CRSV) increased by over 50 percent since the previous reporting period. The widespread and intrusive nature of these crimes means that victims' needs are diverse and subject to change over time. Often, a fear of stigma poses significant challenges in preventing survivors from coming forward, reporting what happened to them, and seeking justice or other needed services. And even when formal transitional justice or accountability processes are established, they can often take decades to come to fruition. Nevertheless, GIJTR has seen that a majority of positive change in relation to CRSV has been driven by the tireless efforts of survivors and the communities of support that surround them, particularly in contexts where the state has been complicit in the crimes or is otherwise unable to adequately respond. To discuss this complex issue we are joined by two expert guests: Mariama Jobarteh, CEO and founder of Ventanka in The Gambia, which works to challenge gender inequalities and combat violence against women and girls, as well as support victims through their healing processes. Rosario Jolon, from the Centro para la Derechos Humanos, or CALDH, in Guatemala, which offers legal, political, and organizational support to strengthen historical memory in the country and specifically fight for women's emancipation from violence.
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    27 mins
  • The Economic and Emotional Effect of Conflict on Women

    The Economic and Emotional Effect of Conflict on Women
    Dec 16 2024
    Welcome to The Difference She Makes, a new podcast by the Global Initiative for Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation that explores the ways in which women are uniquely affected by injustice and conflict through the lens of women activists themselves. Beyond the financial impact, the emotional scars of conflict are deep and long lasting. Women, whether they are survivors of war, displacement, incarceration, or systemic oppression, carry the burden of trauma, grief, and loss, not only for themselves, but often for their families and communities as well. Despite their resilience, women's experiences are often overlooked or sidelined in post conflict recovery and transitional justice processes. To help us understand the complex needs of women in and after conflict we are joined by two activists who support women in these difficult situations. Lauren Beattie is a climate and social justice activist and the program manager for the non profit Insight Garden Program at Central California Women's Facility, which helps transform the lives of incarcerated people through a connection to nature. Radhika Hettiarachchi is an independent researcher, curator, and peace building practitioner with over 15 years of experience working primarily in Sri Lanka. She uses oral history, facilitated dialogue, and the arts for channels for creating a public discourse on conflict, transitional justice, and non recurrence of violence. The Difference She Makes is a production of the Global Initiative for Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation, which is a flagship program of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. It was produced and edited by Katie Marquette at MediaMarq. Learn more at www.sitesofconscience.org
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    41 mins