CHanGE – UCOS

CHANGE – CAMPAIGN FOR SEXUAL HEALTH & GENDER EQUALITY

Wat is CHanGE?

Uitgeschreven CHanGE-2022_Logo_Drukwerk

CHanGE (Campaign for sexual Health & Gender Equality) was een zevenjarig project van UCOS over gendergelijkheid en seksuele en reproductieve gezondheid en rechten (SRGR).

We leerden van het werk van organisaties en activisten in het buitenland om de Belgische maatschappij een spiegel voor te houden. Op basis van deze lessen versterkten we met CHanGE in Vlaanderen het draagvlak voor de mondiale strijd voor gendergelijkheid en rechtvaardige toegang tot SRGR. Zo trachtten we ons steentje bij te dragen aan een slagkrachtige internationale beweging.

Na zeven succesvolle edities ronden we het CHanGE-project af en lanceert UCOS een nieuw project rond gendergelijkheid en SRGR. Met het gloednieuwe “ROOTS” blijven we ons inspireren door mondiale denkers en doeners, maar verleggen we ditmaal de focus naar reproductieve rechtvaardigheid.

Meer weten? Ontdek hier meer over ROOTS en schrijf je in!

Voorgaande edities

CHANGE 2023

CHANGE 2022

CHanGE 2021

CHanGE 2020

CHanGE 2019

CHanGE 2018

CHanGE 2017

INSTAGRAM

change_ucos

📢 OPEN CALL: Ben jij gebeten door sociale recht

📢 OPEN CALL: Ben jij gebeten door sociale rechtvaardigheid en wil je je stem laten horen in het publieke debat?
• WAT? •
🌍 Bij ROOTS krijgen 12 jongeren de kans om een dynamisch vormingstraject te volgen. Gedurende een jaar zet je mee de nood voor queer en BIPOC perspectieven binnen de strijd voor gendergelijkheid en toegang tot reproductieve gezondheid op de agenda. Je krijgt hierbij de kans om deze boodschap via take-overs te verspreiden tot bij jouw favoriete blog, podcast, museum of tijdschrift!
• HOE? •
📣 Je krijgt een intensief trainingsprogramma van 3 weekends en een uitwisseling met andere jongeren in het buitenland. Zo leer je van met activisten en bouw je handige skills op om aan agendasetting te doen, zoals public speaking, schrijven, en mediawatching. De opgedane inzichten verwerken we tot een mini summer school die we samen op poten zetten. Zo bouw je mee aan een platform voor kennisuitwisseling, community en netwerking met oog voor lokale en mondiale perspectieven.
• WIE? •
🌱 Je hoeft geen expert te zijn, enthousiasme en interesse volstaan!
⏰ Deadline: Inschrijven kan tot en met 14 mei.
📩 Schrijf je in via ucos.be/roots of stuur ons een DM voor meer info!
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*BIPOC is een acroniem uit het Engels en staat voor Black, Indigenous en People of Color

🌈 Nieuw project alert! Met ROOTS zoeken we naar

🌈 Nieuw project alert! Met ROOTS zoeken we naar dekoloniale visies op gender en reproductieve rechtvaardigheid - en hiervoor hebben we JOU nodig!
Structurele ongelijkheden zorgen ervoor dat niet iedereen op dezelfde manier toegang heeft tot reproductieve gezondheid en rechten.
Wat is er nodig opdat alle personen - ongeacht hun gender, seksuele oriëntatie, ras, etniciteit, religie, leeftijd, klasse, handicap - hun rechten maximaal kunnen uitoefenen?
🔎 ROOTS gaat op zoek naar de wortel van het probleem.
Geïnspireerd door het werk van globale denkers en doeners creëren we meer aandacht voor queer en BIPOC* perspectieven in het publieke debat rond reproductieve rechten.
🗣 Verander jij samen met ons het narratief? Stay tuned for more soon!
*BIPOC is een acroniem uit het Engels dat staat voor Black, Indigenous en People of Color
Dit project ontvangt financiële steun van DGD, UVV en @111111vzw
Grafisch ontwerp door @lore_aka_lore

Big news coming soon 👀

Big news coming soon 👀

Big news coming soon 👀

Big news coming soon 👀

Big news coming soon 👀

Big news coming soon 👀

The closing night of the campaign took us on a won

The closing night of the campaign took us on a wonderful journey into the minds of Lisa Koo Gautama and @roesoesoe. Together with illustrator @simon_baert._ and musician Marius Dumittan, they infused inspiration of the CHanGE research trips into a multidimensional performance mixing dance, music, poetry, and graphic art.
A massive thank you to everyone who attended "Be A GENTLEMan" and took the time to reflect, engage and connect with the topic of masculinity in visual representation.
Hungry for more? You can read our "BE A GENTLEMan" brochure on the UCOS website, now available in Dutch AND English! Link in bio ✨

Time for our second recap post! Our first event of

Time for our second recap post! Our first event of this year's "Be A GENTLEMan" campaign was a screening of the incredible film Moonlight followed by an aftertalk at @fomuantwerp. We reflected on the themes of masculinity, queerness, blackness, peer pressure and vulnerability in the film as well as our personal experiences.
Find the full photo album on our Facebook page! 📸
Photo credits: @ellen.soors

And just like that... our ChanGE campaign "Be A GE

And just like that... our ChanGE campaign "Be A GENTLEMan" has come to an end. Thank you for all the love you showed for our events - we had a blast and hope you did too!
Enjoy this little peak into our inspiring panel talk "(Re)Imagining Masculinities" at @ritcs_cafe. We explored the ways in which creators can challenge masculine stereotypes in their work, and the obstacles they may face along the way.
Find the full photo album on our Facebook page. More recap posts will follow soon! 📸
Photo credits: @whoismiette

Meet our artists who will be exploring the effects

Meet our artists who will be exploring the effects of masculinity on society with Can You See Us, a performance on the intersection of music, dance, poetry and illustration. Lisa Koo Gautama and her Collective Roesoesoe, Marius Dumittan and Simon Baert. They find inspiration in the stories of activists from The Philippines, Cameroon and Jordan. Join us on Tuesday december 5th and discover the exciting universe they have created!
Don’t forget to register through the link: https://bit.ly/3u0fQ5x
📅 December 5th 2023
⏱️19:00-22:00
📍De Centrale, Ham 72 9000 Gent
🗣️Language: English
💰!FREE!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman #events #performance #dance #poetry #music #Gent #beagentleman

Lisa Koo Gautama and her Collective Roesoesoe, tog

Lisa Koo Gautama and her Collective Roesoesoe, together with Simon Baert, explore the effects of masculinity on society with Can You See Us, a performance on the intersection of music, dance, poetry and illustration. They find inspiration in the stories of activists from The Philippines, Cameroon and Jordan. Join us on Tuesday december 5th and discover the exciting universe they have created!
Don’t forget to register through the link: https://bit.ly/3SlHEez
📅 December 5th 2023
⏱️19:00-22:00
📍De Centrale, Ham 72 9000 Gent
🗣️Language: English
💰!FREE!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman #events #performance #dance #poetry #music #Gent #beagentleman

🌱 Have you spotted our posters around town?
✏️ Maybe you already registered for one of our free events? If not, it’s now or never: tickets are selling fast! We’re kicking off tonight:
21/11: Moonlight: Shining a Light on Masculinity - Film screening
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23/11: (Re)imagined Masculinities - Panel discussion
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05/12: Can You See Us: Rhythm of Words Between Us – Performance
🗣️ Join us in the conversation on masculinity and visual imagery!
Design by @l.w.m.b and @finnvvaters

Meet our Panelists and Moderator! Volgende week do

Meet our Panelists and Moderator!
Volgende week donderdag gaan we in gesprek met Marc, Luther, Niko, John, Cato en Georgy over mannelijkheid in beeldvorming.
Vergeet zeker niet in te schrijven via volgende link: https://bit.ly/3tYb6gC
📅23 November 2023
⏱️18u00-21u00
📍Ritcs Café , Antoine Dansaertstraat 70, 1000 Brussel
🗣️Taal: Nederlands
!GRATIS!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman #events #Panelgesprek #Panel

🤔Vraag je je soms af welke grote rol beeldvorm

🤔Vraag je je soms af welke grote rol beeldvorming speelt in het versterken - of doorbreken - van stereotypen rond mannelijkheid. Welke verantwoordelijkheid dragen makers dan? Hoe kunnen zij beelden creëren die voorbijgaan aan clichés? En meerdere facetten van mannelijkheid belichten? We gaan in gesprek met Georgy Chtachevaev, Men talk Too en Cato Kusters, om te verkennen hoe zij in hun werk en leven een positiever beeld van mannelijkheid proberen te construeren.
Inschrijven kan via de volgende link: https://bit.ly/3tYb6gC
📅23 November 2023
⏱️18u00-21u00
📍Ritcs Café , Antoine Dansaertstraat 70, 1000 Brussel
🗣️Taal: Nederlands
!GRATIS!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman #events #Panelgesprek #Panel

Kom genieten van het bekroonde Moonlight en ontdek

Kom genieten van het bekroonde Moonlight en ontdek samen met andere filmliefhebbers de complexe thema’s die in deze film verweven zitten. Na de vertoning nodigen we je uit om samen te reflecteren over mannelijkheid op het witte doek tijdens een gezellige nababbel in het @fomu_cafe . We voorzien ook hapjes zodat de film niet het enige is dat op je maag ligt 😉.
Moonlight is een teder coming-of-age verhaal van een queer zwarte jongen en zijn complexe zoektocht om zichzelf te vinden. We zien hem als kind, tiener en volwassene worstelen met zijn seksualiteit, zijn mannelijkheid en de relatie met zijn moeder.
Inschrijven is verplicht en kan via volgende link: https://www.eventbrite.be/e/tickets-moonlight-shining-a-light-on-masculinity-filmscreening-749239183567
De link staat ook in onze bio!
🗓21 November 2023
🚪Deuren open: 19:00
⏳Film: 19u30-21:20
🗣️Nabespreking: 21:30-22:30
📍Cinema Lumière, FOMU: Lakenstraat 14, 2000 Antwerpen
🗣Taal: Nederlands
!GRATIS!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman #events #movienight #moonlight #aftertalk

Be a GENTLEman! Follow everything about CHanGE's

Be a GENTLEman!
Follow everything about CHanGE's campaign during this campaign month: November!
Ready for redefining how we look at masculinity?
Join us in watching a movie with an after talk for a discussion about masculinity on screen. Listening to experts talking about the topic during a panel-talk or visually participating in a poetry evening? It’s all possible this month.
Every activity is organized in a different city (Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent) so you don’t miss out!
Behind the scenes we’re also helping to spread the message with workshops in schools. Like that, young people can also exchange thoughts and learn about this important topic.
More information about the events will follow soon.
So follow our page & save the date(s)!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman #events

Be a GENTLEman! 🗣️ This year, CHanGE is focu

Be a GENTLEman! 🗣️
This year, CHanGE is focusing on the theme of masculinity, specifically the portrayal of masculinity in visual representation. Dominant views and images of masculinity have a significant impact on individuals and society. Our visual culture is filled with traditional images of masculinity, often falling back on harmful stereotypes. That's why this CHanGE campaign, "Be A GENTLEman," aims to unravel and question mainstream perceptions of masculinity in imagery and then highlight positive alternatives. We are not only exploring the effects of toxic masculinity in visual representation on men themselves and society at large but also seeking answers to what a positive and healthy expression of masculinity can look like.
Our slogan emphasizes the importance of softness, empathy, and emotional intelligence as essential qualities of masculinity. What does positive imagery of masculinity look like, then? And what is healthy masculinity? Healthy masculinity allows men to be feminists. It means that men take responsibility in the fight for gender equality. Healthy masculinity enables men to be gentle.
Over the coming weeks, we will offer a diverse program focusing on the connections between masculinity, imagery, and gender equality. Be sure to keep on following us for more information to come!
#Change #Ucos #gender #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #positivemasculinity #genderequality #campaign #srhr #gentleman

@ahel.organization is dedicated to community organ

@ahel.organization is dedicated to community organizing and empowering individuals. They provide support for campaigns, teach effective methodologies, and foster connections among activists and campaigns in their region.
Their ultimate goal is to empower those most impacted by the cause, enabling them to establish goals, develop strategies, and mobilize their own communities.
Ahel adopts a sustainable and intersectional approach, also actively sharing knowledge and documenting journeys through platforms like podcasts. Despite facing challenges such as diminishing public spaces and gender inequalities, Ahel remains committed to building people's power and promoting counternarratives. Their message revolves around belief in people power, learning from others, and challenging the narrative of impossibility.
Let's join them in their mission to counter years of people being told that they can't, by believing in ourselves and the people around us, learning from others' stories, and spreading the idea that once organized people CAN impact change. #CommunityOrganizing #PeoplePower #Change

In this insightful interview, Adam Coogle, Deputy

In this insightful interview, Adam Coogle, Deputy director with the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, sheds light on their journey and challenges in the realm of activism in Jordan. Here’s a distilled overview of the conversation:
Jordan's reputation as a relatively open country contrasts with a growing trend of civic space restrictions. Despite reforms on paper, behind the scenes pressures and restrictions persist.
Human rights watch focuses on amplifying voices and documenting civic limitations. They engage in dialogues with authorities, use media and advocacy to instigate change and awareness, and bridge the gap between international human rights organisations and local partners. With the narrative of raising the cost of oppressive acts by the government and thus discouraging further crackdown.
Adam encourages continued engagement by both Jordanian as international stakeholders, even as the state tries to raise barriers and stifle public involvement. He emphasises resisting apathy, advocating for change and not ceding political influence solely to the government.
#humanrightswatch #humanrights #equality #Jordan #government

Team Jordan had the pleasure of meeting the wonder

Team Jordan had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Layla Naffa Hamarneh, the Director of Programmes of the Arab Women Organization (AWO - @arabwomenorg). During a meeting in her office, we were honored to listen to her knowledge about economic violence on women.
The AWO is dedicated to promoting women’s rights in Jordan. They have initiated various programs aimed at economic empowerment and combating illiteracy among women. Their efforts have led to the establishment of a quota system for women in the parliament, which has proven essential for women’s representation. Despite challenges, achieving gender balance remains a priority with the organization striving to reach 50%, as they strive to break tribal dominance in parliament and amplify women’s voices.
The organization also collaborates with universities in Jordan to integrate gender-focused curricula. Initiatives encompass gender studies and majors aligned with women’s issues, aiming to challenge stereotypes, discrimination and forced marriage. In addition, discriminatory laws regarding nationality, child marriage and inheritance also remain, despite Jordan’s UN-supported rights and international conventions, necessitating ongoing advocacy efforts. The organization leverages international pressure to address these issues.
Also in the workforce, various challenges and disparities persist for women. Equal pay remains elusive, and issues like inadequate transportation and the prevalence of the private and informal sector further complicate matters. Women in the formal sector have equal rights, but the private sector lacks uniform adherence to regulations like social security. A significant number of women work in unregistered roles, especially in agriculture, and are thus not reflected in official statistics.
In essence, AWO emphasizes women’s political engagement, supporting women candidates, advocating gender equality and addressing socio-legal challenges in a resolute campaign to achieve true gender equality.
#CHanGE #ucos #jordan #amman #activism

Meet Banan Abu ZainEddin (@abuzaineddin), the Exec

Meet Banan Abu ZainEddin (@abuzaineddin), the Executive Director & Co-founder of @takatoat. During a meeting in her office, team Jordan had the privilege of hearing her inspiring story.
Takatoat is an independent feminist collective in Jordan that operates outside of government influence. Comprising a dedicated ensemble of feminist activists, their mission revolves around disseminating feminist knowledge, establishing secure havens for women and girls, fostering solidarity, and resisting the prevalent patriarchal culture, norms, policies, and practices. Their efforts aim to empower women across sectors, safeguard their rights, combat gender-based violence, and ensure their access to justice, freedom, and equality.
At the heart of their approach lies the principles of intersectionality and feminism. This combined with their belief that knowledge breeds action, fosters their focus on cultivating awareness and sharing this knowledge with the world.
#CHanGE #ucos #jordan #amman #activism

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