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Posts Tagged ‘International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’

International Day For The Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Posted on: March 21st, 2013 by Nellie's No Comments

On March 21st 1960, South African police opened fire on a group of peaceful protesters, killing 69 and injuring many more. This day is commemorated every year to continue the struggle to eliminate racial discrimination, which denies people basic human rights.

“Racism and sport” is the focus of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Racism in sport, both by fans and competitors is an on going concern of the UN Human Rights Office. In September 2012, the Human Rights Council noted that, “Despite the immense potential of sport in promoting tolerance, racism in sport is still a serious problem.” (source.)

Elimination of Racial descrimination

Racism in sport is part of a larger societal problem of oppression, exploitation and patriarchy. Sport is a vehicle that reinforces traditional masculine roles as well as promotes gender-based hierarchies that encourage a culture of acceptance for gender-based violence. Achieving equality in sports as well as eliminating racism in sports will serve to empower women in all parts of society.

Physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle and all women and children should be able to participate without fearing discrimination because of their race or gender. Here at Nellie’s we are committed to challenging all forms of oppression and violence. So let us challenge these norms and let’s move!

 

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Posted on: March 21st, 2012 by Nellie's No Comments

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Forty-six years have passed since the Sharpeville Massacre on March 21st 1960, where 69 demonstrators, all people of colour, were shot and killed and 181 people were wounded by police during a peaceful protest against apartheid in South Africa.   Six years later in 1966 The United Nations declared March 21st the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and called on the international community not only to commemorate that tragedy, but also to work together to fight racism wherever it exists.

Racism still exists.  People from all over the world still experience systemic, direct or indirect racism from acts of violence, hate crimes and harassment.

March 21st is a day for us all to remember and reflect on the fact that racism is still part of our world and we all have an important role and responsibility to build a world free from racism.

For white women, it is also important that we look at how we benefit from racism and actively work towards eliminating it.  Racism will continue to exist systemically in organizations until we are able to acknowledge and name racism.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGxlAvPQG18]

Let’s continue to challenge each other, take risks and be courageous in the fight to end racism. “Do not feel guilty, take responsibility and ACT!”

On March 21st women at the shelter will have the opportunity to share some personal stories about their experiences with racism as we take time to honor and celebrate women’s histories and give space for them to speak out.