February, 2022

Focus of Zero Discrimination Day 2022: Women and Girls

On Zero Discrimination Day this year, UNAIDS is fighting against the discrimination girls and women face by generating awareness and motivating activities to empower them.

On 1 March 2022, Zero Discrimination Day will be held under the theme “Zero Discrimination against Women and Girls.” The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is the butterfly, extensively used among individuals to tell their experiences and pictures to eradicate prejudice and strive towards improvement.

A Call for Social Justice in Digital Economy: World Day of Social Justice 2022

Celebrated on 20 February every year, the theme of World Day of Social Justice 2022 is “A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy.”

The objective of this day is to promote awareness of global inequality and gather people from different walks of life throughout the globe to abolish poverty, biological discrimination, sexual identity, lack of education, and religious intolerance to establish an equal community.

How Far NGOs Have Been Affected by COVID-19 Globally

COVID-19 has upturned billions of lives around the globe. Lives and jobs have been lost, economies have fallen into crisis, and societies have fallen into disarray. During these challenging times, the non-profit sector has been the most active. NGOs play critical roles in multiple areas, namely humanitarian aid, diplomacy, advocacy, and global governance. The world has come to understand the roles and importance of NGOs in society once faced with the pandemic’s unprecedented challenge. But one thing that the world has overlooked is how NGOs have been affected by the pandemic.

COVID-19 brought to light the flaws and frailty of health systems worldwide, forcing NGOs to step in to assist. When the second wave of COVID-19 hit and people met with their healthcare system’s alarming inability to provide life-saving medical services and supplies, NGOs across the world—Save The Children, SaveLIFE Foundation and Action Aid, amongst several others—played a significant role in reinforcing the health infrastructure. Whether it was supplying medical equipment or installing oxygen plants, NGOs stepped up in all ways possible to help the country combat the pandemic and save its citizens.

Valentine’s Day in Mauritius: Spreading Love and Happiness

Valentine’s Day in Mauritius is celebrated worldwide on 14 February every year. On this day, people express their love by exchanging gifts, words, and gestures. The ultimate expression of love for humanity is ending global suffering, poverty, and inequality.

COVID-19 and social distancing may have changed this year’s festivities; however, that does not mean you cannot still enjoy – and do a charitable deed simultaneously. Instead of just gifts, flowers, or chocolates, what if you expressed your love with purposeful presents that advocate sustainability, challenge institutions of inequality, and promote eradicating poverty?

21 February: International Mother Language Day

Since 2000, the world has celebrated International Mother Language Day on 21 February. A language is considerably more than simply a means of communication. Language, notably the mother tongue, is a vital aspect of different cultures worldwide. International Mother Language Day aims to enhance global awareness of language, cultural diversity, and multilingualism. But what are the history and importance of this day?

According to the United Nations, languages are strategically crucial for individuals and the world due to their complex consequences for identity, communication, social integration, education, and growth. They are, unfortunately, increasingly threatened or on the verge of extinction because of globalisation. However, they are an essential part of preserving cultures all over the world.

Pulses to Empower Youth in Achieving Sustainable Agrifood Systems: World Pulses Day 2022

An annual global United Nations event, the World Pulses Day is observed on 10 February to recognise the importance of pulses as a worldwide food source. World Pulses Day is an occasion to increase awareness of the nutritional advantages of pulses and their commitment to food production and a world without starvation.

In recognising pulses for their crucial role in achieving the detailed set of shared and transcendent goals and objectives in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this celebration of pulses acknowledges their importance in pursuing peace.

My YUVA Internship Experience: I Came Out as a Better Person

Joining YUVA as an intern was my first step into the job market. I did not quite know what to expect for what was supposed to be my big dive into the professional world. On the other hand, the corporate world I at least had some knowledge of, the non-profit world, felt like I had stumbled upon Narnia, scary, vast, and unexplored but exciting, nonetheless.

While I did have some informal experience in social work from the past occasional fundraising event in the past, working for a large NGO such as YUVA in a formal setting was a completely novel experience. My journey there was no less than an adventure. After suffering numerous rejections and endless ghosting by big corporations, I applied for an internship at YUVA on a whim, resigned to another rejection or worse, no reply at all. The shock I received after being contacted merely hours after sending my application for an interview left me reeling. I remained sceptical until the day of the interview, by the end of which I was so sure I’d already destroyed any chance at professional redemption due to my nervous disposition. I believed it was nothing short of a miracle when I was allowed to intern directly under the supervision of the executive director, Mr Krishna Athal.

The Time to Act is NOW: International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2022

Sunday, 6 February 2022, marks a decade of celebrating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. One of the most prevalent, persistent, and destructive human rights violations is Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the forms in which VAWG manifests.

FGM refers to any procedure that involves removing or injuring the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Often FGM is executed under unhygienic conditions, resulting in short-term health problems such as intense pain, shock, severe bleeding, and infections, along with long-term repercussions for the sexual and mental well-being of the victim.

11 February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

Every year, numerous events occur on February 11 to commemorate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Each possibility is distinct, as diverse, and inventive as the individuals and organisations engaged. The 7th International Assembly of Women and Girls in Science will be conducted virtually this year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. But what are the importance and history of this day?

Gender equality has long been a priority for the United Nations. Along with science and the empowerment of women and girls, they are all critical to global economic development and progress toward achieving internationally agreed-upon development goals, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the last 15 years, the international community has worked hard to inspire and engage women and girls in science. Nonetheless, they continue to face challenges that prevent them from actively engaging in science.

The Bilateral Relationship Between Mauritius and India

Mauritius and India share a long history, with over 330 years of ties. The two countries have enjoyed warm relations since the days of the British Empire, and Mauritius has been a trusted friend and ally of India since independence.

The two countries have signed several bilateral agreements to strengthen their bonds, such as an extradition treaty and a maritime boundary agreement. The liaison between the citizens of Mauritius and India is reflected in many Indian-origin people in Mauritius, the warm sentiments expressed at Independence Day celebrations, the numerous cultural and sporting events that are organised, and the large Indian community in Mauritius. Their partnership is rooted in shared democratic values, a history of close friendship, and a strong desire to build on a promising future. The collaboration between the two countries is similarly grounded in shared democratic values and a shared commitment to building a prosperous, democratic, and peaceful future for our nations and the world.

YUVA

Youth United in Voluntary Action

Month: February 2022