Reducing men's "Gender Jitters" in Developing Nations!

Fiercely confronting men's "gender jitters" in a 3 hr marathon (1 of many).

If gender equality is to be achieved in Liberia, men at the grass roots level must be willing, informed, and 'welcoming partners' in advancing the principle and practice of the equality of men and women. By the time I finished talking, answering questions, dodging bullets from misanthropes, you better believe these men are taking this subject more seriously. There are a number of earnest supporters already, but this is traditional Africa and our work is cut out for us.

Buchanan City

Arriving in Buchanan City to a family welcome and office! This morning interviewed by Radio UNMIL (UN Military in Liberia) on gender equality broadcast across Liberia. Later interview w. "The New Democrat" newspaper about the critical issues/gender equality. This is all big and controversial news here. In response to journalist, Paul Harry's last question I shard the importance of the world-embracing Teachings of Baha'u'llah and that Baha'is around the world join them in working toward the equality of men and women as a universal goal!

This is election season. Chatter everywhere, newz stories attacking candidates left and right, and gearing up for safe elections as we watch closely the unfolding electoral process in Nigeria. Liberian Prez hosted visiting Malian Prez and announced that, thanks to many interventions, malaria rates have gone down in Liberia. However, other newz coverage on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire across border southern Liberia is not good. Thousands of refugees crossing the border being chased by new regime military in retaliation against dethroned Gbagbo forces; rise in GBV in these refugee camps as many girls/women forced to engage in transactional sex for food. Liberians have run out of goodwill for these border crossers and UNHCR is doing their best to keep up w. the demand for food and shelter in the camps.

Meanwhile, as the world collapses in many of the world's hotspots, we carry on here in Buchanan City so that the new College and Gender Studies Program may one day be a 'city on the hill'. In preparation for my coming these very together men have formed themselves into a group calling themselves "The Honorable Men" to show their willingness to support the uneasy transition toward equality and their support for the women. This completes a self-organizing principle method in community engagement in which community people define their own reality in working toward common cause. Last August when I was here the 'Wise Women' and 'Learning Women' came into being. Bravo for them!!! Keep us in your prayers...and stay tuned.

[D]air Travel- I dare you to travel..

Four airports and on my 3rd plane en route to Monrovia, arriving tonight. Am arriving just dayz after President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has left Buchanan City on her national tour. Am searching for sins of progress since my last trip in August '10. Nuri dispatched me from Boston w. her magic cupcakes from her bizness, "thesweettrooth" (thesweettrooth@gmail.com), and I am attracting every man within inches in all airports across the globe.

The US State Dept. has published its Human Rights Report (2010) on Liberia. There is a great deal of work to be done throughout this country left w. little infrastructure, following the 14-yr war. I return for training, evaluation, and community engagement work with Grand Bassa Community College. This foto portrays an example of one of the few remnants of colonial architecture, once considered palatial. Ask questions, make comments, stay tuned.....

As I depart--Follow my Fulbright work in Africa's oldest Independent nation-Liberia

Once again, I am about to experience  Transportation on Liberia's impassable roads. Follow this blog, ask questions, and view my fotoz. As a Fulbright Specialist, I collaborated with Grand Bassa Community College, establishing the first Gender Studies Program and Women's Resource Centre at a Liberian college. This trip--Interviews, evaluation, and participatory training on how understanding gender assists in development. Stay tuned.....

http://allafrica.com/stories/201104211063.html

Literacy Among Sub-Saharan African Women - Zunia.org

For those of you up for the next exciting travel sequel "Liberia Rebuilding" 2011, revisit this blog daily.
For every challenge, there is an opportunity. So read about the educational challenges and opportunities
as we travel to Grand Bassa Community College in Buchanan City and see thier achievements for yourself.

READ-Literacy Among Sub-Saharan African Women - Zunia.org