IDEX

IDEX Newsflash - Feb, 4, 2010

2010-02-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
The Best-Kept Secrets - the Military's - Danilo Valladares, IPS News, Feb 2, 2010
Government records regarding the more than 20,000 victims of the civil war will be declassified. The civil war was instigated by the CIA-organized dictatorship that began in 1954.

India
Social security system in India: an international comparative analysis - R.K. Jha & S. Bhattacharyya, Eldis,Munich Personal RePEc Archive, 2010
The comparison highlights how India's unique make-up leaves the country lacking when it comes to social security.

Mexico
Calderon Says Mexico Violence Stoked by U.S. Weapons - Patrick Harrington, Bloomberg News, Feb 2, 2010
Mexico is known for its violence and drug trafficking. President Calderon comments that Mexico is "right next to the biggest drug consumer in the world."

Nepal
Communities Take Up Cudgels for Forest Conservation - Damakant Jayshi, IPS News, Feb 2, 2010
Community forestry is taking an important role in halting deforestation. There are about 15,000 such groups in Nepal. They set aside what can be used and what should be conserved, and their efforts are showing results.

South Africa
Lack of staff to blame for beach pollution - Anel Lewis, IOL, Feb 2 2010
Raw sewage is being released into rivers. Who's to blame? An estimated 80 posts are vacant at the utilities office, which is especially surprising in a place where there's such a lack of jobs.

Zimbabwe
One Million Casualties of Land Reform - Ann Hellman, IPS News, Jan 25, 2010
Many farm workers originally supported the reform, having been assured that the land would be returned to the people. This has yet to happen, and in the meantime they're unemployed.

IDEX NewsFlash - Jan 29, 2010

2010-01-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
Former Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo Arrested - BBC News, Jan 26, 2010
The Guatemalan authorities have captured former President Alfonso Portillo, who is wanted in the US on money-laundering charges.

India
Fund crunch hits midday meal plan in Prakasam - Deccan Chronicle, Jan 25, 2010
Seven years ago the government started a meal plan for school children. The funding, however, isn't enough to cover the costs and the program has been running on credit. The cooking agencies have been promised an infusion of funds.

Mexico
Wal-Mart Unveils Largest PV Installation in Latin America - Jan 20, 2009
More than 1000 panels will provide 20% of the energy used.

Nepal
Why are so many women killing themselves? - IRIN News, Jan 21, 2010
Suicide has slowly crept up the charts to become the number one cause of death amongst women. The complex issues surrounding this phenomenon have not been explored, and there seems to be no interest in funding such a study. Accidents are the second leading cause of death.

South Africa
A day in the life of a sex worker - IRIN News, Jan 22, 2010
Though illegal and dangerous, many women turn to prostitution because of lack of options. The women deal with rape, HIV and police taking their money. There is optimism about increased business during the World Cup, and worry about more competition.

Zimbabwe
Hope and crops scorched again - IRIN News, Jan 26, 2010
Continuing droughts are threatening the supply of one of Zimbabwe’s staple foods. It is estimated that about half of the maize will be lost this season. Relief agencies believe millions of Zimbabweans will require food aid once more.

IDEX Newsflash - Jan 21, 2010

2010-01-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
Assassinations Continue in Guatemala - by International Trade Union Confederation, Jan 19, 2010
Evelinda Ramírez Reyes, leader of the resistance front, was assassinated on January 13th while heading home after meeting with government officials regarding the restoration of Constitutional guarantees. The International Trade Union Confederation condemns the impunity and frequency with which social and trade union leaders are assassinated.

India
Lokayukta slams mining in Karnataka's forests - India Together, Jan 17 2010
The Karnataka Lokayukta was established in 1984 specifically for investigating questionable administrative actions. Their report denounces the illegal practices still in effect even when miners receive government approval. Over 1000 hectares of forests have been illegally lost to "encroachment."

Mexico
Journalist kidnapped in Sinaloa state was tortured and shot - Jan 6, 2010
The body of José Luis Romero was found two weeks after his kidnapping. Officials say it appears to be an organized crime killing. The Reporters Without Borders press freedom index ranks Mexico as 137th out of 175 countries.

Nepal
Despite fragility of Nepal's peace process, UN envoy voices cautious optimism - UN, Jan 15, 2010
Recent progress in Nepal's ongoing peace talks have people feeling optimistic, but the real test will be whether all parties follow through. Overall there is still a prevailing feeling of tension and mistrust amongst the three major parties.

South Africa
2010: South Africa's upside down world - Dale T. McKinley, Jan 14, 2010
An article questioning "the amount of work, money, media coverage and public propaganda expended in the last few years" over the upcoming World Cup. It critiques the government spending billions to cater to tourists while the country struggles along without adequate schools, food or shelter.

Zimbabwe
Talks Delayed Again As Zanu PF Negotiators Fail to Pitch - Tichaona Sibanda, Jan 18, 2010
The failure of Zimbabwe's three political parties to meet for discussions has the people restless. There is talk of a new election to resolve the apparent stalemate

IDEX NewsFlash - January 15, 2010

2010-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
Angels in Guatemala: Confronting a Legacy of Official Terror - by Susan Fitzpatrick-Behrens, Upside Down World, Jan 6, 2010
Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom publicly accepts a UN report that was originally rejected in 1999. The UN's Commission for Historical Clarification (CEH) condemned the genocide perpetrated against the Maya people. The President apologized during a "Day of Dignity for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict."

India
DISPLACED BY THE DAM: A lifetime's harvest - India Together, Jan 5, 2010
After a lifelong struggle to slowly accumulate and farm his piece of land, Sitaram Paditar will lose it all to a proposed 455-foot dam. He still doesn't understand why he will not receive compensation from the government, and has been fighting the proposal for decades.

Mexico
A Tough Year Ahead - by Emilio Godoy, IPS News, Jan 5, 2010
In an attempt to close the 23 billion dollar deficit, the government started the year off by increasing the cost of basic goods like sugar, bread, beans and fuel. The year 2009 is described as "disastrous," and 2010 is also expected to be rough on the Mexican people.

Nepal
Rehabilitation challenge for child soldiers - IRIN News, Jan 12, 2010
As part of the ongoing peace process in Nepal as many as 3,000 young soldiers have been discharged from the Maoist army. They have been offered four different rehabilitation options, including schooling and small business training.

South Africa
Parents rush to register children for school - by Latoya Newman, IOL News, Jan 12, 2010
The great school-year rush had many children wait listed. Officials are scrambling to make sure schools will be ready to run smoothly from the first day.

Zimbabwe
AfriForum fights for Zimbabwe farmers - IOL News, Jan 12, 2010
AfriForum, a civil rights movement, has launched the first legal step to try to stop the Zimbabwe government from the land grab that is chasing white farmers off the lands and homes. Farm invaders have continued to assault and prosecute farmers who resist giving up their land.

Join IDEX at Board Match 2010

2010-01-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been curious about joining a board? Want to get more involved with IDEX and other local non-profits? Then join us at Board Match this Tuesday, Jan 12.

The Board Match event is the best way to explore nonprofit board membership in the Bay Area. Over 100 Bay Area nonprofits are waiting to meet you from 4:30 – 7:30 pm at The Board Match on January 12, 2010 at Moscone Center South, Howard Street between Third and Fourth Streets in San Francisco.

Come talk to nonprofit leaders about serving on their organization’s board of directors. You can also attend a free orientation about nonprofit board service before or after The Board Match. Visit www.theboardmatch.org or call 415-982-8999 or 650-235-3550 for more information.

Brownbag Lunch Presentation

2009-12-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

Join us for a Brownbag Lunch and Presentation by Cambodian Land Rights Activist, Sao Sotheary. Co-hosted by the International Accountability Project (IAP) & IDEX (International Development Exchange).

When: Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 12.30 p.m.
Where: IDEX, 827 Valencia Street, San Francisco CA 94110
RSVP: For questions and to RSVP, please contact Joanna Levitt by email joanna@accountabilityproject.org, or phhone (415) 659-0555.

Sao Sotheary, a human rights activist from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, currently serves at the Program Manager for the Community Empowerment and Legal Awareness program of Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia (BABSEA).

Sotheary is deeply committed to promoting housing and land rights, and challenging the exploding rates of illegal land-grabbing and forced evictions that are devastating so many communities across Cambodia. She also has significant experience in grassroots advocacy for women's rights, sexual health education, and domestic violence prevention. Sotheary believes that women's rights and well-being must be an integral part of the movement for land and housing rights, and for development justice.

Sotheary is an author, editor and lead community trainer for the recently published Cambodian Guide to Defending your Land & Housing Rights --a 3-volume book of curriculum designed for community-led workshops in areas threatened by eviction and displacement in the name of development. The Guide is a collaborative initiative of BABSEA, the Centre on Housing Rights & Evictions (COHRE), and San Francisco-based International Accountability Project (IAP).

Sotheary will speak about the current status of land rights and forced evictions in Cambodia, and her work in building a network of grassroots trainers mobilizing communities to hold on to their land and homes, and to demand development that upholds their fundamental human rights.

This is Sotheary's first trip to the United States, and she is particularly interested to meet colleagues from organizations here in the Bay Area that are addressing similar issues. Please RSVP if you are interested to attend, and feel free to pass this notice along to interested friends and colleagues. Thank you!

Give More, Get More

2009-11-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

December 1, is World Aids Day and with GlobalGiving's matching grant program there has never been a better time to donate to IDEX partner, Positive Women's Network (PWN), in South Africa.

PWN provides HIV-positive women with: women-led support groups to address stigma; grief counseling; workshops on treatment literacy, reproductive health and nutrition; and opportunities for income-generating projects. These are women like Gladys, who turned to PWN for support and now looks to a brighter future.

PWN and their founder, Prudence Mabele, are featured in UNAIDS Outlook 2010. See the full presentation here.

Donate now to PWN via IDEX's funding partner GlobalGiving and take advantage of matching funds available. The matching challenge ends on Dec 1 so give now.

Cambios en IDEX

2009-11-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

Estimados compañeros y compañeras,

Después de seis maravillosos años como Director Ejecutivo, he tomado la difícil decisión de dejar a IDEX. Durante mi tiempo aquí, he tenido el privilegio de trabajar con un equipo muy entregado a su trabajo, con una mesa directiva bien dedicada a IDEX y con admirables contrapartes e organizaciones de base. Quiero agradecer a todos y todas que han apoyado con su tiempo y generosidad a IDEX durante mi estancia. Mi vida personal y profesional han sido enriquecido de manera permanente por estas relaciones.

Durante mi tiempo aquí he visto a IDEX prosperarse en una organización más grande y más efectiva. Nuestro modelo de envío de fondos participatorio esta siéndose más reconocido en la comunidad de desarrollo internacional. Y mientras nunca hay un buen momento para hacer una transición de este tamaño, mi tristeza es menos sabiendo que dejo la organización en manos de un equipo maravilloso que van asegurar que la eficiencia de nuestros programas y la estabilidad financiera continúe en los próximos años.  

En las próximas semanas, los miembros de la mesa directiva van a llevar a cabo un proceso de reclutamiento abierto para la posición de Director Ejecutivo. Pueden revisar el anuncio y la descripción de esta posición en nuestra página Web.

Gracias a todos por hacer estos seis años tan agradables y tan enriquecidos. Estoy seguro que voy a cruzar caminos con muchos de ustedes, y espero continuar las relaciones que he desarrollado estando en IDEX. Les animo a continuar su participación y apoyo al trabajo de IDEX.
 
Saludos solidarios, 

Pete Stanga

Give More, Get More - Accept the Challenge

2009-11-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Seize the opportunity to make your donation go even further.

Meet the challenge!

IDEX has selected our partner Positive Women's Network in South Africa to be part of the GlobalGiving Give More, Get More campaign.

Our goal is to fully fund this project by the end of this year. Meet the challenge and help women like Gladys face HIV/AIDS and find the strength to face the future.

"Because of PWN, I'm a strong person. And with my strength, I hope to lead other women who are HIV-positive to be strong as well." Gladys Nikelo, presenting to a youth group in South Africa.

You can choose to support any of IDEX's projects on GlobalGiving. But to maximize the matching grant potential we would urge you to give to PWN.

From now through December 1, projects on GlobalGiving.com are matched.

The more you give, and encourage others to give, the greater the matching gift.

Change At IDEX

2009-11-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

After six wonderful years as Executive Director, I have taken the difficult decision to leave IDEX. During my time here I’ve had the privilege to work with an extremely committed staff, a dedicated Board, and a truly inspiring set of partners and grantees. I would like to thank all who have supported IDEX during my tenure with your time and generosity. My personal and professional life has been permanently enriched by these relationships.

In my time here I have seen IDEX flourish into a larger and more effective organization. Our model of participatory grantmaking is gaining traction throughout the international development community. And, while it is never an ideal time to make such a transition, my sadness is lessened by the fact that I leave the organization in the hands of some amazing staff who will ensure that our programmatic efficacy and our financial stability will continue for years to come.

Over the next few weeks, IDEX’s Board of Directors will carry out an open hire for the Executive Director position. You can review the job announcement and description on our website.

Thank you all for making these six years so enjoyable and enriching. I’m sure I will cross paths with many of you again, and I look forward to continuing the relationships I have developed while at IDEX. I encourage you to continue your involvement and support of IDEX’s work.

All the best,
Pete Stanga

IDEX Newflash - November 6, 2009

2009-11-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
World Energy Research To Build Three Hydroelectric Projects - 11/06/09, Hydro World
The World Energy Research (WER) has made agreements with Guatemala for three hydroelectric projects. Guatemala has a large untapped energy resource base; only 7 percent of the country’s hydroelectric capacity has been tapped. The new projects will substantially increase that percentage. WER seek out energy projects with high returns and low environmental impacts: clean oil and natural gas, solar energy, wind energy and ocean turbines.

India
India Not Ready For Carbon Emission Targets - 11/06/09, Hindustan Times
One month before the Copenhagen climate change summit, India made clear that it is not ready to quantify its carbon emission targets but will explore that possibility. Developing countries, led by India, have consistently said that the money to tackle global warming must come from industrialized countries that have put all the extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Nepal
Meeting To Discuss the Threat From Global Warming - 11/02/09, Associated Press
Nepal’s Cabinet will hold a meeting to highlight the threat from global warming. Global warming is causing glaciers to melt in the Himalayas. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, creating lakes whose walls could burst and flood villages. Melting ice and snow also make the routes for mountaineers less stable and more difficult to follow.

Mexico
Indigenous Farmers Take Over UN Office - 10/31/09, AFP
In the southern state of Chiapas, about 150 indigenous farmers took over a UN office to demand the release of 3 jailed leaders; they also sought refuge as internally displaced persons. The group, Emiliano Zapata Farmers’ Organization (OCEZ) is a land rights group inspired by the Mexican revolutionary Zapata. The 3 group leaders were charged with having ties with the Sinaloa drug cartel. The farmers accuse the government of Chiapas of seeking to criminalize their social struggle.

South Africa
Fight Against HIV To Be Intensified - 11/06/09, IOL
The Health Minister has urged people living with HIV and AIDS to work with the government to intensify the fight against the disease. The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) together with the government are committed to cut the rate of infections by 50 percent by year 2011 and ensure that 80 percent of people who need treatment will have access to it.

Zimbabwe
Harare Water Supply Faces Challenges - 11/06/09, All Africa News
A year after Harare mayor Masunda took office in 2008, the water crisis in the capital is still yet to be resolved. The water crisis was supposed to be one of the mayor’s priority tasks. Many areas of Harare still do not have a reliable supply of water. Harare requires 1,000 megaliters of water per day, but its combined output is 600 megaliters. Unfortunately, 40 percent of the water is lost to leaks.

IDEX Newsflash - October 30, 2009

2009-10-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
Ongoing Femicide - 10/22/09, Upside Down World
Despite the end of the war in Guatemala, the killing, raping and torturing continues. In 2009 there were 8,000 homicide; approximately 10 percent are women and girls. Between 2002 and 2009, there were 197,538 acts of domestic violence, 13,895 rapes and 4,428 women were murdered.

India
Drought hurts India's Rice Production - 10/29/09, Bloomberg
India experienced the weakest monsoon this year since 1972, causing a drop in production. India’s wet season harvest, which accounts for 80 percent of total output, may slump as much as 24 percent. India, the world’s second-largest rice grower, may become a rice importer for the first time in 21 years.

Nepal
Food Stocks Endangered by Floods - 10/22/09, IRIN
The flooding and landslides earlier this month has increased food insecurities for thousands of families in Nepal. As a result of the rains, more than 600 people were killed and 4,000 were displaced. About 25,000 families have lost their food stocks. The affected regions are the most chronically food insecure areas- where people grow their crops largely for subsistence.

Mexico
Genetically Modified Corn Protested - 10/20/09, CNN
Mexico experienced its first public protests last weekend over the government’s decision to allow cultivation of the first genetically modified corn. Corn is grown on about one-third of the country’s land. Environmentalists say that this could ruin the nation’s 55 varieties of native corn. Studies show that transgenic corn has already contaminated some Mexican cornfields.

South Africa
Farmers Sign Land Deal With Congo - 10/21/09, IOL
South Africa signed a deal with the Republic of Congo that will give South African Farmers access to 10 million hectares of farmland. Congo’s plan to improve food security will allow South African farmers to lease land for maize, soy beans, poultry and dairy cattle among other produce. South Africa has one of the most developed agriculture sectors in Africa and is looking to expand into other countries.

Zimbabwe
Food Crisis Worsens as Farmers Continue To Be Attacked - 10/30/09, IRIN SW Radio Africa News
The food crisis is set to worsen as commercial farmers continue to come under both physical and legal attack. The ongoing aggression against farmers is having a huge impact on the current summer cropping program. More than two million people are facing hunger. In the upcoming months, 1.4 million metric tons of cereal will be available but more than 2 million tons are needed to meet Zimbabwe’s basic food needs.

IDEX Newsflash - Oct 18, 2009

2009-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
Malnutrition Continues to Rise - 10/16/09, Miami Herald
The rainy season has not done enough to stop a drought that is exacerbating malnutrition. According to government officials, more than 460 people have died of malnutrition this year. The drought is also affecting other parts of Central America.

Nepal
World Poverty Reduction Day in Nepal - 10/16/09, Xinhua
Nepal marks World Poverty Reduction Day on October 16-18. The UN Millennium Campaign organized the three-day campaign for Nepal. The Prime Minister stated that the policies and programs set forward by the Nepal Government makes it clear that Nepal is committed to eradicate poverty and achieving the MDGs.

Mexico
GMO Testing Approved - 10/16/09, Agence France Press
Mexico approved its first permits for genetically modified test crops of corn. The government hopes to boost the maize production, which has been a highly controversial topic.

South Africa
Unsupported Small Farmers Take Action - 10/16/09, All Africa
A group of small-scale farmers have filed a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the government. The small farmers are accusing the government of not assisting them to make a living and therefore undermining their human right to food security.

Zimbabwe
Soldiers Committing Sexual Violence on Farms - 10/08/09, SW Radio Africa News
There have been serious cases of sexual violence- including rape- by soldiers on farms they are invading. Armed forces continue to illegally seize land and are using sexual violence as a weapon. When women are evicted from the farms, they are also being exposed to sexual abuse.

Climate Change & Poverty

2009-10-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday is International Eradication of Poverty Day. Today is Blog Action Day ’09 Climate Change. Now more than ever climate change, and poverty go hand in hand. It is impossible to address one without considering the other.

It is estimated that 150,000 people die each year as a result of climate change. This grim figure doesn’t even account for the millions of people each year whose livelihoods are impacted by climate change’s effects.

Food and water security are critical to alleviate poverty. But with climate change comes increasingly unpredictable weather like poor rainfall or floods, destroying homes and crops. While climate change affects us all, people living in poverty are hit first–and worst.

And by 2015, it is estimated that 375 million people, most of them in poor countries, will be adversely affected by climate change annually through natural disasters.

While the challenge is huge, the solutions start with small steps. Many of our partners now operate programs and take action that both address poverty and seek to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Here in the US, we too can make changes.

For example, we can conserve water by turning off the tap when we clean our teeth. Bhanwari can conserve water because she was able to install a taanka.

We can shift our buying power to local, organic produce. Lal Maya learned how to grow crops native to her area, crops that are drought tolerant and better able to resist pests.

Here, many of us are learning how to reduce our garbage and compost our food scraps. In Mexico, one community is learning how to grow mushrooms, a quick-growing crop, with discarded corn-cobs which provide a great environment for mushrooms to thrive.

People everywhere are making small changes and adapting. We need the governments of the world to follow our example. It is possible to mobilize and create change. Persistence does pay off and change can happen, as Doña María Juárez testify.

Take a stand, make a change and join with Bhanwari, Lal Maya, and Doña María Juárez and the millions of others who are taking action around the world fighting to end climate change.

Take Action:
Tell the UN what you will miss the most.
Sign the petition for a climate change treaty to be agreed upon in Copenhagen this year.
Participate in the International Day of Climate Change Action on Oct 24

IDEX Newsflash - Oct 9, 2009

2009-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.

Guatemala
Action Alert: Community Leader Murdered by Private Security Guards - October 7, 2009, Upside Down World.org
Revisiting last week’s story on the indigenous community members shot and killed by private security guards from the Guatemalan Nickel Company (a subsidiary of the Canadian company HudBay). Continued violence marks a breakdown in negotiations as the private mining company continues to violently and illegally evict community members from the property. "The attack resulted in the death of community leader Adolfo Ich Xaman and a number of gun-related injuries suffered by other community members." The historical context of this dispute goes back to the 1970s and 1980s where the then military regimes granted access to the private nickel-mining companies. Conflicts between the companies and the communities have recently become more aggressive and upside down world is asking its readers to take action and sign a letter directed to the Guatemalan government officials.

India
240 Die in India as Monsoons Follow Drought - October 5, 2009, New York Times
In addition to 240 deaths, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless due to heavy rainfall lasting 4 days. Drought, which occurred prior the heavy rains, has combined with the floods leaving Indian villages in turmoil. In addition to the 240 deaths, crops have been ruined, cattle have died and hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed. There have been a total of 1,184 total deaths across India's 127 districts year-to-date.

Nepal
Nepal's Tibetans Squeezed as China Flexes Muscles - October 7, 2009, Associated Press
As Beijing's 60th anniversary took place, dozens of Tibetan exiles, "who were suspected of planning anti-China protests," in Nepal were gathered and arrested. The preemptive arrests are part of the government’s response to pressure from Beijing. Regular patrols and interrogations are making life difficult for Tibetan exiles living in Nepal. As Maoist influence has grown in Nepal, the ties with China have strengthened. "Nepal only survives on the goodwill of China and India, and China's condition is that the government should impose restrictions on Tibetans living here," said an anonymous Tibetan community leader.

  South Africa
We Have Land Rights but no Water Rights-Farmers - October 5, 2009, Inter Press News Agency
The lack of available water comes as no surprise to black farmers in Limpopo as distribution of water remains a contentious issue in South Africa. Smallholder black farmers (many of whom were involved in land reform) acknowledge that "water rights are not linked to land rights." Despite the launch of the government-project, "Water for Growth and Development Framework"(which will attempt to attain water security by 2030), little has changed and there are no available legal mechanisms that can protect the small farmer. The diminishing quantity and quality of water poses additional challenges to farmers as the sustainability of their farms is questioned.

Abahlali baseMjondolo Supported all Over the World - October 7, 2009, Pambazuka.org,
In response to the armed takeover of Kennedy Road by the African National Congress, Abahlali baseMjondolo is now receiving support from around the world. This link allows you to follow the movement, check out the most recent articles, blogs, press statements, photos and videos and join the movement in solidarity.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Media "still not free" - October 8, 2009, BBC News
As the supposed ban on foreign reporters has been lifted, reporters are still weary about government-placed restrictions. Private newspapers in Zimbabwe remain unable to publish the news without approval from the government’s media watchdog organization-the Zimbabwe Media Commission. However, this organization does not yet exist. Zimbabwe’s two current newspapers are controlled by the state and it appears as if there is no intention to allow alternative views into publication as everyone waits for the Media Commission to materialize.

Women's Empowerment
Strategies for Policy Makers: Bringing Women into Governments, 2009, eldis.org
Authors Whitman and Gomez from the Institute for Inclusive Security have created a report focusing on strategies for bringing women into government positions. The authors argue that the "involvement of women in post-conflict governments have tended to build governance systems which are stable and transparent." Whitman and Gomez offer a number of possible suggestions that would help to foster the increased integration of women's roles in government as well as "success stories" from Rwanda, Cambodia and Afghanistan.

Climate Change
Local Voices, global choices: for successful disaster risk reduction (DRR). A Collection of case studies about community-centre partnerships for DRR - 2009, eldis.org
This report is an interesting look at community-based participation and the effects of climate change. The report focuses on the ways that local communities can make a lasting difference when their "local voices are respected and different actors come together to form strategic partnerships to work collaboratively to reduce disaster risks." The case studies range from formulation of community action plans in Malawi to building community resilience in Nepal. This report looks at how partnerships with local communities help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on rural communities.

UN Climate Talks Split on Treaty - October 9, 2009, BBC News
The UN climate talks in Bangkok’s latest round have come to a three way split. Developing countries are seeking an extension of the Kyoto Protocol while developed countries are seeking a totally new agreement. The third possibility would include a series of decisions to be made at the Copenhagen Talks. Developing countries and environmental groups are charging that developed countries are "dragging their feet" on the issue. Moreover, developing countries want the Kyoto Protocol extended because of existing obligations held by developed nations.

Creating A Just Food System - IDEX Panel Discussion

2009-10-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

A timely discussion of the problems with the global food system, and solutions created by ordinary citizens around the world.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 6:00pm

Where: Goldman Theater, The David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley

What: An insightful discussion on the global food system, the challenges and innovative solutions local communities are initiating.

Who: Dr. Raj Patel (Author & Activist), Brahm Ahmadi (The People’s Grocery), Jeff Conant (Food & Water Watch), and Rajasvini Bhansali (IDEX). Moderated by Pete Stanga (IDEX)

Join us for this eye-opening panel to learn how communities around the world, from Brazil, India, South Africa and Oakland are facing the challenges posed by the current food system. Find out how people are organizing and creating local alternatives. Learn what you can do.

Everyone is welcome. Recommended donation of $10, no one turned away for lack of funds.

For more details contact Gillian Wilson at IDEX - (415) 824-8384 | idexevents@idex.org

We hope to see you there!

IDEX Newsflash - Sept 25, 2009

2009-09-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

A weekly summary of breaking news from countries IDEX works in: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Guatemala
What Price for Good Coffee? - Time Magazine, 09/25/09
Fair Trade model has been heralded as the defining success story in market-based economic solutions to poverty. Today, even the coffee retailer mega-giant Starbucks is on board with this trendy new concept. Although a fine concept, the current prices for fair trade today are still not enough to lift Guatemalan farmers across the poverty line.

India
India Lawsuits Used to Shrink India’s Maternal Deaths Today – Women’s ENews, 09/25/09
India currently has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world at 300 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. According to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, India had pledged to reduce maternal mortality down to 200 by 2007, and 109 by 2015, but such numbers are unrealistic. In an effort to combat maternal mortality from new angles, some Indian NGO’s are trying to file law suits if the state does not meet it’s promises articulated in the government’s National Rural Health Mission.

Mexico
Mexico's Slim, Grameen Bank Launch Microfinance Venture - Wall Street Journal, 9/25/09
The success of microfinance in Bangladesh and around the world has led Mexico billionaire Carlos Slim to adapt the idea in partnership with Muhammad Yunnus in Mexico. Mr. Slim is launching a microfinance company, and hopes to make more than 100,000 loans in the company’s first five years.

Nepal
World Bank announces $130 Million for Education in Nepal – AllHeadlineNews.com, 9/24/09
Nepal's School Sector Reform Program has just been approved this Wednesday, and is the main vehicle for the implementation of the Nepal government's National Program of Action. This program will cost roughly 2.6 billion dollars to implement over the next five years, and World Bank has just approved partly funding it with a grant of $130 million.

South Africa
South African Children push for better schools – NY Times, 9/24/09
In a march that mirrored yesterday’s University of California protest against fee hikes and staff layoffs, young South Africans came out in droves to demand better educational infrastructure. Currently, many schools are tattered, with few libraries. This is what the South African youth wish to change, and are protesting at the halls of government to make it happen.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe to import 350,000 tonnes of wheat – Reuters, 09/15/09
The Zimbabwean Government must import huge quantities of cereals in order to provide grains to its public. Cereal plantings in Zimbabwe have been on a downward trend due to financial shortfalls and fertilizer shortages. The government has launched a $200 million program to help farmers secure more seed and fertilizer.

IDEX Newsflash - Sept 18, 2009

2009-09-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Guatemala
Hunger and Nutritional Crisis,9/09/09, BBC News
Guatemala has declared a “state of public calamity” over a dire hunger and nutritional crisis. In a national address, Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom said Guatemala has suffered from climate change and the global economic meltdown. According to UNICEF, almost half of Guatemala’s children suffer from extreme malnutrition. At least 25 children died this year from malnutrition. An estimated 54,000 families are suffering food shortages due to a failure of their corn and beans crops.

India
Women Enjoy the Absence of Men on Trains, 9/15/09, New York
The absence of men on commuter trains has given women peace. Some men pinch, grope, and stare at women on trains, or shout insults and catcalls. Over the last decade, millions of women have integrated into the work force. The women’s commute to work have not been pleasant. The persistent problems of taunting and harassment have led the government to remove men from trains. Eight women-only commuter trains have been introduced in India’s four largest cities.

Mexico
Worst Drought in Six Decades, 9/12/09, New York Times
This year, the first three months of the rainy season were dry. Mexico’s rainy season typically begins in June and lasts for four months. The severe drought has affected forty percent of the farmland, causing shortages in the harvests of corn, beans, wheat and sorghum. Now that the rainy season finally started, the daily downpours of rain have flooded parts of Mexico City.

Nepal
Protests Escalating, 9/17/09, The Economist
Political protests have been escalating and threatening the fragile peace that has prevailed since the end of the Maoists ten-year insurgency in 2006. The Prime Minister, who is a Maoist leader, recently resigned. His resignation led the protest to escalate. The former Prime Minister took his Maoist party into opposition and hope to lead the government again.

South Africa
Socio-Economic Development Focused on Elites, 9/17/09, Pambazuka
The models for socio-economic development in Southern Africa are elite oriented. This elite focused model in inadequate and a new approach is needed if the interests of the mass are to be served. A development model that is people-centered is a component to policy making.

Reemergence of Traditional Protesting, 9/06/09 New York Times
The protests in South Africa most often call for the burning of tires, the barricading of streets and the throwing of rocks. The forceful protests are a reaction to the dissatisfaction of South Africa’s new president, Jacob Zuma. Water, electricity and unemployment are areas that have not seen any improvement.

Zimbabwe
Last White Farmers Face Invasion, 9/17/09, The Economist
President Robert Mugabe is still set on chasing out the last white farmers. Over the past decade, 4,000 white owners of the most productive farms have been forced out along with their 320,000 black workers. Two-thirds of the seized land has been given to 140,000 black families, but the rest has gone to Mugabe’s family and friends. This has caused agriculture output to slump. Zimbabwe used to be one of Africa’s biggest food exporters, now it one of the main food aid recipients.

IDEX in South Africa: Community Initiatives To End Poverty

2009-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who joined us at IDEX this past Thursday for our Open House. It was good to see you all.

The film, IDEX in South Africa: Community Initiatives to End Poverty is now available below, as well as on both YouTube.com/idexorg and Facebook.com/idex.org. Enjoy it and please share it with your friends and family.

IDEX Takes On Seva Foundation’s Community Self-Development Program

2009-08-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

On September 1, 2009, IDEX assumed responsibility of Seva’s, Community Self-Development (CSD) Program in Mexico and Guatemala.

IDEX has experienced sustained growth in recent years, and has built internal systems to continue on a path of expansion. Acquiring the CSD program allows IDEX to grow its Latin America support significantly in one year, while achieving greater efficiencies and engaging new funding opportunities.

Seva Foundation, based in Berkeley, California is most widely known for its eye care programs around the world. Seva also works in the US with Native American communities, and until recently, with indigenous communities in Guatemala and Mexico.

In early 2009 the Seva Foundation, based in Berkeley, California engaged in a strategic re-visioning process. The Seva Board made the difficult decision to focus its efforts on its eye care programs, and discontinue supporting the CSD Program. Seva began to look for another organization already doing similar work in Latin America.

IDEX and Seva have a long history of working with indigenous communities in southern Mexico and Guatemala. The two organizations have common goals of supporting community development initiatives. Both Seva and IDEX are committed to providing sustained support, as both organizations have found this to be fundamental to poverty alleviation.

IDEX has always encouraged best practices to be shared among our grantees. This will allow us to facilitate more opportunities for like-minded groups to share their successes and challenges and learn from one another. We are confident that this will be an enriching experience for both IDEX and Seva grantees.

Over the next 12 months IDEX will work to transition the Seva CSD program to match the format of our existing programs. We hope you will join us in extending a warm welcome to the Seva CSD program.

More details are available at www.idex.org. We also invite you to contact IDEX directly at (415)824-8384 to discuss this, or any other aspect of IDEX's work.

IDEX Open House - Focus On Africa

2009-08-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

IDEX is expanding its work. Come learn about IDEX staff's recent trip to South Africa to select new grantees.

What: A casual wine and cheese get-together and the unveiling of a 5-minute video featuring the work of our newest grantees

Who: IDEX Program Officers, Katherine Zavala and Vini Bhansali, staff, board members and you!

When: Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Where: IDEX, 827 Valencia Street, Ste 101, San Francisco (See map)

Why: The vibrant civil society in South Africa is full of energy and hope despite widespread poverty in rural villages and urban townships in the post-Apartheid era. Come learn about inspiring people leading change in their communities and IDEX’s role in their initiatives.

We hope to see you there!

Stand With The Women Of Zimbabwe

2009-08-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

We must stand with the women of Zimbabwe! In the midst of unmitigated gender violence and spiraling inflation whose impact is most felt by women and girls, Zimbabwean women have organized to ensure that the African presidents slated to attend the annual Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) hear their concerns and demands for justice. Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) has joined with WITNESS to create an online campaign calling for accountability for the Zimbabwean women who were raped,  tortured, abducted, and beaten after the highly-contested 2008 elections. According to women's rights groups in Zimbabwe, about 20,000 women were victims of this violence during a campaign of intimidation and retribution sanctioned by the government and carried out by militias. The SADC Summit begins September 2 in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that also holds records when it comes to rampant gender violence that operates in a context of impunity. Is it any irony that despite a peer review mechanism at the regional level, issues of gender violence remain absent from the agendas of our African leaders? Not this time! Advocates seek to break the silence and send a strong message that cannot be ignored.

The RAU Campaign aims to gather at least 2,000 messages by September 2, through a combination of video messages, petition signatures, twitter  (re)tweets, comments, etc., to demonstrate the world's outrage at the injustices experienced by Zimbabwean women in the context of political intimidation. Since early August, they have reached out across borders to invite others who believe in justice to add their support to this campaign. The online campaign launched August 17th and has enabled a level of dissemination and organizing that amplifies the concerns of the women of Zimbabwe. Please visit http://hub.witness.org/HearUsStandWithUs to join this important effort.

The Global Fund for Women has supported women's rights groups in Zimbabwe since 1990 and we made our most recent visit in 2008. International Development Exchange (IDEX) has supported community development organizations in Zimbabwe since 1992 and has also witnessed the escalation of human rights abuses over the last five years. Priority Africa Network, an Africa mobilizing and advocacy group, calls on social justice groups in Africa and the Diaspora to stand firm in saying “No!” to violence against women. Together, we join our voices to the RAU campaign to denounce the use of violence against women for any means, and particularly to push political agendas. We denounce the use of rape, sexual assault, sexual slavery, abduction, gang rapes, sexual mutilation and torture to break the dignity of any woman or girl. We call upon the Zimbabwean government to set up safe and user-friendly justice mechanisms to assure that the 20,000 or more women and girls who were victimized get access to free legal, medical, and psycho-social support. Many of these women have fled their homes, some their communities and country, in fear of being targeted once more. As the SADC Summit unfolds Sept. 2-8, let our African leaders demonstrate that they have the courage and political will to speak out against human rights violations that target women.

IDEX Newsflash, August 21, 2009

2009-08-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Guatemala
Agriculture mission in Guatemala wins international acclaim - July 26, 2009, The China Post
An agricultural mission in Guatemala led by Taiwan has "won acclaim" for improving farming technology and developing small farm projects. The venture has received a lot of attention in the field of major agricultural research. Representatives from Spain and 12 Latin American countries have visited the cooperative. Taiwan's agricultural mission teaches local farmers how to plant crops and process food. In addition, "the cooperative offers courses on how to cultivate bamboo (which is used as a key material in building classrooms and low-cost housing units)."

India
India to import food amid drought - August 21, 2009, BBC News
To make up for food shortages caused by drought, India will import food into the country. According to the Finance Minister, over 700 million people have been affected by the drought and food prices have been raised by 10%. With almost 70% of the Indian population dependent on farm incomes, the drought has affected nearly half of the districts in India.

Mexico
Politician's slaying highlights depth of Mexico's violence - August 21, 2009, CNN
The brutal killing of Guerrero state congressman, Armando Chavarria Barrera, is yet another demonstration of the continued violence in Mexico as a response to the country's War on Drugs campaign. Calderon compared the murder rate in Mexico to that of other countries and according to the report, "President Calderon told Mexicans to quit bad mouthing their country". Nonetheless, citizens remain terrified of the violence.

Mexico City bans stores from distributing plastic bags - August 19, 2009, CNN
Mexico City has become the second large metropolitan area (San Francisco was the first) that has banned retailers from using plastic bags. Leading environmentalists are calling for a global ban on plastic bags, as they are a threat to marine life and are the "second-most-common form of litter." Some of the worst air pollution is found in Mexico City. In addition to the bag ban, officials are seeking to improve the city's environment in other ways.

Nepal
Trade treaty likely - August 20, 2009, The Kathmandu Post
Nepalese Prime Minister, Madhav Kumar Nepal, has suggested that it is likely that India and Nepal will sign an amended trade treaty, which is said to be based on equality between the two countries. India’s Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, restated a commitment to "implement bilateral projects," including construction of a link road in the Tarai, extension of transmission lines, and additional support from India the Naumure hydro-project.

South Africa
Sexist leaders damage women's rights agenda - August 6, 2009, Pambazuka News
Writer, William Gumede, expresses his concern over what he calls "a deep gulf between the call for women's equality in South Africa's model constitution and society's predominantly archaic public attitudes toward women." He claims that the patriarchal society in South Africa continues to preserve inequalities between women and men and although the 2007 resolution dictates 50% female representation of the ANC, Gumede argues it has yet to be put into practice. Moreover, he maintains that women will bear a greater burden from the impacts of the current global economic crisis.

Zimbabwe
Cholera may return to Zimbabwe - August 19, 2009, BBC News
Last year's failure to deal with the causes of Cholera have put Zimbabwe at risk for another outbreak. Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) and the UN are warning of a potential new outbreak although Zimbabwean officials have declared the epidemic over. Over 4,000 people have died from the disease since last August and limited access to clean water is a major contributor to another possible outbreak.

An Urban Farm In Mexico City

2009-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

IDEX Program Officer, Katherine Zavala recently traveled to Mexico on field visits to our grantees there.

This morning I got up early, to commute for 2 hours on public transportation. I was traveling from my family’s home, in northern Mexico City to Iztapalapa, which is at the southern point of the city to visit El Molino. Thank goodness for the subway, which at least cuts out the road traffic.

El Molino started an urban agriculture project last year to grow affordable organic produce for their neighborhoods to create self-sufficiency and better health. When I arrived the group had just finished harvesting tomatoes and string beans. It was amazing how big and beautiful this produce was in comparison to what I usually see in the supermarkets.

8 community members showed up today to harvest. They then buy the produce for their homes and to sell to their neighbors. Silvia, who is the cashier of the group, explained that all the money from selling the produce is invested back into this project.

The goal of the communal agricultural garden, where the group learns urban agriculture, is to be a training site and inspiration for the community to learn about how they can grow these vegetables in their own backyards and be inspired and motivated to actually do it.

El Molino has also just started publishing a monthly newsletter. The newsletter informs the community of the value of organic agriculture through tips and shared experiences. Community members describe what worked for them when growing vegetables in their backyards. It’s also a way to promote organic food and demonstrate how accessible and affordable it can be when you’re growing it yourself.

The trainer of the group, Gerardo Castro, is a farmer. He gives monthly workshops to the group of El Molino, teaching them how to grow vegetables using a polyculture method and how to care for the vegetables to ensure a good harvest. They're also learning the different composts they can make such as Bocashi, liquid fertilizer and worm composting.

It was an incredible learning experience for me. And in a city where the word "organic" is not commonly used, it was great to see that the group of El Molino has found organic agriculture to be the best option both for food security and improved nutrition and health in their communities.

El Molino was the last group I was to visit in Mexico. Time to return to San Francisco. After eating so many tacos, I'm ready for a different cuisine. After visiting El Molino's project, I feel inspired to take up the task of starting my own urban garden in my backyard!

Harvesting Agave For Bath Sponges

2009-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

IDEX Program Officer, Katherine Zavala recently traveled to Mexico on field visits to our grantees there.

Today I traveled 2 hours north of Mexico City to the state of Hidalgo. Hidalgo's capital is Pachuca. 45 minutes from Pachuca is the municipality Ismiquilpan, where staff from Ñepi Behña introduced me to the indigenous communities of the region called Valle de Mezquital.

Migration is a big problem in this community. As men migrate to cities in search of work, women are the ones that are left with the burden of caring for children, maintaining the house and finding some work to support the family until a remittance arrives.

About 20 years ago, the women in these communities organized a cooperative to sell natural beauty products to The Body Shop. Agave, known locally as maguey, is grown here. The women go through an arduous process to extract the fibers from the agave, which they then knit into bath sponges. Ñepi Behña has been assisting the cooperative by providing leadership development workshops to strengthen the cooperative and ensure its sustainability.

I met with the Cooperative Board who told me there are 250 women members from 5 communities participating in the cooperative. They have organized the cooperative into different committees to improve communication and coordination among themselves. Now they have committees of product quality, packing supervision, informing members of meetings, trainers, sales and problem solving. They have a Board with a President, Secretary and Treasurer that leads the committees.

I than had the great opportunity of being shown through the process of making a sponge, from chopping off a huge agave leave from the plant, to removing the moisture to reveal the fibers, to spinning the fibers into a thread. Seeing the whole process made me realize how time-consuming and labor-intensive it is. 8 big agave leaves are needed to make enough fiber for one bath sponge. And it takes at least 6 hours to have enough fiber ready for making the sponge. Unsurprisingly during my time there everyone was either knitting or manually spinning the fiber into string while talking to me.

Many of these women also save the money they earn with cooperative group savings plans. Women from the cooperative are trained to collect and track money from their peers. The administrator of this program called Las Abejitas (Little Bees) then deposits the money in a bank account. At the end of the year, they hand out savings interests to the women based on how consistently they saved and not by how much they put in. "It's a way to put more value on the habit of saving even though it can be a minimal amount," says Luciana, the administrator of Las Abejitas.

It was a great experience to see how these women are empowering and supporting themselves to initiate local economic opportunities. Plus it was fascinating to learn how everyday Body Shop products are made and supporting each other.