Our UN Women USA LA Chapter and Community.
We appreciate you and we celebrate you.
Written by Jennifer Castle, Senior Content Writer, UN Women USA LA
UN Women USA LA has been a steadfast connective chapter for a decade now, fighting for global gender parity since 2012. We are so grateful for those we’ve partnered with along the way- the small businesses, activists, journalists, and LGBTQIA+ community, who have all come together for this work. We appreciate you. We remember you. We celebrate you. We could not have done any of it without you.
UN Women USA LA began its journey in 2012. Immediately the chapter hit the ground running by creating new and engaging platforms for women and girls of all ages. One of our first events took place in 2012 at the SGI Culture of Peace Resource Center. That event marked our first Annual Special Assembly, “Women, Climate Change and Human Rights.” It brought together speakers, local vendors, musicians, artists, activists and an Eco-Fashion Workshop. Women of several different backgrounds came together, participated, and were able to speak out on their hopes for equity, human rights, and the overall effects of climate change.
Safe Cities Los Angeles was created shortly thereafter, in 2014. The Safe Cities Global Initiative was formed by UN Women to encourage safety in public spaces. Again, our chapter and the changemakers within, promptly took to the task by creating an open, ongoing conversation amongst its community members. A series of programs were then presented, one of which were self-defense classes, to help women physically equip themselves with the tools needed for defense. The goal was to reduce violence against women within our city by providing them with options, as well as empowering them with self confidence and safety. These classes were held at opposite ends of L.A. so that we could make them accessible to as many women as possible.
In 2019, Safe Cities L.A. brought their focus to the transgender community, through the “Heart of Art” and “The Transgender Urban Experience.” Both maintained an all-trans panel that shared personal testimonials on art and well-being. They also spoke to the Heart of Art Gallery itself, a safe space the LGBTQIA+ community had come to rely on and cherish over the years, and the gentrification that would soon be stripping the community of that very space.
Our Women and Sports event was produced in 2016. Media Re(presents) Women & Sport was a successful reflection on how the media portrays women in athletics and the overall expectations that are placed on them. A panel discussion was held, featuring insight from NASCAR champion Julia Landauer, Associate Athletic Director for Marketing Dawn Ellerbe, Professors of Sociology Michael Messner and Faye Linda Wachs, and Kinesiologist Dr. Carole Oglesby. The panel was a rare look into the world of sports and the wide divide that often still exists when women decide to play.
“Belonging and Displacement: Uniting Heads, Hearts, and Hands,” was a platform that launched in 2019, designed to connect residents with women who have experienced displacement as refugees, immigrants, or the unhoused. This event provided a safe space for speakers and community perspective. Hundreds attended and through it all we were able to maintain our solitary theme of purpose and belonging, encouraging a greater sense of belonging through others as they left that day.
India’s COVID Widows: A New Humanitarian Crisis, was one of our more recent events, taking place virtually since we were all still in a bit of isolation. During this time, India lay victim to one of the harshest outbreaks of the virus. It was estimated that India’s widows had reached 130,000. Many lived in rural/poor villages and many had children to care for. They were lacking economic support, medical services, and food resources. So we arranged a panel, consisting of 11 widows so they could shed light and understanding on the crisis at hand. Personal stories were shared and possible solutions discussed. Despite the isolation, we were still able to come together, under a virtual umbrella, to discuss, and educate on these global issues.
There are many events in which to reflect on, not only in celebration of our collective efforts but also in reflection of our individual participation and relationship to them. This is what UN Women USA LA stands for. We are a team, made up of powerful minds, bodies, and spirits. This is the work we put forth and it’s through these community healers that we get the work done. We appreciate all they’ve brought to the table. This chapter would never have made it through ten years without their devotion and hard work. The upcoming December 10th event will be an observance of that, of all we’ve fought for, as well as the direction we plan to go in the future.
Helping to guide us through the festivities will be keynote speaker, Emiliana Guereca: activist, feminist, entrepreneur, and President of the Women’s March Foundation. Speakers such as Brianna Redman, Lynn Izakowitz, Tinnisha Hutchinson-Nolan, and Cynthia Johnson will also be joining us, alongside panelists Brooke Scott, former Board member, and Carole Oglesby, Emeritus Board member for Women Sport International. Let us celebrate ten years of community, connection, and storytelling. Together we’ll reminisce on the collaborative, compassionate, inclusive, and diverse spirit of this very special chapter. On December 10th, we will continue the conversation.
Please keep an eye out for further details on our upcoming celebration. If you subscribe to our mailing list, be sure to add our email address: la@unwomen-usnc.org to your contacts, so the details are sure to reach you!
To learn more about us:
Email: la@la4unwomen.org
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