#15 Reflections on Human Rights: Learning, Growing, and Taking Action

A Personal Journey of Understanding

Today, 10th of December, is the International Day of Human Rights and I find myself reflecting on the complex language of human rights and social justice. My pursuit of justice began a long time ago - probably in childhood - not through a conscious academic framework, but through following my personal moral code. This moral compass guided some of my decisions which were considered strange on the outside - for example my decision to join Заедно в час / Teach For Bulgaria in 2020. At the time, I didn't realize I was supporting the fundamental human right of equal access to quality education. Or when I was elected as a Bulgarian Youth Delegate, I was didn’t know I contributing to the right to democracy, especially for communities often included from the decision making processes – youth and even more specifically marginalised youth.

This journey has been one of continuous unfolding. Even though I considered myself educated and even a feminist, a key milestone was stumbling upon Amia Srinivasan's "The Right to Sex" in a London bookstore in 2022. The book introduced me to the concept of "intersectionality," transforming my understanding of privilege. Later my decision to engage in the 1.5 years training of trainers in the field of human rights by the Council of Europe further deepened my understanding, especially in the context of the Istanbul Convention – a crucial piece of international legislation protecting women against gender-based violence which has stumbled in a wave of resistance due to a very successful disinformation campaign in some countries including my own country - Bulgaria.

Unpacking Complex Concepts

My journey with understanding “human rights” required a level of humility – acknowledging that I didn't fully understand this concept and that they are inherently complex. It demanded active listening and attention to my surroundings, recognizing that clues about human rights are everywhere.

In the past five weeks after I officially moved back in Brussels, I've been somewhat immersed in the EU bubble where terms like "intersectionality" and "gender mainstreaming" are used quite often however I’m not sure how accessible or understood by the public. So to tackle that I’ve decided to dedicate this edition of the newsletter to introducing some key terms when it comes to human rights and people-centred policy making.

Key Concepts to Understand

1. Intersectionality is a termed coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw as a way to discuss how systems of oppression overlap and create distinct experiences for people with multiple identity categories. It is a framework that recognizes how different forms of social categorization – race, class, gender – overlap and interact to create unique systems of discrimination or disadvantage. [Reference: Kimberlé Crenshaw, "Mapping the Margins" (1991), Critical Race Theory]

2. Strategic Litigation is an approach to social change through legal actions designed to create broader systemic impact. These cases often highlight the limitations of existing laws, particularly in contexts where legal protections appear neutral but exclude marginalized groups such as sexual minorities, and focus on creating a broader social change through public interest litigation.[Reference: European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet), "Strategic litigation in EU gender equality law]

?3. Gender Mainstreaming - An approach to policy-making that considers gender perspectives in all areas of public policy and spending. [Reference: United Nations Economic and Social Council (1997)] In other words, gender meanstreaming means making the public policy applicable for a wider range of the population, said even more simpler – it makes public spending more effective.

Taking Action: Small Steps Matter

So what? Understanding isn't enough – action is key. Here are some ways I've been engaging:

?- I've joined working on a project in an organisation with which my values resonate - Bioregional Weaving Labs Collective

- Attended my first protest on November 24th, marking the International Day against Violence against Women

- Volunteered for causes that I support – I volunteered for the organisation of the Green Youth Academy in Brussels by GEF and yesterday for the organisation ?Social Brokante fundraiser in Mundo Matonge office where a lot of meaningful organisation are based;

- Participated in a leadership course on gender equality with the British Council which allowed me to learn and discuss more about such topics;

- I’ve attended online the European Institute for Gender Equality's Gender Equality Forum 2023 which takes place on 10-11th of December. For the occasion today they also published their Gender Equality Index which reveals the slow but steady progress towards equality, reminding us that change is a collective journey.

?My Invitation to You

To those feeling overwhelmed by complex social justice concepts: start small. Attend a local event, read a book, have a conversation. Expand your world view. As I've learned through my own journey, true understanding comes from active engagement, not passive observation.

Additionally resources:

https://eige.europa.eu/newsroom/news/gender-equality-index-2024-baby-steps-fragile-path-union-equality-mean-not-all-countries-are-feeling-benefits-equally) offers a sobering yet hopeful perspective

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/25-november-against-domestic-violence

Maya Doneva's BeDisappointing campaign (also just last night selected as 2024 Activist of the Year by Bulgarian Helsinki Committee) https://www.bedisappointing.eu/

Or the incredible, not so easy story of Gisèle Pelicot: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1elzzz6g0lo

?Remember, we're all perpetual students in the school of social understanding. The most important step is the one you take today.

Keep learning, keep growing.

K.