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OneMama Economic and Social Council Official Statement on Sustainability Efforts During the Impacts of COVID-19

CSW65 | OneMama

OneMama’s Official Statement

Statement Written and Submitted by UN Ambassador Jessica Buchleitner on behalf of The OneMama Organization.

The global COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to the advancement and security of women. Its impact on rural communities worldwide proved particularly devastating with women trapped in domestic violence situations, limited access to medical care, and a veritable collapse of economic opportunities.

Building an inclusive and effective path for the sustainable and resilient recovery from the pandemic while honoring the 2030 Agenda and principle of “ensuring that no one is left behind” at the global, regional and national levels is crucial.

As an NGO supporting the rural community of Kirindi in Uganda (East Africa), we are an emblematic case study of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic both exacerbated and enhanced for rural communities and their women globally. OneMama Inc. promotes sustainable development, maternal health, and community health in a rural model and advocates for sustainable and resilient recovery through our unique programming. We advocate for building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda particularly around the SDGs that closely align with our program and work: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Sustainable development will not holistically happen until rural women and their communities are considered.

In rural areas in Uganda, particularly that of Kirindi, COVID-19 restrictions on transportation (motorcycle and buses) have made it extremely difficult for women to get to our health clinic without walking long distances while pregnant or suffering from illnesses. COVID-19 restrictions also put a halt on all community meetings, craft and OneMama collection women’s group meetings, including our ability to offer limited domestic violence prevention trainings.

Sales of agricultural crops in physical market places shrunk drastically due to contact restrictions and transportation cuts. All these restrictions are also making it hard to get medical supplies like our birth control and medications. Simple home COVID-19 tests have been impossible to access so we can’t track it in our community. The vaccines that have been made recently will most likely never reach our community and if they do they also may not keep since we don’t have the kind of refrigeration needed to protect the vaccine. Domestic violence has increased significantly with the lock downs, giving the women no alternatives to flee or free themselves.

We recommend the following actions to ensure rural women in all global communities are not left behind as developed parts of the world rise from the pandemic more rapidly:

  • Tracking health issues we suspect to be COVID-19 due to absence of testing. We are watching and communicating daily with our patients and community and increasing medical supplies for both the birthing and medical clinic.
  • Hosting community education days on COVID-19, birthing, family planning, best practices in self-care and domestic violence prevention.
  • Searching for funding and partnerships as international restrictions halted 75% of funding.

A partner to provide COVID-19 testing and a vaccine that is distributable in rural areas without refrigeration access.
To donate to OneMama’s programs, click here.

If you are interested to be a OneMama UN Delegate, click here.

To view our other official ECOSOC official statements, click here.

The statement above was submitted by OneMama Inc. in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and is to be circulated in accordance with paragraphs 30 and 31 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31.
A special thank you to OneMama’s UN Ambassador, Jessica Buchleitner, for submitting the above statement on OneMama.org’s behalf to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
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OneMama’s Economic and Social Council Official Statement on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995

CSW64 OneMama NGO

CSW64 | Beijing+25

OneMama’s Official Statement

Statement Written and Submitted by UN Ambassador Jessica Buchleitner on behalf of The OneMama Organization.

The mission of OneMama Incorporated is to bring prosperity and health to people all over the world by empowering women as caregivers, mothers, businesswomen, and agents of change for their rural communities. It is also critical that the voices of women and girls be heard during the 25-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women in 1995. With a five-year review and implementation milestone quickly approaching towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, 2020 will prove to be a pivotal year for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was an important historical milestone for all women globally bringing attention to women’s concerns and recognizing women as equal partners in policy development. It reaffirmed that women’s rights are human rights and that women need to enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men in order to create sustainable and just societies. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action made comprehensive commitments under 12 critical areas of concern and specified ways to implement improvements on national and global levels. The objectives addressed included the development of gender-based methodologies and the revision of laws and administrative practices. On the international scale, the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action had a significant impact, but further action is crucial to ensure gender-responsive strategies, gender based-research, practices, guiding principles, and continuously considered public and private sector operations. OneMama Incorporated operates in the East Africa member state Uganda and in the United States, partnering with consultative NGO Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN) that adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a framework for grassroots organizing in California and in Uganda. We have witnessed a significant win for women in our United States operating municipality of San Francisco, California with the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as a city-wide ordinance in 1998. The implementation brought women closer to equality by requiring gender analysis of government departments and creating the Gender Equality Principles Initiative (GEP Initiative). These tools adopted the human rights lens, helping to prevent discrimination and integrate gender considerations into daily operations first within the city departments and more recently in the private sector.

Between 1980 – 1985, OneMama Incorporated’s primary program operating territory Uganda both signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The member state, however,  is not without challenges implementing it and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. In the 2018 Global Gender Gap Index, Uganda was ranked 43rd out of 149 countries with a score of 0.724. Gender inequality is still persistent particularly in ownership of productive assets. Women own only 28% of the owner-occupied houses and 27% of agricultural land. Regarding financial inclusion, 48% of adult women do not save their earnings. Despite these challenges, Uganda’s Gender Equality and the Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) draws legitimacy from its Constitution which mandates the State to ensure gender balance and representation of marginalized groups.

Recommendations

The Beijing+25 review will occur in 2020 post the 64th annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Since the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, stakeholders have met on several occasions at the regional and global levels, in 1999/2000 (Beijing+5), in 2004/2005 (Beijing+10) and in 2010 (Beijing+15) to review progress made in the achievement of gender equality and development of what are now identified as the Sustainable Development Goals of the 20/30 agenda. In June 2000, the General Assembly also adopted a political declaration, reaffirming Member States’ commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’s objectives. Prior review of the progress member states made regarding the twelve critical areas of concern remained slow in certain areas, namely in the areas of Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11 affecting gender empowerment, the overall participation of women in economies, and their maternal health. OneMama Incorporated is committed to the advancement of SDGs through its ongoing aforementioned efforts and makes the following recommendations:

Peripherally, we recommend all governments participate by forming national plans of action to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action locally and continue to monitor these action plans by holding regional and local governments accountable. The National Plans of Action for each country must outline specific activities that the national governments will undertake to improve the situation of women according to the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3, 6, 5, 8, 11 and the 12 provisions outlined in the Platform. Officials should track with a matrix their efforts by goal for all public programs.

Since 1995, and particularly in the last five years according to Uganda’s June 2019 National Report on Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action by the ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, the government has multiple initiatives underway for the advancement of women and girls in line with the Uganda Vision 2040. Initiatives include The Higher Education and Students Financing Board Act, 2014; Domestic Violence Act, 2010; the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2010; the National Health Policy in (2016) addressing maternal health needs to name a few.

OneMama Incorporated’s projects support the governments efforts, and include a newly introduced water purification system and bottling plant to decrease incidents of waterborne illness (SDGs 3, 5; BPFA women and health area); interactive family planning resources that empower women as decision-makers in maternal and reproductive health (SDG 3; BPFA woman and health area); domestic violence awareness programs to stem the tide of perpetual violence against women (SDG 5; BPFA violence against women); entrepreneurial programs aimed to raise the economic status of women as stakeholders in their communities and income generators for their families (SDGs 1, 2, 8; BPFA education and training; women and poverty); and agricultural programs to ensure sustainable economic and nutrition in rural communities (SDG 1, 5; BPFA women and economy).

OneMama Incorporated also operates in the United States where 25 years later it remains a challenge for the federal government, non-governmental organizations, and non-profit service organizations to make effective use of policy. The United States continues to be one of five member states failing to ratify CEDAW. OneMama Incorporated has partnered with US-based NGOs, including Women’s Intercultural Network who architected the Cities for CEDAW campaign to continue our efforts towards addressing the 12 critical areas of concern, namely reducing poverty and increasing women’s participation in economies by empowering women as entrepreneurs; addressing maternal health issues in rural communities; increasing women’s power in decision making, and supporting training and education.

Globally, we must also engage in public-private partnerships often to increase the presence of women on leadership teams, on private sector budgeting committees, and within the workforce in all member states. Working as private sector technology and financial institution consulting leaders, OneMama Incorporated’s officers ensure private sector participation and compliance with the Beijing Platform for Action and Sustainable Development Goals, including influential hiring decisions of women leaders in addition to participation in conferences and authoring books and materials for the advancement of women while raising awareness of global conditions for women.

Individually, we must support efforts in local communities for the advancement of women and girls by asking how we can contribute using the strongest two global frameworks for gender equality: the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
To donate to OneMama’s programs, click here.

If you are interested to be a OneMama UN Delegate, click here.

To view our other official ECOSOC official statements, click here.

The statement above was submitted by OneMama Inc. in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and is to be circulated in accordance with paragraphs 30 and 31 of Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31.
A special thank you to OneMama’s UN Ambassador, Jessica Buchleitner, for submitting the above statement on OneMama.org’s behalf to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
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Why It’s the Best Time to Donate to OneMama.org

OneMama Funding News

OneMama is struggling you guys…!!! We need a miracle right now. Donations are at an all time low. OneMama had some rough choices to make and needed to cut back. We had to reduce medical staff and supplies, essential programs, education, and much more over the past 9 months… and the community is feeling it.

Not only that, but OneMama’s goal for the Uganda clinic to become 100% self-sustainable within 10 years is here! OneMama is 10 years old this year, and despite the financial setbacks we are SO CLOSE!! Due to the economical climate in the US, people are giving more locally, and we love that and we don’t want to take away from that.  It’s just that OneMama’s goals are being hindered by essential lack of funding to get us over our last hurdles. Can you help?

A simple act of giving can spread exponentially across all walks of life. All we need are a few people who are willing to say “YES! I will be a global game changer! I can be an action hero of change!” and make a pledge to OneMama today. Help us make these past 9 years worth it – and for OneMama’s 10th year to be its strongest!

Today is THE DAY to donate to make the most impact for just a small amount and here’s why: 50% of donations up to $50 are matched by GlobalGiving.org this week only! That means a $10 donation becomes a $15 donation, a $30 donation becomes a $45 donation, and a $50 donation becomes a $75 donation! Every bit counts and no donation is too small, especially right now when OneMama needs you the most!

Please click here to donate a single amount or, for an even greater impact, a pledge recurring amount for 100% match! There are also thousands of dollars in bonus donations that are up for grabs!

Matching Funds Campaign

With your help just this week, together we could really make a huge impact for a whole lifetime for the OneMama communities. Thank you to all who love and support OneMama. We simply can’t do it without you.

Please don’t miss this perfect opportunity to help OneMama successfully reach our 10-year milestone. Donate here: http://dcyft.urlit.us

Love and Light,
The OneMama Family

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OneMama.org Featured Top 50 For-Benefit Organization by GameChangers 500

Game Changers Top 50 OneMama.org is named by GameChangers 500 to their Top 50 list of featured game-changing companies from around the world, operating on a for-benefit model of social good. Instead of solely evaluating companies based on their revenue, GameChangers 500 takes into account other factors, including social responsibility, environmental impact, and work environment. Siobhan Neilland, founder of OneMama.org is also one of five women CEOs named to the list. OneMama is honored to be recognized as a game-changing organization for its social entrepreneurial programs and unique model, which emphasizes both social responsibility and economic sustainability. OneMama’s three-tier franchise model consists of a birthing clinic, medical clinic, and community center, all of which work together to become self-sustainable in 5 to 10 years and with 100% of donations going directly to on-the-ground programs in its communities. Special thanks to David Hopkins for always being an advocate for OneMama.org, and bringing awareness to how for-benefit companies with an altruistic mission, like OneMama.org, are changing the world.

Check out OneMama’s GameChangers 500 Profile HERE!

About GameChangers 500

GameChangers 500 profiles the world’s top For-Benefit businesses that are focused on maximizing benefit to people and the planet, rather than just maximizing profit-at-all-cost. Considered an alternative to lists like the Fortune 500, GameChangers 500 looks beyond revenue as the “point system” and awards organizations for using business as a force for good. Among the top 500 are socially and environmentally conscious leaders like Patagonia and TOMS, mavericks of workplace culture like Zappos and Virgin, as well as innovators like Tesla Motors and IDEO. Although the majority of the top 500 are based in North America and Europe, more than 25 countries are represented with some of the top performers representing countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, and India.

GameChangers 500 is building aspiration for a new breed of organizations—organizations that define themselves as For-Benefit rather than For-Profit, and utilize business to not only make money but to also make the world a better place.

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San Francisco Sidewalk Sale – Nov 2, 2014 – Almo Square District

San Francisco Sidewalk Sale!Shop and Save Lives with OneMama.org & ShaBoomProducts.com

 

When: Sunday, Nov 2, 10am – 3pm

Location: 1231 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94114 (Almo Square District)

Join us this Sunday to see and take home NEW OneMama Collection clothing and jewelry, just in from Uganda! OneMama.org is a 501(c)3 non-profit that targets the world’s most impoverished communities, in which individuals survive on under $1.00 a day and have babies in those conditions.

The OneMama Collection consists of jewelry, clothing, and artisan crafts handmade by women in our communities. 100% of proceeds from your purchase go back into these communities, providing general health, maternal health, and family planning services.

Every $4 saves 2 lives. We will practically give away collection items from previous seasons in exchange for small donations. Harness your purchasing power to create global social change. We hope you’ll stop by!

 

 

We will also be offering make-up and skincare kits from the ShaBoom Cosmetics line that proceeds will also benefit OneMama.

We will also be offering refreshments at this little outdoor gathering for your enjoyment. Come grab some unique, and heart-felt Holiday gifts, support a wonderful cause, and even meet some new friends.

Inquiries email info@OneMama.org.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!