30 Sep OBR 2021: Rising Gardens Campaign Launches Worldwide
Take a peak at the One Billion Rising launches happening across the world.
The OBR 2021 theme is RISING GARDENS.The Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly blown open the destructive veins of neo-liberalism, capitalism, racism, fascism and patriarchy, revealing violent and broken systems that have been forced upon us for far too long. With each day, we see that the majority of people who are dying are those who have been historically exploited, oppressed, marginalized and discriminated against because of race, gender, class, caste. Across the planet, the majority of front line workers, health care workers, home care workers, domestic workers, and farmworkers are women. Like the Earth, they are the least valued and protected.
We must RISE to value, protect and uplift those who are doing essential work. We must RISE for the Earth, which is the most essential to all life.
Gardens remind us of our enduring connection to life, to each other and to Earth, which compels us to do everything in our power to protect and nurture life and all that is sacred without doing harm. The cultivation of plant life is also a means for survival. Growing food in a garden organically – be it your own indoor garden or a community garden – allows you to feed yourself and your community. It provides autonomy and underscores the need for food security in a world where so many are denied these essential resources.
Here is just a snapshot of OBR 2021 Launches that have come in so far:
Democratic Republic of Congo
South Asia
OBR South Asia launched last September 26th with over 60 participants, including OBR coordinators from 9 countries: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Fiji, Mongolia and Iran.
“Some of Sangat’s partners are and have been involved with organic agriculture and their participation and leadership will lead OBR 2021 efforts and actions. Vandana Shiva’ s network is joining OBR South Asia and to begin with, we have planned a web talk by Vandana Shiva and some feminist activist leaders on: ‘Gardens of Hope: Women, Ecology and the Future of Humanity’ on 28th October. Peace Women Across the Globe and some other networks will collaborate with Sangat and OBR South Asia.”
– Kamla Bhasin (South Asia OBR Regional Coordinator)
India
OBR India plans to launch October 2, 2020. A women’s creative, loving, passionate, Rising Garden – launching OBR 2021 under the full moon in Himachal Pradesh – with creative expressions through poetry, dance and music.
Eswatini, Swaziland
OBR Eswatini will launch October 22, 2020 and this year they will focus on empowering the voices of Eswatini women.
Mexico
OBR Mexico will launch on October 16, 2020.
Singapore
OBR Singapore will launch October 25, 2020 in association with Green Up.
“I am so thrilled to have RISING GARDENS as the theme for 2021. I have to share an incredible story. When I was hospitalised with Diverticulitis, in June 2020 (height of the pandemic here!) I prayed to Mother Earth, asking Her for forgiveness and healing and vowed that I would dedicate my life to cleaning up Her world! In the meanwhile, I got in touch with an acquaintance who had been given land by the Government of Singapore, to start her farm. She teaches sustainability in this weather, grows ladies finger, all varieties of greens, basil, corn, egg plants, tomatoes, banana, potatoes, sweet potatoes, aloe vera, guava, figs etc. I wanted to learn sustainability and how to grow my own micro greens. And then, magically, V had a vision! I was so thrilled. On 25th October, I will be launching the OBR 2021 vision in her 7000 sq feet farm. She has dedicated her life to nurturing Mother Earth and is the right OBR partner.”
-Sangeeta Nambiar (OBR Singapore Coordinator)
Philippines
OBR Philippines will launch on October 28, 2020.
On the National Day of Women’s Protests in the Philippines, celebrated every year on October 28 – OBR Philippines will hold a national launch in the country, together with GABRIELA international member groups in 10 countries – with the theme: “LUPA, KABUHAYAN, KARAPATAN” (Land, Livelihood and Rights).
At the forefront of the Rising Gardens campaign will be women workers, women farmworkers and indigenous women
Africa
OBR Africa will have their regional launch on November 5, 2020.
Kenya
OBR Kenya will launch their campaign in October 2020.
“Our 2021 campaign is Rising Gardens Campaign. In our campaigns, we intend to incorporate and demonstrate the effects of neo-liberalism, capitalism, racism, patriarchy, broken system, as has been exposed by the pandemic.”
-Cecilia Brenda (OBR Kenya coordinator)
Cameroon
OBR Cameroon launches their campaign in October 2020
Rwanda
OBR Rwanda will launch in October 2020.
Guatemala
Indonesia
Vienna, Austria
Mali
Zambia
Thailand
OBR Thailand launched on the 17th of October with 30 young LBT, and women and children human rights defenders from indigenous communities who are landless and stateless. Read more about the launch.