I’m following the story on twitter. Sponsoring a child in Niger. Quite frankly I’m pestering ppl in an attempt to spread the word – tonight I sent it to two of the ppl who run #SMGirlfriends on twitter, which has massive reach.
I’ve talked about it offline too. Told the Scout leader last night. And I can see eyes glazing over wherever I go. Famine in Africa. There’s always famine in Africa. My generation grew up believing we could feed the world. That a rock concert could make all the difference. It didn’t. Women and children are still digging for water in dried up river beds. Still dying in childbirth. Still living in hovels, walking miles to find water and fuel, getting diseases that should be unknown in this day and age.
Where are the men was asked on twitter as the picture was shared. I wasn’t there today, I don’t know. Maybe they are labouring to find food for their families, perhaps it is uncharitable to ask. But when all is said and done, all around the world women suffer disproportionately. And that is why it is women who have to make a difference.
We need to shout about what is happening everywhere. Make a stand against injustice. Put politicians on notice that we’ve had enough, and it’s time for real change.
We need to join the dots and realise that wherever injustice is, we need to face up to it, and not to be suckered by the opiates of everyday life in our affluent society.
I don’t know what the answer to too much stuff is. I know that I’m going to attempt increasingly to use it and this blog to make a difference. I’m already using income from adverts to support my family as well as my sponsored child; I’m going to do what I can to increase that.
And I’m looking for my voice with new purpose. There has to be a way that together we can be that band of citizens that makes a difference.
What will you do to change the world? Start by helping to #ShareNiger, follow geekisnewchic on her blog and via twitter. But do more than that. Take action in whatever way you can.
About Jax Blunt
Good luck, it’s a big call to take on. x
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Great post & I hope with all of us talking about it, it will help x
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Have you read Half the Sky? Please do. I’ve read it and, like you I want to do something but I’m feeling at a slight loss as to how to tackle such huge issues. Children getting sold for marriage aged 7. How on earth can we change that? I don’t think tweeting about Niger for one week it itself will be enough, but it’s got some of us thinking hasn’t it – like you and I, and I don’t think we’ll forget this. I think it could be the start of something. I’m not going to let this go, and I know you’re not going to either. Let’s put our thinking caps on and see where we can take this from here.
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I’ve ordered it from the library, should be in soon. I’ve half an idea percolating in the back of my brain, I’ll get back to you
Sounds good. It’s a heavy book but I think you’ll find it highly informative. It will make you angry but with anger brings action, which is no bad thing. Looking forward to hearing your ideas. I’m having some too.
To be honest, I’m not sure I need any more anger, I feel more than a little overwhelmed already. What I want is a answer, or a plan, and no one has one of those. But maybe we can come up with one of our own?
Fantastic post Jax, it’s great to see you spreading #ShareNiger to any and everyone possible.
It CAN make a difference. We disagree that tweeting is not enough. Tweeting, combined with blogging and real world action (like involving that scout group) has an incredible impact. It is because of this DFID have matched World Vision’s appeal fundraising. It is because of this Sian has been in print, on radio and on CNN. And it is because of this millions of people are now aware of the food crisis and donating money whenever they can.
Keep a hold of that passion and inspiration and together we will use it to spread awareness and reach those in West Africa to make a difference.