Shattering the Silence: Emma Fulu's Courageous Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Jul 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Listen to Emma Fulu, a leader in gender-based violence prevention, discuss her biracial background, burnout journey to founding the Equality Institute, the importance of reshaping gender norms early on, and her perspective on intersectional feminism.
Primary prevention of gender-based violence is crucial, focusing on reshaping gender norms at a young age.
Intersectional feminism is essential for promoting individuality, diversity, and societal empowerment.
Deep dives
Discovering a New Path After Career Setback
Realizing a need for change after feeling burnt out in a high-stress career focused on social justice, the speaker founded the Equality Institute. Embracing a feminist leadership style, the organization was created to align with personal beliefs and to model a different form of leadership. This shift led to a more balanced and self-reflective approach, ultimately bringing joy despite challenges.
Preventing Gender Violence Through Understanding and Change
Highlighting the importance of preventing gender violence before it starts, insights from a UN study emphasize the need to address underlying causes. By focusing on gender inequality, reshaping concepts of masculinity, and understanding men's experiences, efforts can lead to generational change. Tackling discrimination and promoting healthy masculinity are keys to creating a society free of gender violence.
Empowering Change Through Holistic Approaches in Workplaces
Empowering workplaces to address issues of sexual harassment and gender equality, the speaker emphasizes the impact of leadership in creating safe environments. Adopting holistic approaches that integrate policy, education, and training, organizations such as Mecha have collaborated with the speaker's institute to drive cultural change and promote diversity, inclusion, and positive workplace cultures.
Redefining Feminism as a Journey Towards Freedom and Diversity
Evolving perspectives on feminism from rigid concepts to intersectional frameworks, the speaker shares her journey to embrace a diverse and inclusive feminist approach. Defined by freedom and self-expression, feminism is viewed as a platform for embracing individuality and promoting societal diversity. Encompassing gender, racial, and social justice, feminism is seen as a vital framework for personal and collective empowerment.
Emma Fulu is the founder and director of the Equality Institute, a global research and advisory organization working to prevent violence against women and girls. With a background in gender studies, international development, and extensive experience working on issues of gender-based violence around the world, Emma has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of violence and promoting gender equality.
This conversation showcases Emma Fulu's dedication to creating a more just and equitable world, and the Equality Institute's innovative approach to addressing gender-based violence through research, policy, and creative communication.
"I created the organization I wanted to work for, and it's been not not without challenges, but it's been an absolute joy." - Emma Fulu
In this conversation we talk about
Emma Fulu's background as a biracial, bicultural individual with Christian and Muslim influences, and how this shaped her sense of identity and belonging.
Emma's journey of finding her purpose, from working at the United Nations on violence prevention to experiencing burnout and starting the Equality Institute
The Equality Institute's focus on primary prevention of violence against women
The importance of addressing gender norms and attitudes from a young age
Emma's perspective on feminism, and how she found resonance in intersectional feminism