The global pandemic has forced us to not only examine what makes a good society, but what makes a good life. The pandemic has made us conscious - as if we needed any reminders - of the incredible gaps between privilege and poverty, wealth and marginalization. Social justice, or the lack thereof, has been a major factor in the way people have experienced this time. Faith leaders, religious institutions and activists moved by their spirituality have been at the forefront of confronting these inequalities and deep social fissures.

There has been progress all around the world over the last few decades in improving women’s rights. Gender equity legislation has become common. Nevertheless, family law is often discriminatory, domestic violence is widespread, and female participation in politics and public life is often low. So how do we achieve gender equality? What is the role of government, religious leaders, civil society and human rights activists? On 8 July, we will be joined by three women from the Middle East and North Africa to discuss how Covid 19 is impacting the struggle for equal rights in their region.

The COVID-19 crisis and George Floyd tragedy have increased awareness of the urgency for health equity, racial equity, and economic resiliency. Can channeling capital to invest in local communities help? Once the exclusive realm of the super-affluent, regulatory changes and new financial tools have opened opportunities for investors of any wealth status to align their money with their values. Now, more than ever, communities and individuals need to recognize their power to make significant change toward social and economic justice.

The Jackson Institute for Global Affairs will host the online panel discussion, “The Power of Protest: Human Rights at Home and Abroad.” The event will be delivered via Zoom Webinar.
The discussion, which is open to the public, will be moderated by Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jackson Senior Fellow and former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, and Deanna Johnson, Jackson MA student, Class of 2021.
 
Guest speakers include:
 

Whilst everyone is at risk of catching COVID19, it has become apparent that the impact of the pandemic is not being felt equally, particularly in the most developed nations of the world. Data from the UK Government shows that ethnic minorities have statistically significant raised risks of death involving COVID19 than those of white ethnicity, with black males 4.2 times more likely, and black females are 4.3 more likely.