Another year comes to a close with the continuing shockwaves from the global financial meltdown and violence dominating the headlines. Poverty and inequality are increasing and governments are cutting back on the very social programs most needed now. Hard economic times are not news to most women around the world. Far from the headlines, women are mobilizing their organizing power to provide safety and protection from violence when the police are part of the problem; to create safe spaces where sex and sexuality are not taboo; to build thriving, cooperative eco-friendly businesses; and to promote human rights. To close the year, we bring you some of these inspiring stories that constitute the political foundation upon which JASS is built and growing. Your continued support and tax-deductible contributions make this happen and enable us to reach further. Join us and women everywhere working for a better world for all. We wish all of you a joyous holiday season.
Southeast Asian Activists Navigate Shifting Context
Economic injustice and the shrinking political space for women activists were critical themes at JASS' Southeast Asia Regional meeting in November. From the land rights struggles of the women-led Malaysian indigenous movement, the Orang Asli, to the loss of jobs for young women in Cambodia and the Philippines – as the shock waves from the US-driven global financial crisis spread – women activists find it increasingly necessary to combine economic and political organizing strategies. Following the stellar example of JASS' Indonesia partners, PESADA and PEKKA, in 2011 JASS Southeast Asia will be scaling up economic justice organizing in tandem with women's rights strategies. Read More.
Equally challenging is the steady backlash and limited political room, especially for young women and LGBT activists involved with JASS. Silenced by threats of violence, taboos and prejudices, these activists talk about JASS as their "home" – where they feel they can be themselves; connect with different women, and; converse about a wide range of issues, including those for which there is no other forum (like sex and sexuality). Watch our interview with Maria Mustika, an LGBT activist involved with JASS Indonesia.
Southern African Women Map Movement-Building @"Thinkshop"
"Try using the F word (feminism) in state-civil society processes in South Africa: you won't be included in the next consultation. . . it's not violent confrontation but rather a steady, nuanced marginalization of critical alternatives."
Women's rights activists and organizers across Southern Africa confront a region in turmoil. In a "Thinkshop" convened by JASS Southern Africa, 25 women – organizers, researchers and activists – mapped a political landscape marked by vast structural change – most of it is not positive for women. While the space for women's rights groups is limited and getting more so, women are finding new and creative ways to build bridges between grassroots and urban organizing efforts and work together more effectively. Read the full report.
Frontline Women's Rights Defenders Confront Violence in Mexico…
Nearly a decade after they were raped by soldiers, two Me'phaa indigenous women, Inés Fernández Ortega and Valentina Rosendo Cantú continue to fight for justice. A landmark ruling in their favor by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) hasn't been enough to get the Mexican government to prosecute the perpetrators. The women continue to be harassed. In collaboration with many Mesoamerican women's rights leaders, the Nobel Women's Initiative, AWID, and others, JASS is taking the demand to the next level by gathering signatures on a petition to involve the international community in increasing pressure on the Mexican government.
We join with many justice allies in mourning the loss of Emilia Quan Staackmann, a young sociologist who worked with CEDFOG, the Research and Documentation Centre of the Western Border of Guatemala. She was kidnapped on December 7th and murdered the following day by unknown assailants. Read More.
The reality of increasing violence against women throughout Mesoamerica – much of it targeted at indigenous women – is precisely why JASS-Sinergia No'j's communications workshop and on-going activities with indigenous and rural women are so critical. With increased access and ability to use communications tools, indigenous women and other women's human rights defenders will be positioned to amplify their message to the world – giving the rest of us important insights into their struggles. It is in these moments that international linkages and accompaniment are so very critical to pressure governments to stop the violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
Maggie Mapondera, Zimbabwean, and JASS Crossregional Program Associate came up with this eloquent analogy:
When I think of JASS, the first thing that comes to mind is jazz music. Travis Jackson describes jazz music as "swinging, improvising, group interaction, developing an 'individual voice' and being 'open' to different musical possibilities." JASS, as an organization and a community, celebrates innovation and improvisation. If a word or a process doesn't exist for the work we do – we invent it. The ability to respond to challenges and changes with agility is another one of JASS' strengths; working off of each other, riffing to create something new and exciting and effective.
Natalia 'Nata' Escruceria Reyes---a proud Colombiana--- joined JASS in April 2010 as Crossregional Program Assistant. A graduate of the University of San Francisco (BA International Studies, Politics, 2009, focus on Sociology and European Studies), prior to JASS, she worked at Human Rights Watch, where she assisted with research on HRW's U.S. and Cuba/Mexico programs. Natalia also taught English and Italian in Rome to recent immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, and Kenya.In her down time, Nata volunteers for the International Rescue Committee, travels whenever possible, and never stops dancing.
Economic injustice and the shrinking political space for women activists were critical themes at JASS' Southeast Asia Regional meeting in November. From the land rights struggles of the women-led Malaysian indigenous movement, the Orang Asli, to the loss of jobs for young women in Cambodia and the Philippines – as the shock waves from the US-driven global financial crisis spread – women activists find it increasingly necessary to combine economic and political organizing strategies. Following the stellar example of JASS' Indonesia partners, PESADA and PEKKA, in 2011 JASS Southeast Asia will be scaling up economic justice organizing in tandem with women's rights strategies. 
"Try using the F word (feminism) in state-civil society processes in South Africa: you won't be included in the next consultation. . . it's not violent confrontation but rather a steady, nuanced marginalization of critical alternatives."
with indigenous and rural women are so critical. With increased access and ability to use communications tools, indigenous women and other women's human rights defenders will be positioned to amplify their message to the world – giving the rest of us important insights into their struggles. It is in these moments that international linkages and accompaniment are so very critical to pressure governments to stop the violence and bring perpetrators to justice. 
Maggie Mapondera, Zimbabwean, and JASS Crossregional Program Associate came up with this eloquent analogy: 
Natalia 'Nata' Escruceria Reyes---a proud Colombiana--- joined JASS in April 2010 as Crossregional Program Assistant. A graduate of the University of San Francisco (BA International Studies, Politics, 2009, focus on Sociology and European Studies), prior to JASS, she worked at Human Rights Watch, where she assisted with research on HRW's U.S. and Cuba/Mexico programs. Natalia also taught English and Italian in Rome to recent immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, and Kenya.In her down time, Nata volunteers for the International Rescue Committee, travels whenever possible, and never stops dancing.
