Natasha Lipman2013-05-26T02:02:06-04:00Natasha Lipmanhttp://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=natasha-lipmanCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Natasha LipmanGood old fashioned elbow grease.Libyan Youth Voices - The Real Voices of a Revolutiontag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.28557652013-03-11T17:42:20-04:002013-05-11T05:12:01-04:00Natasha Lipmanhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-lipman/Sidi Bouzid in Tunisia spread to Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and Syria. Armed with nothing but their voices calling out for their freedom, the youth demonstrated a bravery that the generations before could not harness.
It is imperative to recognize that young people were not only a vital element in the popular uprisings that took the region by storm, they were actually the ones who led these historical movements; and it is precisely for this reason that youth in the MENA should not be brushed aside by those whose space in government they forged. Furthermore, the reputation of youth in MENA should be protected and misconceptions cleared.
In Libya, making up the majority of the population, young people were waking up to a world where they were not welcome. A world they knew was growing increasingly small and familiar - where globalization was driving meaningful interactions around them, simultaneously excluding them. Young people in Libya were realizing that their governments did not want to support their growth but rather stunt it in order to maintain the dehumanizing conditions that their parents had endured.
The Libyan revolution represented hope for its youth. Inspired by movements in Tunisia and Egypt before them, it signified a chance for them to put a stop to the oppression that their countrymen endured under the regime; to finally flush out and heal the wounds that only festered over time.
Before those outside the country could fathom the powerful movements surging across North Africa, what started as peaceful demonstrations in Libya quickly turned into violent crackdowns and led to a brutal seven month war costing thousands of Libyan lives all over the country before the liberation in August 2011. What may be one of the most interesting aspects of these movements was the intense region-wide and nation-wide processes and networks of organization and mobilization between Libyan youth at the forefront of the battle and the Libyan diaspora mobilizing outside the country (although in many cases members of the diaspora travelled inside the country to take part as well). Amidst all this, the youth of Libya won the support and admiration of the world, presenting something never previously associated with the country under its dictatorship: it was now a country, although long neglected, bursting with potential.
Beyond its natural resources, it was the sheer untapped potential of its youth that gained the admiration of the world (including the country's diaspora); a vibrant and curious generation with ambitions and the desire to proudly build up a country they so courageously fought for. However, since these glorious days of liberation, there has been an emergence of negative associations that have lead to the aforementioned negligence of this important and engaged demographic, each of these must be confronted.
September 11, 2012 is an important date to locate commentary on the changing perceptions towards Libyan youth. The young people previously seen as 'heroes' and 'revolutionaries' began to be interpreted by governments and the international media as armed groups, militias, and Islamists. Such an interpretation can directly impede the process and success of this demographic, deconstructing everything the revolution sought to achieve, and upholding precisely what the regime did, in suppressing and vilifying young people. The attacks on the American consulate which resulted in the death of four Americans including Ambassador Christopher Stevens were tragic events that led the youth of Benghazi and Libya to stand up for themselves. Fearing that their revolution and reputation would be hijacked by those extremists responsible for the attacks, they immediately organized themselves in protest to express their outrage against the attacks and support and condolences to the families of the Americans lost. Libyan youth are very sensitive to their reception by the outside world after four decades of misrepresentation by the regime, and they will not let their revolution be tarnished by divisive minorities in the country.
The hope of the Libyan Revolution at its grassroots in 2011, mobilized by the hundreds of thousands of Libyan youths who fought for change, should inform the treatment of young people in the country today. The youth described wanting to live in a country where they could enjoy their basic human rights and freedoms, where they could express themselves, interact with their societies as well as the world, and the hope continues to be that they will be allowed to live up to their potential, rather than be excluded from the country's growth and development.
This is why the International Political Forum has partnered with ShababLibya on a new project called 'Libyan Youth Voices'. For the first time since the revolution, the voices of young people are being put centre-stage. In their own words, we will hear from young people across the political spectrum inside Libya, including young people who remain members of the many militias who still roam the country, and a number of young Libyans from the diaspora, telling their stories of the revolution and their hopes for the future.
The fight for Libya did not end with the death of Gaddafi. There are still many years of struggle ahead. Struggles for a new national identity, struggles for the development of new freedoms, educational systems, and of the new Libyan civil society. Over the coming months we aim to bring together young writers, photographers, film makers, politicians, entrepreneurs, and academics to share their stories with the world.
The youth of Libya took the initiative to crack open the political spaces believed to belong only to the brutal regime. This illustrates the bravery and leadership they possess; allowing the youth into decision making processes and opening doors and opportunities for them rather than shutting them out will be the way forward. We hope that with this series, we will raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and show the world the extraordinary work that is happening every day in the continuing fight to create a new future for Libya.
This article was co-written with Ayat Mneina, co-founder of ShababLibya.]]>Make the Most of London 2012tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16749132012-07-15T18:22:01-04:002012-09-14T05:12:02-04:00Natasha Lipmanhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-lipman/
Putting aside my own personal fears of tourist-dodging, ridiculously inflated prices and deathly-overcrowded tubes, London is set to be the place to be this summer. Whether you are a fan of the Olympics or not, there is a huge amount to do around the city this summer, and research (sigh), advanced planning (double sigh) and organisation seem to be the key when trying to make the most of the city during the Olympic period.
Travel
This is a tough one for me. I am trying to convince myself not to lock myself in my house for the duration of the games. After attending a focus group a couple of years ago and being told that the tube is going to be at 80% over capacity, I have been dreading this summer ever since. I suffer from major tube-rage most of the time, and I don't think it's particularly reasonable to ask everyone in London to change their travel habits, when for most people it isn't really possible, and realistically we can imagine tube hell coming our way very (very) soon.
Apparently the tube system will be fully functioning by the time the games start. Two weeks to go and there are still closures and delays. But if we do take TFL at their word...
Things to bear in mind:
•Check out the Get Ahead of the Games travel map and find out where is likely to be (read: will be) busier than usual and either avoid or try and plan a different route
• Some stations will operate different rules on game days: some may close if they get too busy, some will only allow entry or exit or one way movement
• Some busses will be diverted due to road closures where events are taking place
• Make sure you carry water - getting trapped in an underground carriage where you can barely breathe in the middle of summer (even if it is a British summer) is one of the most unpleasant London experiences. Stay hydrated.
Don't have a ticket? Enjoy the city!
The main side focus of the Olympics is the official London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, which is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements, which since 2008 has had over 18 million people participate or attend performances. This has culminated in the London 2012 festival, which first opened on 21st June. Offering over 10 million opportunities to see 12,000 unique performances and events, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the city this summer. Whether you love food, art, dance or film you will find something new and exciting to do.
London Live
Watching the Royal Wedding and the Jubilee celebrations on the giant screens around London was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was incredible, and it's hard not to get caught up in the joy of thousands of people all enjoying the same thing. If you're in London, why not watch some of the games on one of the giant screens around the capital?
Giant screens are being erected in Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square, and they are set to be the hub of Olympic parties, with thousands of people from all over the world flocking to watch the games.
Dates: 27 July - 9 September
Location: Hyde Park, Victoria Park, Trafalgar Square
Price: Free to show up - but opening and closing ceremonies cost
Running from July 12th to August 3rd, 30 artists from Rio de Janeiro will occupy the streets and squares of London. Ranging from film to live performances, the occupation will come to its conclusion at the Finale Festival in a 30 hour event featuring all the artists. It promises to be full of energy and unexpected happenings. Definitely worth a visit.
Date: 2-3 August
Location: V22 Summer Club, Bermondsey
Price: Tickets are free and will be available from the box office on the day
More information here
Food Festival at Old Spitalfields Market
Watch world-renowned chefs cooking their most famous dishes, get free food samples and experience new foods from around the world at the free food festival in the Flavours food court at the Old Spitalfields Market. Restuarants and bars in the area will be offering special offers on their menus during the festival - so if you haven't stuffed yourself with free food be sure to take advantage!
Dates: 19-23 July
Location: Old Spitalfields Market
Price: Free
So what do you have to lose? Grab your sunglasses, grab your umbrella and enjoy the best of London this summer!
For more information on all the events available this summer, check out Festival London. ]]>An Open Letter to the Government: Unpaid Internships Must Endtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16444002012-07-02T16:43:55-04:002012-09-01T05:12:12-04:00Natasha Lipmanhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-lipman/
In today's tough economic climate there are 20,000 out of work graduates all desperately vying for what seems like that ever-elusive job. As a result, internships are fiercely fought over in an attempt to add some much needed experience to a C.V. This is a fact of the job market today.
However, businesses up and down the country are exploiting the desire of young people to gain this experience, and they are abusing their willingness to work for free by offering unpaid internships. Some organisations offer to cover lunch and travel expenses, while some offer no compensation at all. Apparently, the experience alone should be payment enough.
In addition to the blatant exploitation of young workers, unpaid internships actively exclude many people. There are thousands of young people who simply are not able to afford to work for no wage. This creates a gap between those who are lucky enough to be able to afford to work for free, who will gain the experience needed to pursue a career in their chosen field, while those who have not worked in unpaid internships will be left behind.
Unpaid internships are illegal under National Minimum Wage legislation. To be eligible for the National Minimum Wage, your role must be that of a "worker". According to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills "a 'worker' is someone who works under a contract of employment or any other kind of contract (express or implied) whereby they undertake to do work personally for someone else (and they are not genuinely self-employed)." The roles that interns play actively fall within this category.
It is important to note that the minimum wage is not required to be paid when an internship is being completed as part of an academic commitment, the person is of compulsory school age, or are classified as a 'voluntary worker'. Voluntary workers work for charities, voluntary organisations, associated fund raising bodies and statutory bodies.
Employers should not use interns as a source of cheap labour. There is a shortfall of jobs in this country, and as you rightly say, we need to be getting the economy moving. Keeping a whole generation waiting for paid employment only exacerbates an already volatile and unfair situation.
We find it completely unacceptable that politicians from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties continue to actively recruit unpaid interns. Those looking for a career in politics feel as though they have no choice but to work for free. This should not be the case.
For the reasons mentioned above, we are calling on your parties to pledge to pay the minimum wage (or the London living wage) to all people who intern for you. In addition, we are asking the government to pledge to enforce action which will see all interns being paid for their work.
Mr. Clegg: In April 2011 you declared that "no intern in Westminster should be unpaid." and that those interning for the Liberal Democrats should be "properly remunerated". Why then, over a year later, are there still advertisements for the Liberal Democrats for unpaid interns?
We do not see this as an unreasonable request. Many of the jobs that were once entry-level, foot in the door jobs, are now rolling 3-6 month unpaid internships. A few years ago these jobs would have been paid. This blatant exploitation must end.
This is not a partisan issue. Young people across the country are struggling to build a future and a career. Your parties are actively supporting the illegal practises of unpaid internships. It is time that you stepped up and made a promise that anyone participating in an internship should be fairly compensated for the hard work and dedication they put in by paying at least the minimum wage.
We hope that you won't let us down.
]]>Don't Patronise Us - We Don't All Aspire to Be Kim Kardashiantag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16092432012-06-19T12:31:59-04:002012-08-19T05:12:08-04:00Natasha Lipmanhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-lipman/
Of course, these celebrities are constantly in the public eye, and we cannot deny that there will be some people who aspire to be like them. But it is a patronising and unfair assumption to believe that the overwhelming majority of young people find inspiration and direction in the pages of a glossy magazine or on the gossip page of a website.
At a time when youth unemployment is at staggeringly high levels, and educated university graduates are struggling to get their foot in the door, it is important to remember that the positive role models that we so desperately need are out there. We just need to look for them. And we need to look a little closer to home than Hollywood or the pools of 'Marbs'. I have never aspired to be a WAG. I have never aspired to be famous for my bottom. I am sick of hearing that I am part of a 'lost generation', that there are no jobs out there for me and that there is no one of value to look up to.
I have always (excuse the cliché) wanted to play a role in making the world a better place. In the summer of 2009, I had the honour of being one of the British representatives to the Africa Youth Summit in South Africa. The summit hosted around one hundred Global Changemakers, members of a programme for future leaders and youth activists from around the world run by the British Council. I learnt more and was more inspired in those six days than I had ever been in my life. Gathered together in a hotel in Cape Town, I talked to youth activists who had dedicated themselves to affecting positive change in a region that many in the west write off. Their projects, which ranged from climate change activism to education programmes for the poorest in their communities, showed what can be achieved if you work hard enough. I found inspiration and strength in their courage, intelligence and determination, and to this day get some of my biggest inspiration from friends that I met there.
Please do not underestimate the intelligence of the 'youth' population. The vast majority of us are not so enthralled by the culture of celebrity that we are entirely blinded to the realities of the world. We are engaged, we are interested, we are ambitious and we care. We care deeply. Unfortunately, we are frustrated and scared about our future. The entry-level jobs of old are now unpaid internships, the job market is flooded with people who are all as qualified as each other and student debts are set to treble. When do we get our chance?
It is time that the media shifted its approach in the way it presents the views and future of young people. Don't tell us that there are no jobs, it only perpetuates the cycle of despair that many of us feel, and makes many give up before they even start. Tell us how to take our future into our own hands. Help us start our own projects. Give space to the people who have managed to do this, to the people who really have something to say, to the hidden role models in our society. It may not be as sexy as Kim Kardashian's bottom, but it's so much more important.
Natasha is the Founder & Director of the International Political Forum, which gives young people around the world the opportunity to talk about the political & currents affairs issues that are important to them. You can visit the website here.]]>
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