Robert Shannon participates in the Human Rights Defenders International Forum in Ghana

Robert Shannon (MDP '16) and Sita Ranchod-Nilsson (Director, IDN)

The Carter Center, together with West African partner organizations and religious and traditional actors, convened a Human Rights Defenders International Forum in Accra, Ghana. The event was hosted by the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana and chaired by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to provide a space for actors from all segments of society to exchange resources and understandings on the abuse and oppression of women, and means of countering narratives and interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Emory MDP (‘16) student, and Institute of Developing Nations Graduate Intern, Robert Shannon worked as a Gender consultant, reviewing conference agenda and objectives, to ensure that the forum considers an intersectional examination of gender throughout the programming, specifically that the role of Men and Boys in empowering women and girls. In attendance were scholars, activists, religious leaders, donors and members of the media. Shannon described major themes across the three day event as, The Life of the Girl Child, Women’s Leadership, and Gender and Faith in Conflict. Attendees came together in agreement that the oppression and abuse of women and girls are serious impediments to sustainable development and human security, contributing to the suffering of families and communities. This lead to an agreement across participants, to produce a declaration addressing the need for diverse segments of society to work together in honest and innovative ways to ensure respect for the human rights of women and girls. Shannon (depicted with IDN Director, Dr. Sita Ranchod-Nilsson in the photo below), who has previously spent time in Ghana, was honored to be part of an international step in progress for Gender Equality in Development.

Robert Shannon (MDP '16) and Sita Ranchod-Nilsson (Director, IDN)


Top: Human Rights Defenders International Forum in Accra, Ghana 
Bottom: Robert Shannon (MDP '16) and Sita Ranchod-Nilsson (Director, IDN)