Written by Social and Economic Empowerment Programme
The religiousness of African states has created an unfriendly atmosphere for secularists and other non-religious persons and entities. This unchanging climate has denied many young, vibrant and talented young people from pursuing their goals and aspirations to the heights they dream of. In Africa, a person could be subjected to devastating and traumatizing conditions on the basis of rejecting or leaving a particular belief system. Pertaining to matters of sexuality and gender orientation, this continent recognizes only male-to-female relations. Any other relation is abominable and comes with serious consequences. Owing to the lack of logistics and fewer opportunities for secularists living in this jurisdiction, it has become necessary to provide assistance and solicit for your support in battling discrimination and marginalization in this region.
Atheist Association of Uganda in partnership with Secular Underground network is calling on able bodies, charity foundations, and other peculiar organizations to help support, “The Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme for the Marginalized”. This project seeks to provide Social and Economic Support. The project aims at;
reducing the effects that results from being discriminated on the grounds of being an atheist, a person’s gender identity and religious preferences
Empowering people to be able to focus on their core values, beliefs, and perceived strengths can motivate people to succeed, and may even buffer the negative effects of bias. Overcoming hardship can also make people more resilient and better able to face future challenges.
creating a safe space and opportunities for the economically disadvantaged
Providing support systems. One problem with discrimination is that people can internalize others’ negative beliefs, even when they’re false. They may start to believe they are not good enough. But providing a safe space and community can remind us of our worth and help us reframe those faulty beliefs.
increasing household incomes through provision of handicraft and apprenticeship
Work is an important feature in structuring: personal and social identity; family and social bonds; ways of making money, and thereby accessing a number of essential and non-essential goods, services and activities; daily routines; level of activity; physical and mental well-being; self-confidence and self-esteem; a sense of self-worth provided by the feeling of contributing to society or the common good can reduce the challenges caused through discrimination.
The project also endeavors to create a positive impact through
Donatereducing the psychological effects on marginalized individuals (anxiety, depression etc.) which can be compounded over time and lead to long-term negative health outcomes
Evidence suggests that people who identify with a marginalized identity are more likely to exhibit symptoms of emotional distress, including depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Elevated risk of emotional distress may be related to the stress of having a stigmatized identity. Specifically, they may be in settings where they experience social rejection and isolation, decreased social support, and verbal or physical abuse.
improving upon the lives of people through provision of stable income
Research has shown that elevating the social and economic status of an individual reduces the risks and chances of being discriminated against
reducing elevated risks of emotional distress among the discriminated that may be related to the stress of having a stigmatized identity
Everyday discrimination taps into more ongoing and routine experiences of unfair treatment. Some examples of everyday discrimination include being treated with less courtesy or respect than other people, receiving poorer service than other people at restaurants or stores, or being threatened or harassed. Major discriminatory events capture important or more significant experiences of unfair treatment. Some examples of major discrimination include being unfairly dismissed from a job, being unfairly prevented from moving into a neighborhood because a landlord or realtor refused to sell or rent, or being unfairly denied a bank loan.
Be a part of this project
Uganda Association of Atheists and Secular Underground Network are non-profitable organizations and as such rely on donor funds and support groups. We call for your support in any little means possible. This project will help a lot in reducing the suffering of the marginalized in the Ugandan secular community.
