As I write this from the comfort of my favourite sofa, I think to myself how much the world has changed.
In this pandemic, many aspects of our lives have been turned upside down. Between social distancing, curfews and mandatory mask-wearing, the world has gone through many changes as we navigate the virus. Activism and advocacy have also changed, a change that has affected the way I support my causes.
Things have been different. Instead of making plans to attend events and advocate my causes in person, as I had planned to this year, I’ve found myself attending online seminars and showing my support through the power of the written word.
One such event was the Virtual 2020 Girl Up Leadership Summit I attended in early July. There were many electrifying speakers that inspired me to keep advocating for Gender Equality. I have found it easier to find online events about the SDGs especially dear to my heart in this pandemic, a fact that makes me think maybe this year’s unexpected turn of events has brought some good changes after all.
Before the pandemic, it was harder for me to find ways I could help and support the people and causes I cared about. Events were sometimes too far away, or the notice to attend was too short. But then COVID-19 came along and I realized what a powerful tool the internet is.
Though 2020 has been a year of change—for advocacy and activism and other things besides, not all the change has been negative. I’ve been tossed out of my comfort zone and have tried new things.
And for that, I’m grateful.
Anisa.