WISDOM AT WORK: : Older Women, Elderwomen, Grandmothers on the Move!

This week, I had the honour of sitting down with Hendrica Okondo, a natural storyteller who makes the phrase 'living memory' resonate, with profundity and humour!  Hendrica paints a vivid picture of colonial Kenya and independence, with economic, cultural, human rights and scientific insights and learnings that challenge and delight.  Her stories of the women in her family, her studies, and work through the years are not just heartwarming, but lessons in subtle and overt forms of power, and feminism(s) that ripple through generations.  From indomitable familial matriarchs  (and supportive male figures), to the dichotomies of Catholic observance and her mother's brewing business, don't miss this vibrant journey with Hendrica - from the Beijing women's conference to her current work with young feminists! This episode is a tribute to the continuity we gain from Elderwomen in our movements and communities - and the critical importance of women's voices and agency, an intimate narrative highlighting the profound impact of each generation's experience of oppressive systems, and the nurturing of resilience, liberation and equality.  

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When the echoes of jazz legends still rumbled through Cleveland, a determined young man named Winston Willis carved out a slice of American history. His remarkable sister, Aundra, joins me to share a riveting tale of triumph and tragedy, as she unveils the story of her brother's rise and fall in her new book:  "Winston Willis: A Memoir".  From the grooves of a vibrant jazz scene to the chilling grip of systemic racism, Aundra guides us through the heart of a metropolis where her brother soared to the heights of entrepreneurship. And then....

Aundra recounts the David-and-Goliath battle her brother waged against the discriminatory systems - a fight that symbolizes the broader struggle faced by countless African American entrepreneurs and landowners.  Aundra's searing, humorous and courageous account is a sobering reminder of the tenacity required to challenge the deep-seated racism of the day.

There's a deeply human story woven throughout, as Aundra opens up about her family's intimate connection to the civil rights movement. From receiving a letter from Martin Luther King Jr. to meeting Muhammad Ali, this episode is a testament to the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity.  Aundra's own reflections on aging and the precious act of storytelling by our Elders, to underscore the importance of giving voice to those who lived—and thrived—through pivotal moments in history, ensuring their legacies are not lost to time.  Join us for an episode that not only honours the past but also ignites a conversation about the future, a chorus of jazz and justice resonating for generations to come.

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Grandmothers on the Move – A Grandmother, a Leader, a Visionary, and a tireless advocate for people living with HIV & AIDS, Pfiriaeli Kiwia is the inspiring founder and program director of Kimara Peers Educators and Health Promoters in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  Mama Kiwia brings the indefatigable grandmothers of sub-Saharan Africa at the heart of the response to the AIDS pandemic, raising millions of orphaned grandchildren, right into the room with us. Her insights and her story of turning personal determination into powerful collective community action are guaranteed to stay with you! Part of the Grandmothers on the Move podcast series on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign – Solidarity, not Charity! This is where hope lies – at the grassroots – with grandmother leaders like Pfiriaeli.

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Dr. Paula Rochon: Women's Age Lab - a Global First!

Join me for a conversation with the founding Director of the truly necessary, innovative and exciting Women's Age Lab! The first and only centre of its kind in the world!  Women’s Age Lab at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Canada is a space dedicated to science-driven system and social change that will improve the lives of older women.  A place focused on supporting the healthy aging of women by reimagining a system and society where older women and their distinct well-being and health needs are recognized and addressed.  Let's hope this excellent institute inspires many others

Check out the website for Women's Age Lab - where you can keep up to date with their ongoing, exciting work.

Follow them on Twitter at @WCHospital @RochonPaula

And join the Virtual Workshop Series - still some left - on Digital Literacy! Details and links can be found on their website! https://www.womensresearch.ca/womens-age-lab/

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New Podcast Titile :) Grandmothers on the Move is now:  Wisdom at Work: Older Women, Elderwomen, and Grandmothers on the Move! This week I bring to you Grandmothers for Refugees from Australia. Thoughtful, personal and political - from "Grandmothers Unite! to jolting others out of their comfort zones to rally against the egregious treatment of refugees in their country, these three Australian grandmothers and their peers are taking a stand for decency, democracy and connection. Join me in listening to the Wisdom at Work of Elizabeth Cox, Jane Touzeau, and Janine Laurence.

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Welcome back to Grandmothers on the Move for a tremendous intergenerational conversation about wellness, Elderly women's wisdom, and the creation of a powerful Tanzanian organization by Rustica Tembele and her daughter Neema Tembele - Tap Elderly Women's Wisdom for Youth!   "Grandmotherly Wisdom meets WHO's mental health Gap Action Program", TEWWY's website reads;  mobilizing the power of elderly women trained in creating safe spaces, interpersonal counselling,  Wisdom&Wellness Circles and more.  Rustica and Neema have a vision: answering the need for youth & community access to mental health support, and the equally compelling need to tap into older women's wisdom to build and strengthen that well-being and resilience.  Don't miss this inspiring conversation, and visit TEEWY's website at: https://tewwy.org/

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 Patsy George,  a champion for human rights, shares insights from her remarkable range of endeavours - from policy and government to mobilizing for change! Dynamic, energetic and with a palpable decency and generosity of spirit, "Strengthening Communities to Speak for Themselves" reflects Patsy's principled and inspiring approach in all that she has done, and continues to do! A visionary with great modesty, Patsy has been a strong advocate for immigrant women and marginalized and underserved communities in a myriad of powerful ways.  Join me in this conversation with someone I am proud to call friend and mentor.   

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Neglected No More-The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada's Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic by André Picard (March 2021). My friends, even if you are not from Canada this book is a must-read, -- André has insights that will challenge and inspire!  André's Picard's newest book provokes incredulity, outrage, admiration and hope that there are some beacons to light the way forward when it comes to Long Term Care and the desperate need for a reset!!  An urgent conversation with a truly humane, decent, award-winning journalist/health reporter, and expert on one of the most pressing issues of our times. Here's to aging with dignity, vigour and respect for rights!

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A Revolutionary Borne of Necessity:  Meet Nora Morales de Cortiñas -last active member of the iconic Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo resistance movement in Argentina. Still without closure in the struggle for justice for her ‘disappeared’ son Gustavo (taken by the Argentinian dictatorship in the ‘70s). Affectionately known in Argentina as “Norita”, she is a guiding light amongst a new generation of activists–fighting for human rights on all fronts, from decriminalization of abortion to challenging the crippling debt systems of the IMF… she carries on with passion, panache, and integrity. Light our way, Norita!  Jason McNamara’s documentary is coming soon ***click this link  https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/fiscal-sponsorship/norita/ to watch the trailer and be moved to tears, and…action! 

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World Read Aloud Day - February 3rd, 2021 - The "3Ps" of Reading: Pleasure, Passion and Power for transformation.  Punctuate this important day with two advocates championing the critical importance of storytelling, reading and reading aloud, the right to literacy, and the powerful impact of sharing the joy of reading and books with children! Dr. Karen Burke of Scholastic Books, and Malcolm Mitchell - famous for football, beloved for his books and sharing his discovery of reading as his "greatest achievement" - determined now to share it! Two people devoted to literacy, children, and making every day a celebration of the transformative power of reading... one a grandmother, and one 'channelling his inner grandmother'! 
Part 2: Dr. Karen Burke

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