Nr. 148 - January 2015
Women
NatureTex-Team Visits University
Editorial Dear Readers, sometimes it takes a long time for good ideas to have the broad impact they deserve – and frequently even much longer to bear fruit in other places than their origin.
Your Team of Editors Find SEKEM also on the Internet at:
SEKEM Welcomes DUNDU Again
IAP Meeting
Group of Partners Meets at SEKEM
NatureTex’ Team of Women Visits Heliopolis University
The team of young female employees who seek to support the situation of women on the job at SEKEM’s NatureTex plant now paid their friends at the Heliopolis University a visit.
At the renowned Gower Publishing house, a book has now been published to which Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish contributed an article, that summarizes many of the ideas on which SEKEM is based for a scientifically interested audience. „Integral Polity“ deals with the question of how ecology, nature, economy and society can be brought into an inclusive balance. In addition to Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish Ronnie Lessem, Marko Pogacnik, and other authors have also contributed sections to it. You can order the book now at a special discount: use the code “G9CDF35” on checkout when shopping on the web site of Gower Publishing. In this issue you can also read about further progress in supporting women at work in NatureTex‚ the second visit of “DUNDU” in SEKEM and the recent meeting of the IAP, SEKEM’s international trade partnership.
Art
The team of young women, supported by the German development consultant Anna Kölling, is in charge of advancing the situation of women on the job at NatureTex.
„
I have a feeling that my perception of the issue has changed,“ says Walaa Mohamed after her visit to SEKEM’s Heliopolis University. Walaa is one of five young women who work at the initiative’s textiles plant NatureTex and are currently seeking to advance the perception of the needs of women on the job there. „Now that we told our colleagues at the university of our projects, it seems to me as if I could handle any situation, especially when it comes to behaviour in
public space. The visit was an important experience for me and a big step forward for our cause”, Walaa says. The young women at NatureTex receive support from Anna Kölling. The German development consultant has been working in SEKEM since early 2014 in close cooperation with the EconoWin project (Economic Integration of Women in the Middle East and North Africa) financed by the GIZ (Society for SEKEM Insight | January 2015 | Page 1
Economy
International Development. (See report SEKEM Insight July 2014). An Insight Into the Lives of Others At NatureTex, the women‘s team organises so-called “social meetings” to which all company employees are invited to contribute and to participate in common activities. They may include technical courses, English courses and much more. Even regular consultations with a gynaecologist are part of the programme that is open to women and men alike. As the women working at NatureTex and the female students of the Heliopolis University are of the same generation but lead vastly different lives, the idea to organise mutual visits that would allow everyone peeks into the lives of the others had arisen early. “We had already met on the SEKEM Farm last summer. Now we wanted our new girlfriends to see our daily workplace: the university”, Farid Afdal recalls. The 20-year-old is one of three students who were in charge of organising the day of the recent visit. On 22 December, the time had come for the five young employees of NatureTex to leave for Cairo. Their first step was a guided tour of the campus of the Heliopolis University. The guests even had the opportunity to take part in music and art lessons. They could also participate in a workshop on gender equality. Contributing to Events The main component of the visit to the Cairo campus was, however, the contribution to the weekly “University Forum”, a frequent event to which local, Egyptian, and international guests are regularly invited to give lectures on wide variety of cultural and social topics. At the forum, the NatureTex team told the participants about the projects that they could launch over the past few months. Thus, for example, was introduced the celebration of the International Women‘s Day, or of the birthdays of all company employees as a group. Last but not least, NatureTex has begun to issue its own corporate magazine. The new publication is dominated by the issue that
The NatureTex-Team at the university during the workshop on gender equality.
is close to the hearts of Walaa and her colleagues: How to create a healthy balance between work and family life. “It made me very proud to report our actions, even though I was incredibly nervous to speak in front of so many people for the first time”, says Walaa Mohamed. The 27-year-old has been working at NatureTex in quality control for the past six years and had now contributed to the organisation of the university cooperation. “I found the library and our singing together with the students particularly exciting. Here, we felt as if we were a whole – that was a truly impressive feeling.” Lively Discussions After the forum, which was attended by about 50 participants, a film screening followed. The film shown was titled „Sabah El Ful“ (“Good Morning”). It deals with the daily double burden of a working mother and is part of the media campaign ANA HUNNA, that promotes a public discussion on the situation of working women in the region. The screening was followed by a lively and occasionally controversial discussion. “One man had the opinion that it
should be rather easy for women to take care of children and work at the same time”, says Afdal. In fact, the former pupil of the SEKEM School hails from a village where mothers often receive little support when they contribute to the family’s livelihoods. “I hope that this common attitude will change soon, and that I may find a partner one day that is sympathetic to our cause and helpful in managing family life”, Afdal adds. Other votes from the audience emphasized that a woman’s proper place was at home with her children. Walaa was shocked by this statement: “I had assumed that the younger people at academic institutions would have a wider horizon in terms of their view of women in society – especially since the employment of women and men alike is an entirely normal thing at NatureTex.” The university day lead to a successful exchange between the students of the Heliopolis institution and the staff of NatureTex. Both groups are looking forward to expanding their cooperation in the future. “We do feel encouraged in our efforts to bring about an equitable society, and we are motivated to expand our commitment”, Walaa concludes. Christine Arlt
You can visit SEKEM yourself:
www.SEKEM-reisen.de
Christine Arlt is a journalist who supports SEKEM Insight as a local correspondent.
SEKEM Insight | January 2015 | Page 2
Economy
A Gigantic Surprise Visits SEKEM – Again
For the second time already, DUNDU – a gigantic mannequin – has visited the SEKEM farm. This time he also surprised the students of the Heliopolis University.
S
EKEM students and staff were amazed when suddenly in early January a five-metre tall figure appeared on the SEKEM Farm and on the grounds of the Heliopolis University and welcomed them in a very unique way. It’s name was DUNDU (“You And You” in German), a mannequin of truly fabulous proportions, that was visiting SEKEM already for the second time.
The unique figure consists of innumerable individual fibre strands that cross over and over again, creating a mesh of connections that still leave open space between them, visualising interdependency and individualism. Five persons guide and steer DUNDU by using poles. Their sensitive and routine performances have already fascinated many people around the world. DUNDU seeks to encourage them to project their fantasies onto an identity-less being – in order to not only stimulate the creativity of the person interacting with the figure, but also promoting exciting interactions particularly with children. Deep Roots in SEKEM DUNDU made a stop at SEKEM on its way to Southern Egypt. On 4 January, the gentle giant surprised the students of the SEKEM School during their morning commute to the classrooms. Initial amazement from a distance quickly turned into enthusiasm and eventually the kids found great pleasure in even shaking the hands of the almost lifelike figure. Later in the day, when the sun had already set, DUNDU visited the staff of ISIS, SEKEM’s largest company. In keeping with the change of shifts at the time, the sounds of the kora (a harp from West Africa) were played right next to
Wherever DUNDU appears, children and adults quickly overcome fears and begin to be equally enthusiastic about the fascinating creature.
the “being of light”. The instrument was played by Stefan Charisius. Charisius and Tobias Husemann are the two fathers of DUNDU. The former is also the son of Klaus Charisius, who is no stranger to SEKEM either: Klaus Charisius had once built all the workshops that today form part of the SEKEM School. Moreover, he has left his signature in the memory of everyone concerned with the development of the school as a popular and dedicated crafts teacher. His son now accompanies the precise and gentle movements of the DUNDU doll with wonderful melodies. The effect is a magical aura that leaves all participants enthralled by its atmosphere. In this rare beautiful ambience, the last of the employees from SEKEM’s
company ISIS happily went home. Meanwhile, the next group of workers took to an inspired night shift. At the University The following, staff and students of the Heliopolis University on the outskirts of Cairo were similarly pleased. Many of the young academics had just left the examination halls, as the gigantic wire doll dropped by, accompanied by music and juggling performances. After DUNDU is already at home on many stages worldwide and has visited some of the most famous places on earth, it was a special honour for the SEKEM community to receive its team on the farm for a second time. Again, DUNDU has brought plenty of smiles to the faces of the young and old at the initiative.
You can visit SEKEM yourself:
www.SEKEM-reisen.de
Christine Arlt
SEKEM Insight | January 2015 | Page 3
Impressions
Impressions from SEKEM
T
he annual meeting of the „International Association for Ecology and Partnership in Trade“ (IAP) took place in mid January at SEKEM. The IAP was founded in 1996 as a cooperation forum for SEKEM and its European business partners who are particularly committed to the holistic development of organic farming and fair global collaboration among producers, resellers, and intermediary partners. This time, nine IAP members and some other guests again discussed issues of fair and sustainable trade between the global North and South. Plus, there was a panel discussion on the topic of Islam and a trip to the old city of Cairo. Finally, the IAP team visited the Heliopolis University and participated in a forum event where it faced the questions of the students on the importance and difficulties of organic farming. In addition, the successful and experienced pioneers of the global organic movement, recounted the stories of their own beginnings in sustainable development and agriculture through inspiring and motivating speeches. Incidentally, in addition to the long-term IAP friends, there was also a new face among the group: Nazim Shivji. Nazim has been working to spread Demeter agriculture in Uganda for the past two years on his own farm. SEKEM Insight | January 2015 | Page 4
News in Brief
People at SEKEM: Kamal Salama
SEKEM and Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development at UNESCO World Conference on ESD
A
t the end of the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2005 - 2014, it was decided that its efforts must continue. Thus, a world conference was held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan to report on how to further extend these efforts. SEKEM was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish, and Heliopolis University by Dr. Omar Ramzy. Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish hosted many workshops and roundtables. Furthermore, the experiences and challenges that these two organizations encountered in bringing ESD to their communities was highlighted to representatives from around the world.
At ISIS Kamal Salama is in charge of the export of vegetables and dates.
„
There is always a solution or alternative in life”, says Kamal Salama “problems are a part of life and shouldn’t prevent us from anything – this is what my family taught me.” The 45-year-old Egyptian has been working for ISIS since 1996 already – he is adapting this positive slogan also to his working routine. After his university degree at the faculty of agriculture Kamal Salama was told about SEKEM by a friend. Ibrahim Saad is an ISIS engineer as well and supported the family man to enter the company, first in the quality control department. Now Kamal is a production manager for both the local and the export markets for vegetables and dates. Usually, he is responsible for the work of 40 to 60 employees. “I really like to work for ISIS as I learned to appreciate the significance of organic food”, the dedicated factory manager says. “I am very proud that I could witness how the company grew. Several years ago, nobody knew ISIS, not to mention organic food – now every child in Egypt
A Workshop was also held on how to address issues of food security
is aware of ISIS’ products. That pushes me to give the best in my job.” Kamal Salama starts working at eight in the morning and leaves by five in the afternoon. He is living in Belbeis, the next big city close to SEKEM, and has got two daughters and a son at the age of two to eleven years to care for. As his wife is also employed – as a teacher – the grandmother is occasionally taking care of the children. “Our family is used to the fact that women are doing a job as well – I have four brothers and four sisters and all of them are gainfully employed. It is very challenging sometimes, but we wish to offer our children something. If my daughters could study medicine and my son become a football player, I would be very happy”, Kamal Salama smiles. The likeable ISIS-employee is a soccer fanatic himself and even won the annual SEKEM tournament with his team. “If I get to travel to see a match of BayernMünchen one day, a dream would come true for me”, he reveals.
anywhere using ESD concepts. It consisted of five groups: policy support, the “Whole-Institution Approach”, educators, youth, and local communities. The “Whole-Institution Approach” was presented by Dr. Omar Ramzy. In this workshop, the participants worked to identify the major concerns of the different world regions regarding food security and the best ways to address them. The participants then prepared a list of recommendations for stakeholders that these could address within the context of ESD. Eventually, participants gathered to create a unified document using the different ideas from the group to provide recommendations for addressing Food Security around the world. The workshop ended with recommendations ranging from engaging in Agricultural Participatory Research, teaching students using school gardens, to mentoring both teachers and farmers on ESD practices. Overall, it was strongly emphasized that ESD would be the future of developing and enhancing education for years to come, and that it would be one of biggest challenges of the 21st century. The conference, however, was an excellent beginning to bringing about this new reality. Source: SEKEM
Masthead: The editors of SEKEM Insight wish to thank all contributors to this issue. Editors: Bijan Kafi (Chief Editor), Christine Arlt (Cairo Correspondent) Contact: SEKEM-Insight Gotzkowskystr. 15 10555 Berlin Germany bijan.kafi@SEKEM.com Pictures: 1-2: Anna Kölling; 4: Martina Dinkel; 5: Andreas Kalbhenn; 6: SEKEM No republication without written consent by the publisher.
Christine Arlt
SEKEM Insight | January 2015 | Page 5
Integral Polity Integrating Nature, Culture, Society and Economy Ronnie Lessem with Ibrahim Abouleish, Marko Pogačnik and Louis Herman
“
In our current situation of economic, social and environmental crisis we need new ideas to make us fit for the needed transformation processes. It will require new ways of thinking, new forms of organizations and communities. Our past experiences show that relying on governments alone cannot be the solution. The examples of integral polity are very inspiring by starting development from the local context as opposed to the prevailing top-down method. Trans4m gives a valuable orientation to our coming integral age and we all have to ask ourselves where we stand in order to proactively shape our future in a purposeful and sustainable way. Helmy Abouleish, Managing Director of Sekem Group
”
FIND OUT MORE AT
www.gowerpublishing.com/isbn/9781472442475 About the authors Professor Ronnie Lessem is a Zimbabwean political economist, and graduate of Harvard Business School, who co-founded the Integral Worlds approach to Integral Development via the Trans4m Centre for Integral Development in Geneva. www.trans-4-m.com Professor Dr Ibrahim Abouleish is an Egyptian-born, Austrian-educated engineer and pharmacologist, ecologist and spiritual scientist, who received the Right Livelihood Award for founding Sekem, a Sustainable Community in the desert.
NEW Marko Pogačnik, who studied at the Academy of Arts in Slovenia, is a conceptual artist and earth healer, and an iconic figure in his country, who designed the national flag of Slovenia and practises Sacred Geography around the world. Professor Louis Herman is a South African-born medical graduate of the University of Cambridge in England, now head of the department of political science at the University of Hawaii, West Oahu, renowned for his Primal Politics.
More about the Transformation and Innovation Series www.gowerpublishing.com/tandi • Focusing on enterprise transformation and social innovation • Presenting a unique combination of new theories and practices • Drawing on the richness of the world’s diverse cultures • Introducing a pioneering integral perspective
www.gowerpublishing.com