Reflections on the Stride Advocacy Training in Regina: A Step Towards Human Rights and Dignity

We are grateful to the McConnell Foundation for their support which allows us to empower communities and foster capacity building in using human rights as a tool for accountability and change.

The Stride Advocacy Training, held in Regina from November 6–8, 2024, brought together advocates, educators, and community allies to build skills, share experiences, and strengthen their understanding of human rights mechanisms.

This event provided a space for reflection, connection, and learning, as highlighted by the reflections of Amaani, Yusi, and Yaw. Their experiences capture the heart of the training and its impact on fostering growth and hope amidst challenges.

Amaani’s Reflections: Struggle as a Path to Solidarity

For Amaani, the training emphasized the importance of addressing complex human rights issues collaboratively. A case study on children’s rights revealed the difficulty of navigating overlapping responsibilities between parents and society. Although these discussions often felt like hitting a brick wall, they underscored the value of centering marginalized voices and using international frameworks like the Convention on the Rights of the Child to guide work on contentious issues such as gender identity.

Amaani noted how these intense conversations—while challenging—brought participants together for a shared purpose. The struggle itself became a powerful unifying force, driving the group toward actionable solutions and a vision of justice that prioritizes the most vulnerable.

Yusi’s Reflections: Finding Dignity Amid Complexity

Yusi’s experience echoed Amaani’s sentiment but delved deeper into the personal and emotional aspects of advocacy. A profound moment for her was learning the distinction between respect and dignity: respect is earned, while dignity is inherent. This shift reframed how she approached dialogue and advocacy throughout the training.

During the emotionally heavy case mapping exercises on Day 2, Yusi led a grounding breathing session to support participants in processing the challenges they faced. By Day 3, the group was able to shift from feelings of hopelessness to crafting tangible solutions, demonstrating that the right tools and collective resilience can transform adversity into progress.

Yaw’s Reflections: Lessons in Collaboration

Yaw’s perspective added a logistical and relational lens to the training. While he acknowledged challenges, Yaw highlighted the strength of the participants’ engagement and the Stride team’s commitment to facilitating meaningful dialogue.

Yaw appreciated the collaborative spirit of the training, where participants’ questions and contributions enriched the sessions. Despite logistical hiccups, the event’s success lay in the collective effort to create a space where learning, sharing, and problem-solving could thrive.

The reflections of Amaani, Yusi, and Yaw illustrate a common journey: navigating the complexities of human rights advocacy through moments of struggle, solidarity, and resilience. Whether grappling with tough case studies, leading moments of community care, or addressing logistical challenges, their experiences highlight the transformative power of collective action.

Through these shared efforts, the Stride Advocacy Training proved that building a better world requires not only tools and knowledge but also the courage to face challenges together. As Amaani put it, “centering the most marginalized benefits everyone—and it is through these shared struggles that we can find unity and hope.”