Understand the Psychological Impact of Oppression Using the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale

                       Psychology is the most wanted course in the public university here in J.F. It is good to know that the students understand the necessity and the demand for better mental health here. For twenty five years I've been suffering with high stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression but now all th world is demanding justice. I'd like to thank all support and solidarity. For many years I've been hearing that people don't care about injustice, but now we all know that it is a lie. I have a YouTube channel, here is the link.   https://www.youtube.com/@lucianofietto4773/videos. Since the creation of this channel its visualization counter doesn't work, the same has been happening with the counter of this blog since its creation in 2010.      This post is a summary of the article published in 2023 at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850126/

                 Oppression refers to systemic discrimination where the injustice targets or disproportionately impacts specific groups of people. The Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS) is a sel-report measure designed to assess the traumatizing impact of discrimination broadly by measuring anxiety-related symptoms of trauma due to discriminatory experiences. This may include symptoms arising from many forms of marginalization. The relationship of TSDS scores to clinical psychopathologies are examined, including stress, depression, anxiety, and Pos-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We also examine how having multiple marginalized identities increase traumatization. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed. Oppression describes an asymmetrical power dynamic characterized by domination and subordination of a group by restricting access to social, economic, and political resources. Subordinated groups experience fear, stress, and may develop negative views of themselves. As a chronic stressor, oppression can lead to poor mental health. Studies consistently link increased vulnerability to negative mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depression, panic and phobic disorders, as well as antisocial personality. Oppression predicts poor mental health. A meta-analysis of 66 studies concluded increased exposure to stress from discrimination was a stronger predictor of depression and anxiety. As chronic experiences, oppression can even be traumatizing. Despite the growing evidence showing oppression-based stress can be traumatic and relates to symptoms of PTSD, research on oppression-based stress and trauma is limited. The Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS) is a 21 item self-report measure that broadly assess the traumatizing impact of discrimination. This study shows trauma symptoms increased with recent and past experiences of discrimination, and microaggressions. We found intersectionality and multiple stigmatized identities increases risk for trauma symptoms, which is somewhat consistent with the literature. People with more marginalized identities are more likely to have trauma symptoms, with the larger impact seen in non-white hispanic Americans and sexual minorities. These identities alone were associated with comparable or greater discriminatory trauma. Nonetheless, clinicians should be aware that greater intersectionality is more likely to signal cumulative trauma, and it also can be an impediment to treatment, as has been seen with other disorders as well. A culturally-informed approach to care is critical. Likewise, the 2014 American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics calls for multicultural/diversity competence and justice advocacy. Justice-oriented critics of clinical psychology, however, rebuke the field for its lack of institutionalized support of an intersectional awareness competency, particularly its failure to integrate diversity perspectives. Indeed, despite clear mandates for culturally-informed approaches, clinicians are not trained to assist patients experiencing distress due to marginalized identities. Therapists should assess all patients for PTSD symptoms from discrimination. They may need to ask specifically about these experiences. Coping skills should be tailored to address the patient's unique intersectional stressors, however coping should not be a substitute for empowerment, as treatment should also explore reducing discrimination in the person's daily environment. Proactive strategies can serve to inoculate against the effects of the cumulative buildup of betrayal traumas and systemic discrimination.

80th Anniversary of the United Nations Organisation - Part II

                       The U.N. should have more support of all nations around the world. We all have the duty to fight corruption, human rights violations, injustice, authoritarianism, lies, and everything that cause suffering to humans.  I have a YouTube channel, here is the link.   https://www.youtube.com/@lucianofietto4773/videos. Since the creation of this channel its visualization counter doesn't work, the same has been happening with the counter of this blog since its creation in 2010.      This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at https://www.undp.org/saudi-arabia/press-releases/80-years-un-turning-global-ideals-local-impact.  The second was published at https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-priorities-united-nations_en

                     Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of the most devastating conflict in human history, a new hope was born. The United Nations was created not only as an institution, but as an idea, one rooted in peace, human dignity, justice, and the shared responsibility to build a better world for all. But ideals can't live on paper alone. They must be nurtured, anchored in laws and institutions, and translated into development plans, national visions, and practical actions that reach communities everywhere. They require a collective effort to convene, coordinate, and connect all available energies in pursuit of something greater than ourselves. This is the mission carried every day by the U.N. system. And at the heart of that mission, turning aspiration into transformation stands the U.N. Development Programme. Across the globe, U.N.D.P. works hand in hand with governments and communities to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and support sustainable growth. As the U.N. marks its 80th anniversary, and U.N.D.P. marks its 60th anniversary, we celebrate not only the past but the future, a future built on cooperation, on shared purpose, and on the belief that real change is possible when we work together.                                                                                                                                                                                  The E.U. remains a predicable, reliable and credible partner, committed to deliver on global commitments, including through the implementation of the Pact for the Future. The E.U. stands ready to engage with partners in driving forward U.N. reform through the "UN80 Initiative" towards a more effective, cost-efficient and responsive UN. The following five priorities will guide E.U. action at the UN over the next coming year. 1) Support a multilateral system based on international law and the universality of human rights.  2) Advance comprehensive reforms to reinvigorate the UN system, and pursue effective partnerships.  3) Strengthen the UN peace and security architecture.  4) Advance sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda.  5) Address the triple planetary crisis. (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution). As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, the EU actively supports the UN80 initiative, launched by the UN Secretary-General to enhance efficiency, improve mandate delivery, and undertake strategic reform, as confirmed by EU leaders in March 2025. As the largest financial contributor to the UN, the EU plays a constructive role in supporting a stronger, more agile and resilient organisation. The EU views the UN80 initiative as a unique opportunity to advance structural efficiencies, refocus the UN on its core mandates, and rebuild global trust in multilateralism. The EU also supports broader reform efforts, including the Pact for the Future, and will continue to work with the UN and all partners to ensure a coherent, inclusive and forward-looking multilateral system fit for the 21st century.

80th Anniversary of the United Nations Organisation

              One month ago, precisely on 24th October, the United Nations was created. This post is a tribute to this important organisation, but in many people's opinion, the U.N. could do a lot more to protect human rights, peace and democracy around the world.     I have a YouTube channel, here is the link.   https://www.youtube.com/@lucianofietto4773/videos. Since the creation of this channel its visualization counter doesn't work, the same has been happening with the counter of this blog since its creation in 2010. And my right to know the exact number of visualizations it is not the only violation of human rights I am a victim.   This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at https://www.un.org/en/UN80.     The second was published at https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/un-marking-80th-anniversary-plan-for-change/

                   By promoting peace, human rights and social progress, including access to healthcare and education, the United Nations has improved the lives of people around the world, creating better living standards for all. The U.N. remains the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights. It works to help countries end the horrors of conflict to forge sustainable peace. The U.N. stand up for justice and respect for human rights. It documents human rights violations worldwide, advocates for robust human rights protections, promotes compliance with international laws and standards. Together with its specialized agencies it tackles poverty, hunger and disease and provide humanitarian relief in emergencies and crises. Over the last eight decades, U.N. health agencies have vastly improved child and maternal mortality, saved millions of lives with immunization, and prevented and controlled the spread of deadly disease like malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS. Eighty years after its founding, the United Nations faces new challenges. The climate crisis is raging and inequalities are growing. Terrorism and the nuclear threat persist, and new threats have emerged as A. I. becomes ubiquitous, rushing ahead of regulation. In March 2025, the Secretary-General launched the U.N.80 initiative to transform how the U.N. works, identifying efficiencies, reviewing how mandates are implemented and examining structural changes and programme realignment within the U.N. system. The Pact for the Future aims to strengthen global cooperation for the 21st century and rebuild trust in multilateralism and the Security Council, The Pact includes support for SDG to help developing countries to invest in their people and tackle challenges, like moving to a future in renewable.                                                                                                                                                                         The U.N. marks its 80th anniversary this year, at a time and in a world that are remarkably different from those it was born into, and yet which also bear some striking similarities. Officially entering into existence on 24 October 1945, the U.N. set out its aims in its Charter, including to "maintain international peace and security", "reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights", and "promote social progress and better standards of life" and ensure "justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law". It initially had 51 members and now has 193, and like its membership its mission has also slowly expanded, evolving into areas such creating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting financing for development purposes. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (whose term ends in December 2026) now wants the U.N. to review its role and has used the opportunity of its anniversary to launch the U.N.80 Initiative, "a system -wide push to streamline operations, sharpen impact and reaffirm the U.N.'s relevance for a rapidly changing world". The U.N.80 process will involve three tracks of reform. The first will aim to improve internal efficiency and effectiveness through "cutting red tape and optimizing the U.N.'s global footprint by relocating some functions to lower cost duty stations". The second will examine the thousands of mandate documents that dictate what the U.N. does in order to remove those that have become outdated and prioritise the organization's aims and work. The third will look at whether "structural changes and programmes realignment are needed across the U.N. system" to simplify operations. With the U.N.'s budget under pressure from governments cutting aid, some have claimed U.N.80 is a cost-saving exercise. The U.N.80 Initiative calls for the reform process to be "inclusive and transparent", having marginalized voices as being crucial to securing peace. Inclusion will be critical to securing progress on the SDGs, too. A more inclusive U.N. that reflects the voices, needs and priorities of member states and other stakeholders strengthens legitimacy and trust, making its decisions and actions more representative and sustainable.

Day of Fighting Injustice - 2025

                         Almost three months ago, precisely on 23rd of August was celebrated in Brazil, the day of fighting injustice. We all must defend justice, because when there is some systematic injustice happening for so long, a dangerous precedent can happen, destroying democracy, undermining rule of law and human rights and possibly spreading more injustice. So, the public trust in our institutions is severely harmed. Besides, when there is not justice, the abuses tend to grow, spreading and affecting many more people. So if you have witnessed any violation of human rights, record it and help fight injustice.  The systematic violations, the impunity, the daily bullying on mainstream media, the threats online and offline exist to do the victims give up to fight for their rights and reparations.  We all should recognize who have courage to defend our human rights including our political rights. Because always there are costs to do this, so help who is losing to defend our rights. Never a human rights defender has had so many rights violated for so long time, but now all the world is demanding justice. This post is a summary of two article. The first was published at https://www.beyondintractability.org/cci-mbi-cv19-blog/burgess-current-past-oppression. The second was published at https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-september-2025/The-Best-Way-to-Respond-to-Injustice/

                     From its earliest days, human society has been plagued by greedy individuals determined to dominate, oppress and exploit others. Social evolution has been shaped by a continuing struggle between these individuals and the larger society that they seek to oppress and exploit. Many of history's greatest accomplishment have been focused on taking one oppressive strategy after another off the table. These include, at least for the U.S., The English Common Law, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the 1964 Civil Rights Act. and Roe v. Wade. Other milestones included abandonment of the European colonial empires. Still, the desire to exploit others is a monster that respond to each defeat with some sort of clever workaround that will continue to threaten society. Against this backdrop, the test of each generation is not vehemence with which it searches the historical record for perpetrators of past acts of oppression and its ability to posthumously disgrace them. It is the ability of a society to recognize and combat the innovative new forms of oppression that are having such a huge impact on the lives of people now. While it is, of course, always good to correct the record with respect to past oppression, it is critically important that these historical revisions also acknowledge the positive steps that have been taken, steps that need to be defended and strengthened. Discounting the importance of these steps would do much to strengthen the hand of current-day oppressors since it would undermine some of the best, currently-available tools for defending the interests of the larger population. Beyond this, we need to support vigorous and sophisticated efforts to expose the deceptive forms of oppression that characterize today's world and build the kind of broadly-based coalition needed to effectively challenge them. Obviously, the building of such coalition will only be possible if people resist the divide-and-conquer strategies that contemporary oppressors are using to weaken those who values human rights and justice. To succeed, we need to work together to address current-day oppression.                                                                                                                                            We live in an unjust world. People are treated unfairly for many reasons. They suffer the effects of problems caused or worsened by greedy executives and corrupt officials. These and other injustices affect us all, either directly or indirectly. It is not surprising that many are angry about the injustice they see in the world today. We all want to live in a world where we feel safe and are treated fairly. Some get involved in protests, sign petitions and support political leaders who promise to fight injustice. Still, we can't help but be dismayed, even angry, when we see someone being treated unfairly. We may wonder: 'How should I respond? Is there anything I can do about injustice right now? We may not be able to control the unjust actions of others, but we can control our own actions. The most important way we can respond to injustice is by sharing truths with others. We should reveal not only why there is so much injustice but also how we feel about the distress that it causes us. May we continue to preach the good news we all eagerly looking forward to the time when the earth will be filled with justice and righteousness.

The Need for Advanced Skills and R&D in the Developing World

              The Latin Americans shouldn't miss the focus on development, education, peace, justice, democracy and human rights. For almost two decades I've been writing online about the importance of these issues for a better life to everyone.   I have a YouTube channel, here is the link.   https://www.youtube.com/@lucianofietto4773/videos. Since the creation of this channel its visualization counter doesn't work, the same has been happening with the counter of this blog since its creation in 2010.       This post is a summary of two articles. The frist was published at https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/local-problems--local-solutions--the-need-for-advanced-skills-an. The second published https://www.ipea.gov.br/cts/en/all-contents/articles/articles/264-r-defficiency-in-brazil

                                           Education is part of the enabling infrastructure required for jobs, social development, and future economic growth. Unfortunately, low-and-middle-income countries face an urgent skills crisis with nearly 70% of children unable to read a simple text by age 10. While focusing on the foundations makes sense, developing countries allocates less than 20% of their government education budgets to tertiary education, and less than 2% of their GDP to R&D. This limits their capacity for advanced research and innovation. By contrast, high-income countries spend more than 3% of their much larger GDP on R&D, in addition to private contributions and far larger tertiary education budgets. Some argue that the developing world's limited higher education and R&D sector shouldn't be alarming, while innovate tech can simply be imported from high-income countries. This argument misses a simple point: local problems often demand local solutions. In high-income countries, where malaria is rare, armyworms don't threaten agriculture, and sweet potatos are not central to the diet, there is little incentive to study these foreign topics. Indeed, new research shows that tech developed overseas are often "inappropriate" for domestic markets. For example, crop pests and pathogens pose major threats to agricultural productivity worldwide. While each pathogen found in the U.S. shows up in roughly 57 agricultural patents on average, those found outside the U.S. appear in only 11. The authors estimate that this innovation "mismatch" reduces global agricultural productivity by more than 40% and increases productivity gap between high-and low-income nations by 15%. Initiatives to bolster advanced skills and R&D in developing countries, such as Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence, have shown great promise in closing this innovation gap. Since 2014, the program has partnered with more than 50 higher education institutions across Africa to support faculty, training, and R&D.                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a widespread consensus that innovation representsa source of economic development and the transformation of society. Based upon this perception, several countries adopt targets to increase their R&D investments as a way of reaching higher levels of development. The Europe 2020 strategy, for example, stated that 3% of the E.U. GDP should be invested in R&D. In 2017, R&D investments in Brazil as a percentage of GDP reached 1.26%. Although higher than other Latin American countries such as Argentina and Mexico, R&D investments in Brazil are much smaller than in developed countries. Given its relatively low levels of R&D investments, Brazil must not only raise them, but also increase their efficiency in order to convert local efforts into scientific and technological results. However, the efficiency of R&D investments is not a frequent subject in the literature. As a result, in order to measure and compare R&D efficiency indicators, it is necessary to define them first. Brazil produced 3.76 citable documents per US$ million R&D expenditures mainly financed by the government. As a result, the scientific efficiency of R&D expenditures in Brazil is about 35% of Australia's, 50% of China's and 75% of the U.S. The result indicate that the scientific efficiency of R&D expenditure in Brazil is low. Although more efficient than Argentina and Russia, Brazil showed a scientific efficiency of R&D personnel of about half of several countries (including China and Mexico). Although in this article we just point to the problem (and not to its cause), the role of all these factors must be investigated in order to tackle with it.

The Intersection of Psychology and Human Rights

                   This post is a tribute to all victims that suffered injustice and have had their human rights violated, to all human rights defenders who help to bring justice and truth for anyone looking for them, and to all victims that are fighting now for truth, justice and dignity. We all should participate in this fight because it is very important to fight against injustice. Without justice the violations can spread because the perpetrators feel they can do more and more and then we'd are all surviving in this nightmare called dystopia that would become an evil system difficult to combat. Therefore, help fighting human rights violations and injustice, when many abuses have systematically been done for so long time, the justice is even more important.  Do not think you are unreachable. We all must record any violation of human rights happening now. The systematic violations, the impunity, the daily bullying on TV, the indirectly threats about the creation of lies exist to do the victims give up to fight for justice, democracy and political rights. Besides, the violations, the systematic abuses, the daily humiliation and decades of impunity can have a dehumanizing effect in the population, do not let this happens, the solidarity and empathy are the essence of all human being.    This post is a summary of two articles. The first with the incomplete title above was published in 2024 at https://www.bps.org.uk/blog/intersection-psychology-and-human-rights-why-both-matter-more-ever. The second was published by the A.I. from Google.

                       Psychology, a field dedicated to understanding and improving the human condition, plays a vital role in advancing human rights by supporting mental health, combating discrimination, and advocating for marginalised communities. At its core, human rights are about protecting human dignity, wellbeing and freedom, issues that are deeply connected to psychological health and wellbeing. Psychology has evolved to not only recognise but also actively address the profound impact of human rights violations on mental health. Traumas caused by violence, persecution and discrimination leave lasting psychological scars, influencing people's semse of identity, self-worth, dignity and security. When human rights are compromised, mental health starts to deteriorate. Studies show that individuals who face oppression, persecution, or discrimination experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Consider the enduring trauma experienced by survivors of abuse and discrimination. The concept of trauma-informed care, widely adopted in psychology and healthcare, underscores the importance of understanding how trauma affects people's lives and behaviour. Psychology's emphasis on trauma-informed care aligns closely with human rights principles. It prioritises dignity, compassion and a person-centred approach, which acknowledges that everyone has a right to safety, understanding and compassionate care. Mental health support should not be a privilege, but a right available to all. Psychologists around the world are increasingly advocating for policies that make mental health services more accessible, affordable and culturally informed. By working with policymakers, providing expert testimony and conducting research that sheds light on human rights abuses. In some cases, psychologists speak out against practices that perpetuate injustice or harm, aligning with human rights advocates to address the structural factors that create and sustain inequality. While psychology often focuses on healing and recovery, it also emphasises resilience and empowerment, especially when facing adversity. Community psychology, a field closely aligned with human rights, focuses on empowering communities to address issues that affect their members' wellbeing. They often work with grassroots organisations and local leaders to address challenges such as discrimination and injustice, helping individuals advocate for their rights and foster sustainable change. The intersection of psychology and human rights reflects a shared vision: A world where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression, and with access to the support they need to thrive. It's worth reflecting on the ways psychology can continue to support human rights through healing, empowerment and advocacy. In a world where inequality and injustice remain persistent. Commitment to understanding and supporting human needs makes it an essential ally in the fight for human rights.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The intersection of psychology and human rights lies in psychology's role in supporting, advocating for, and understanding human rights, which includes addressing the psychological harm of violations, promoting well-being, and using scientific methods to support legal and policy efforts. Psychology provides the knowledge to understand the devastating effects of oppression, discrimination, and trauma, while human rights frameworks offer the principles and ethical guidelines for psychologists to act on. This intersection is evident in clinical practice with survivors of abuse, in research to document rights violations, and in advocating for policy changes to promote dignity and justice. How psychology supports human rights: 1) Healing and empowerment: Psychologists provide therapy and support to survivors of human rights violations, such as torture and sexual violence, focusing on healing trauma and empowering individuals to have a voice.  2) Evidence and advocacy: Psychologists can use their methodological skills to document human rights violations and provide expert evidence for legal proceedings, such as asylum claims. They can also provide support through amicus briefs on important legal cases. 3) Promoting well-being: Psychology contributes to understanding and promoting psychological, social, and economic well-being, which are integral to human rights. This includes advocating for equal access to mental and physical healthcare. 4) Understanding systemic issues:     Psychology helps explain the psychological roots of discrimination and prejudice, which can be used to develop more effective interventios. 5) Ethical framework: Psychology has an ethical code that requires psychologists to act in ways that protect and promote human rights regardless of their specific field.

Beyond Ballots: What Global Justice Movements Teach Us About Democracy, Power and Possibility

               The worldwide movement for justice, democracy, human rights, political inclusion and my political rights is becoming stronger than ever. Once I'd like to thank all demonstration of support for my activism and political rights. It is good to know that both, my online activism that next year will complete two decades and my offline activism for decades is being recognized as a force for democracy and human rights. This worldwide movement has became so huge, intense and prevalent in the last five years that nobody can deny its existence. Since 2020,  I have a YouTube channel, here is the link.  https://www.youtube.com/@lucianofietto4773/videos. Since the creation of this channel its visualization counter doesn't work, the same has been happening with the counter of this blog since its creation in 2010. Never a human rights defender has been so much harmed and bullied for so long time.       This post is a summary of the article with the title above, published in 5th November 2024 at https://www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/beyond-ballots-what-global-social-justice-movements-teach-us-about-democracy-power-and-possibility/

                       While elections results matter, they are not the full story. Movements worldwide remind us that democracy neither begins nor ends at the ballot box. It is about the right of people to make decisions over the everyday essentials that shape their lives, access to clean water, air, food, housing, and more. At the centre of these struggles are people, who are working to build democratic systems that meet their needs and dreams. True democraccy is inherently interconnected, not confined by national borders, it requires creating just systems, not just passing policies and it flourishes when people have space to come together, learn, and organize. Understanding democracy in this way is crucial for how we address today's challenges and for the role that philanthropy must play in supporting a more just and equitable future. The forces eroding democratic rights in the U.S. are not isolated. They are part of a wider, global phenomenon. The same disinformation campaign that have plagued Brazil, from false narrative about Indigenous rights to the spread of anti-vaccine rhetoric, mirror tactics seen in the U.S. and Europe. Russia interference, including the spread of disinformation during the 2016 U.S. elections, further highlights how threats to democracy cross borders. Movements recognise this interdependence. As they work to shift conditions in their countries, they often exercise solidarity beyond their borders. In 2007, building on this vision, 500 small-scale farmers from 80 countries gathered in Mali to create the Nyéléni Declaration. The gatherings became a cenral space for the food sovereignty movement to articulate shared goals and strategies. Today, the movement has grown into a network spanning Latin America, Africa and Asia, where small farmers share strategies with counterparts to resist land grabs and push for policies that support small-scale farming. Philanthropy needs to recognize that democracy can't be won or lost in isolation. The fate of democracy is interdependent and the forces eroding it or building it are inextricably linked across borders. by investing in movements for sovereignty and democracy, philanthropy can amplify these ripple effects, strengthening the resilience of communities against authoritarianism and ensuring that solidarity and democratic values are fortified worldwide. Supporting cross-border alliances and mutual learning between movements helps build a global network capable of resisting shared threats and imagining new futures together. At its core, democracy relies on the active engagement of its citizens. Yet, it is often narrowly defined as a set of policies designed to ensure voting rights, civil liberties, or free speech. But this understanding isn't enough. Policies may set the framework for democracy, but they don't protect it nor they guarantee changes. Recent years have shown how fragile these frameworks can be and how gains in equality can quickly be undermined without deeper cultural and systematic change. Without just, equitable systems and daily practices of accountability, even the best policies are hollow. Global justice movements show that democracy is far more than what happens at the ballot box, It's about creating systems where both people and the planet can thrive. Many movements engage in 'multisolving', addressing interconnected issues all at once. They remind us that true democracy is about more than policy, it's about the power of communities to shape the systems and the environment. By building governance rooted in equity and respect for the earth, they show that democracy is most resilient when grounded in justice. Philanthropy has a vital role to play. Movements are the lifeblood of democracy, they cultivate an engaged citizenry, challenge entrenched power, and build resilient communities. Supporting these movements means equipping people to reimagine the systems that govern their lives, from economies to ecosystems. Democracy is more than a policy goal, it's a living practice that thrives when we have the power to create just and sustainable systems. Philanthropy can strengthen democracy's roots by backing the long-term efforts of those on the frontlines, ensuring that pursuit of justice is grounded in the needs and visions of the people. At its core, democracy is about people exercising their collective power. Democracy is forged in the daily efforts of people coming together, creating spaces, strategise together and push forward even when the odds are against them. Popular education has been a critical tool for this work around the world, helping people build political consciousness and resilience. For democracy to truly flourish, movements need to grow, they need to expand their political education work. Democracy is built from the ground up, through people learning together, daring to question the status quo, and organising to bring change. To win, we must make sure movements have the conditions they need to drive lasting changes. The strength of democracy anywhere depends on its defense everywhere