A voice raised against oppression
Wed 25 July 2007
Andy Cook, Journalism
Amnesty International campaigner Laura Billington believes violence against women can be resolved by raising awareness of the problem.
Laura Billington, 21, is an active campaigner of Amnesty International, first becoming interested in it four years ago.
“I don't believe that people should have to fight for something that everyone is entitled to when they are born. I couldn't believe some of the stories that I was reading, I wanted to learn more, and try my best to help these people however I could,” Miss Billington said.
Since then she has fought for Amnesty’s campaigns by writing letters to authorities within prisons, governments and hospitals and organised social groups within her former high school and helped fundraise. However, one of the largest issues she has turned her efforts toward is violence against women.
“Domestic violence was Amnesty International's biggest focus in 2006. Worldwide violence against women is again coming into the light in 2007 for a number of different reasons.
“There has been recent media attention on the issue of honour killings in the Middle East and Asia. Campaigns have been formed to bring about change to the ancient laws and traditions that allow this behaviour,” Miss Billington said.
It is a campaign that can succeed however, Miss Billington said, if enough awareness can be raised.
“Raising awareness is the most important part of the campaign. People cannot be expected to help if they do not know what they are fighting for,” Miss Billington said.
Awareness can be achieved through the distribution of posters, advertisements and videos. Letter writing is one of the most important forms of raising awareness, Miss Billington said. With advances in technology it’s become even simpler for a person to help raise awareness with government officials to show that human repression won’t be tolerated.
“The internet works to our advantage, as it is the biggest source of information available, and if people are interested in defending human rights, it is a great place to start,” Miss Billington said.
For newly aware people interested in joining Amnesty International, Miss Billington says that they can expect to be awarded with invitations to events including fundraisers and that it’s also an opportunity to meet other like minded people. Members also receive newsletters and merchandise and they can choose their level of involvement.
“When you join with Amnesty International, you are given the option to join as a private volunteer, or an active campaigner,” Miss Billington said.
“Even if people cannot help, let them be aware, let them know that other people are fighting for the rights that they take for granted. Amnesty has a voice; I would like everyone to listen.”
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