SCORA E-Newsletter - July 2020

June & July 2020

Imprint Contributors Laura Lalucat Eglė Janušonytė Klaudia Szymuś Mohamed Hichem Smaali Abra Zahid Areej Abdalmagid Fatima Rodriguez Yara Hisham Othman Shweta Poduval Ieva Berankytė Christos Papaiouannou Shaimaa Adel Arsene Koumbem

The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization representing associations of medical students worldwide.

IFMSA was founded in 1951 and currently maintains 136 National Member Organizations from 126 countries across six continents, representing a network of 1.3 million medical students.

IFMSA envisions a world in which medical students unite for global health and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to take on health leadership roles locally and globally, so to shape a sustainable and healthy future.

IFMSA is recognized as a nongovernmental organization within the United Nations’ system and the World Health Organization; and works in collaboration with the World Medical Association.

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MESSAGE FROM SCORA DIRECTOR Dear SCORA members, We are already ahead of more than half of the term and let me tell you I get powered up day after day seeing your local efforts, your campaigns, your posts and articles shared, reading your applications and hearing your thoughts whenever we get to meet face to face or online.

Since October, the Newsletter was thought as an initiative that would hold the SCORA IT accountable and increase transparency in addition to generate a communication platform that is frequently updated and adapts to the needs throughout the term.

Multiple times, we’ve been discussing how to engage you into this: as I get powered up through hearing from other SCORA members worldwide, wouldn’t this effect take place as well for many of you?

I believe we are a vivid community and sharing, is one of the main tools that makes us thrive. This is why, I’m extremely happy to see once more your tenacious engagement and many articles, activities...submitted by you because this Newsletter is something we build together as one.

Hugs, Lalu, SCORA Director 2019-2020 On behalf of the International Team and SCORA Programme Coordinators 20192020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 BIMONTHLY REPORTS 15 SCORA X-CHANGE GOES VIRTUAL 18 ASIA-PACIFIC WEEK 20 NMO ACTIVITIES 25 HOW DID YOU START IN SCORA? 29 HOW TO: CAMPAIGNING AND MEMBERS ENGAGEMENT 30 HOW TO: TRANSPARENCY 31 COMING SOON IN SCORA 32 LOVE HAS NO GENDER

SCORA DIRECTOR LAURA LALUCAT scorad@ifmsa.org

In charge of activities and capacity building of SCORA and supporting the IT Coordinating SCORA sessions at the General Assemblies The link between SCORA members and the Executive Board Anything you don’t know who to reach out for!

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Wrapped up Menstrual Hygiene campaign;

- TOM

- Worked on creating safe spaces guideline (it is one of my pursued goals as D)

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

;- Prepared for OLMs;- Wrote policy position for MH;

- OLM with VPPRC and VPCB

- Database follow up;

- SWOT analysis for Global Priorities

- Work on how to implement the LGBTQIA+ at a national level;

- Handover OLM with PC MHASA

- Impact report management;

- OLM with SCORA GA x2

- Concept note for SXC online, proposing Global Priorities;

- Social Accountability OLM

- AM ST call and still discussing multiple issues as dates and platforms;

- OLM with LRA

- Queries to VPPRC;- Went through Ipas consultancy draft and sent reminders;

- OLM with SCDs

- Social accountability SCOME Manual;

- TO for Global Priorities x2

- Corrections to 2 training manuals;

- OLM with SCORA DA ME

- Submitted full AIDS 2020 poster and recording, approvals on it;

- SCORA DA CB x3

- GA preparations and discussions;

- OLM with SCORA RA AP

- Follow up on open space, AP week preps;

- OLM with IFMSA President

- Campaign TO goal work; - Researched invoices from 2015-16; - End of Term report, updating AWP and GPs report; - General emails.

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - AM Input to SCDs discussions;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July

- Prepared amendments for SCORA Regulations;

- preAIDS2020 workshops

- Prepared session for AP week;

- AIDS 2020

- Input to Ipas report;

- IFMSA Pakistan webinar

- Revised preARM proposal;

- SCORA Open Space: Pride Month

- Sent feedback to all rejected ST members;

- OLM with VPPRC for Discord

- AM preps: selection of ST and SPs, agenda, SK, approving delegates, pre evaluation, reminders,

- OLM with EA GA for Hackathon tips

input to "social programme", revised outlines, finalised Hackathon concept note;

- OLM with SCORA DA CB x2

- SCORA Plenary: Got familiar with NEMO vote, talking to the Chair and coming up with a

- TOM5

structure for plenary team, discussing amendments, talking to some NORAs, setting up all

- Plenary Simulation and Plenary I

motions in nemovote;

- SCORA AM ST OLM x2

- Worked on welcome session with SPs, input to “Social Programme” and overall logistics;

- NMO Consultation

- Social accountability manual inputs;

- Plenary Q and A with PT

- Input to ASA SWG work;

- Intersectional IFMSA OLM

- Drafted an SC sessions safe spaces guideline;

- OLM with President

- Went through all sessions drafts;

- OLM with LRA x2

- Went through SXC proposals;

- Presidents sessions

- ASA campaign SWG follow up; - Started up the thread for CB in Africa; - preARM proposal.

LIAISON OFFICER FOR SRHR ISSUES INCL. HIV&AIDS EGLĖ JANUŠONYTĖ lra@ifmsa.org

Focal point with all SRHR external relations Representing SCORA on international level meetings with external partners Coordinating Policy Documents development

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - SRHR commitment reports;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- SRHR GP external part report;

- UNFPA OLM

- Submitting SRHR proposal for global priorities;

- OLM with SCORA D

- End of term report;- Policy drafting and work with Policy Commissions;

- LOOM

- Reviewing NMO policies;

- OLM for Global Priorities

- AIDS 2020 preparations, AIDS 2020 poster review;

- VPE handover meeting x5

- AIDS 2020 scholarship application through PACT; - The PACT tasks, coordinating the Advocacy working group; - UNFPA/IFMSA: drafted and submitted abstract to our campaign, accepted for presentation in PMNCH summit; - Input on global health caucus for LOs;- WHO RHR correspondence;- Family 2020 and FIGO statement co-signing.

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - OGA plenaries, presidents sessions attendance;

- preWHA and WHA

- Presidents attendance;

- OLM with advocacy working group for

- Drafting and submitting IFMSA application as lead point for Beijing+25;

SRHR for preWHA x3

- WHO RHR meetings and ToR;

- IDAHOT webinar with ILGA

- UNFPA campaign coordination;

- Menstrual Health Policy OLM x2

- UNMGCY International Youth Day podcast recording as a speaker;

- Abolishing Child Marriage Policy OLM

- Managing external invitations for SCORA sessions and follow up;

- VPE handover OLM x3

- Preparing External Affairs Update session for AM;

- CyMSA CB weekend facilitation on

- Preparing and presenting IFMSA abstract for PMNCH Covid summit;

national SRHR policy making

- Ipas report follow up and finalization;

- UNFPA Webinar

- Finalized and sent WHS side event proposal;

- OLM with LPH

- Developed Ipas presentation for AMEE and recording;

- OLM with Ipas

- LOs theme event tasks;

- OLM TO research goal

- AP week judge for Activites Fair;

- OLM with the PACT advocacy lead

- Finalizing AM policies submissions;

- OLM with SCORA IT members x2

- Reviewing with VPF and SupCo collaboration possibility with Global Pleasure Board.

- EB elect OLM x2 - PreWHA and WHA LOOM - LOOM

GENERAL ASSISTANT KLAUDIA SZYMUŚ ga.scora@ifmsa.org

Coordination of SCORA X-Change Providing members with transparency by newsletters, quarterly updates and other general publication means Collecting SCORA IT monthly reports, taking minutes during Online Meetings

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Menstrual Health Policy work;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- Transparency Portal update and work updates graphic;

- OLM with SCORA D x2

- Uploaded all last term SXC reports into one folder;

- Asia Pacific Week Sessions Team

- SXC subsidiary call distribution;

- NORA SMMAMS Malaysia for AP Week

- Newsletter #4 work and publication;

session

- RCPs sheet updated and sent to IT and PCs for input, opening calls for RCPs for members; - SXC 2nd call for host; - Virtual SXC: concept note with SCORA D, implemented input from the IT, contacting hosts, mastersheet and coordination, promotion, form, distribution of applications, emailing applicants; - Reminders sending (all calls, reports etc); - Social Accountability document: SCORA approach with SCORA D; - Newsletter 5 drafted and parts assigned; - Input to AM sessions; - Input to Domestic violence policy, STIs, adolescent health, social determinants of health and meaningful students engagement; - SOGIESC and laws presentation for Americas; - Cleared out SXC database from redundant content.

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - ST/SP rating;

- IPET #4, #6 (x2), #7, #8, #9, #10,

- SCORA X-Change goes virtual management: distribution of applicants, emailing them, open

graduation

space concept drafted, questions for Open Space and parts distribution, follow up on sessions

- OLM with SCORA DA ME

outlines;

- CB Fest: Body politics x4

- Call for observers selection and emails;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: May

- SCORA banner approval;

- OLM with SCORA IT members x7

- Programs posts prepared and approved;

- CB Fest: Gender Bias in Medicine x3

- AP week preparations;

- Magazines 101 webinar

- SCORA Plenary: emails drafted for SCORA Plenary discussion, updating tracking sheet with

- OLM with DENEM Brazil

amendments, preparing presentation, preparing contact list with delegated votes and NORAs-

- IDAHOT Games Night

AM ST work (preferences, descriptions, sex positivity session preparations);

- Menstrual Policy OLM x2

- Scholar Rx brick on Sexual history taking;

- LeMSIC webinar on CSE

- Work updates and Transparency Update;

- OLM with NORA Rwanda

- Social media work (daily and for AM - graphics approval, scheduling posts, work

- preWHA Forum stream

distribution);

- IFMSA-Poland webinar on global

- Call for testimonies and selection;

situation of HIV

- Articles rating and contacting authors;

- OLM with SCORA RA Am, PC GBV

- Newsletter #5 design and transparency article;

- IPET trainees for graduation

- 2nd call for SXC: hosts selection, follow up email, promotion; - Monthly report sent to the IT.

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT FOR CAPACITY BULDING

MOHAMMED HICHEM SMAALI da.scora@ifmsa.org

Organising online trainings and improving existing workshops Creating new manuals, evaluating and following up already issued ones The main contact person regarding Sub-Regional Trainings Connecting trainers

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - IDAHOT follow up;

-- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- SCORA workshops reporting;

- IDAHOT follow up monthly

- V2V Participants selection;

- OLM with PC SRHR

- Policy document toolkit SWG work.

- OLM with SCORA RA Africa - OLM with SCORA-D x3 - OLM with SCORA-D and LRA - OLM with DAs

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July - OLM with SCORA D x2 - OLM with SCORA RA Africa - OLM with SCORA RA Europe - OLM with SCORA GA and SCORA RA Europe - SCORA AM ST

Tasks - OGA preparations.

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT FOR MEMBER ENGAGEMENT ABRA ZAHID

da.me.scora@ifmsa.org Activating non-SCORA-active NMOs The main contact person regarding major SCORA campaigns, creation of toolkits and manuals Updating the SCORA Database Coordinating Open Spaces

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Open Space: Pride Month Open Space, planning with the speakers, filling of forms, conduction;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: May

- Filled Newsletter part for Menstrual Hygiene;

- CB Fest: Psychological First Aid for

- Campaigns: evaluation for IDAHOT and Menstrual Hygiene;

Survival of GBV x4

- Policy work on Abolishing Child Marriage;

- eIPET preparation with PC RSRHR x7

- Database: evaluation for cooperation, campaigns and focus areas. Filled the sheet for focus

- SCORA Activation DENEM Brazil

areas;

- IDAHOT and Menstrual Hygiene

- SCORA Activation: Activation tracking sheet update, AzerMDS activation, follow up with Asia

preparations x2

Pacific NMOs;

- Menstrual Hygiene Day Open Space

- Marked MSI SCORA Articles;

- Policy on Abolishing Child Marriag OLM

- Session brainstorming started for APRM and AM.

- Online IPET #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10 - Online IPET Graduation training preparations with the group x2

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Open space: Pride month, shared monthly form with members;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July

- AM2020: Input for AM sessions and marked ST/SP, designed two sessions, worked on buddy

- Good resources manual with PC GBV and

system and activities fair, survival kit;

SCORP PRCA - IWD Follow up

- AP Week 2020: Input for APRM sessions, CSE content shared with team, desiging of session

- NORA Bangladesh OLM for AP Week

on Abortion and its conduction, created inforgraphics;

- Sessions team AP Week

- Observers OLM: shortlisted members with SCORA GA;

- AM 20 ST x2

- Campaigns: ASA campaign preparation started, working on SWG proposal with PC MHASA.

- AM Session SCORA RA AP x2

IWD campaign follow up on manual. Scoring applications of SWG applicants;

- AM Session NORA GA IFMSA Iraq x2

- SCORA Activation: updated activation sheet for NMOs, added comments to regulations

- SCORA Plenary

document, worked on way forward on SCORA D's commands, shared the sheet with IT and PCs

- OGA Plenary

for input;

- Open Space Pride Month

- SCORA Database: sheet shared with IT and PCs for input, worked on campaign folder; - Reporting: reported 7 campaigns; - SCORA testimonials for newsletter selection; - Answering queries of general members on AM sessions, activities fair and SWG ASA; - Added newsletter part on how to campaign and member engagement

REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR AFRICA AREEG ABDALMAGID

ra.scora.africa@ifmsa.org The link between SCORA IT and NMOs from Africa Activating non-SCORA-active NMOs in Africa Coordinating Regional sessions at General Assemblies and SCORA Sessions at African Regional Meeting Assisting in organising Sub-Regional Trainings and solving SCORA-related problems within Africa

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Self Help Series preparations;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- Increasing African NORAs participation in the SCORA international platforms;

- OLMs with Ivoary Coast x2

- Working on the Abolishing Child Marriage Policy;

- 101 to SCORA introductory OLM with

- Preparations to webinars (SCORA 101 for UNIGAMSA, WHO practical response to GBV for

UNIGAMSA

MedSIN Sudan, practical response to GBV for South Africa);

- Webinar with MedSIN-Sudan

- Collaborations work: transregional with SCORA RA EMR, AP and PC GBV and breast cancer

- NORA Kenya follow up OLM

with FAMSA.

- OLMs with the SCORA RA EMR, AP and PC GBV - OLM with SCOHE D from FAMSA - Regional team OLM - OLM with LORA Malawi - OLM with DA CB - OLM with RD monthly Follow up - OLM with DA ME - Quarterly OLM with African NMO presidents - Webinar with South Africa

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Pre ARM workshop proposal submission;

- M- Call with SCORA DA CB

- Finished work on the SRHR brick;

- NMO consultation

- 2 Sessions objective and goals drafting with SCORA DA CB for the SRHR challenges and

- OLM with GAMSA

SCORA RA EMR for the FGM session for the OGA;

- OLM with South africa

- Webinars preparations: SRHR challenges in the times of the pandemic; UHC and SRHR,

- OLM with Kenya

Introduction to maternal health, GBV in humanitarian settings, consent and coercion.

- OLM with Rwanda - 4 Webinars with MedSIN Sudan - Webinar with South Africa - Preparatory OLM for the African SCORA members delegates to the OGA - Monthly followup with the NORAs before the OGA.

REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR AMERICAS FATIMA RODRIGUEZ

ra.scora.americas@ifmsa.org The link between SCORA IT and NMOs from Americs Activating non-SCORA-active NMOs in Americas Coordinating Regional sessions at General Assemblies and SCORA Sessions at American Regional Meeting Assisting in organising Sub-Regional Trainings and solving SCORA-related problems within Americas

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Transregional collaboration with SCORA RA for AP: Infographics preparations and approval;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- Regional campaign - feel the pride;

- Webinar LC, AMMEF Mexico x3

- Policy work - Menstrual health;

- SCORP Weekend in IFMSA Guatemala

- Preparation for webinar LC, AMMEF Mexico (SCORA 101, SOGIESC, transphobia), ACEM

- Webinar for ACEM

(SOGIESC and discrimination), SCORP Weekend in IFMSA Guatemala (SOGIESC and Human

- Webinar for LC in IFMSA Guatemala

Rights) and LC in Guatemala on Abortion and human rights, SCORA 101 for Paraguay;

- SCORA 101 session for IFMSA Paraguay

- One day Ipas - ASCEMCOL preparations;

- One day Ipas training for ASCEMCOL

- Guideline, inclusive events;

- Americas webinar series

- Americas webinar series (GBV and COVID-19);

- RT Monthly Meeting

- NORAs buddy system, follow up;

- RT weekly meetings x3

- Rainbow hands project preparations and regional newsletter call;

- OLM with SCORP, SCOPE and SCORE RAs

- SCORA IT monthly report;

Americas

- NOMEs webinar preparations (Sexual diversity and medical curricula).

- OLM with NORA ASCEMCOL - OLM with New NORA IFMSA Argentina - OLM with NORA IFMSA Guatemala x3 - OLM with New NORA JAMSA - NORP and NORA IFMSA Guatemala - IDAHOT follow up meeting

Jul

Tasks

Meetings Online meetings:

- Americas RT final report;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July

- SCORA camp IFMSA Guatemala;

- SCORA AM ST

- One day IPAS ASCEMCOL;

- RT Weekly meetings

- follow up, NORAs Americas region;

- RT monthly meeting

- SCORA buddy system;

- Americas plenary- webinar LC IFMSA Peru

- Sessions preparations: SCORA Regional sessions, Joint sessions Americas region, webinar LC

- SCORA Regional sessions

IFMSA Peru;

- Joint sessions Americas region

- Translation UNFPA;

- 1:1 meeting NORA Paraguay

- Plenary preparations.

REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR ASIA-PACIFIC SHWETA PODUVAL

ra.scora.asiapacific@ifmsa.org The link between SCORA IT and NMOs from Asia-Pacific Activating non-SCORA-active NMOs in Asia-Pacific Coordinating Regional sessions at General Assemblies and SCORA Sessions at Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting Assisting in organising Sub-Regional Trainings and solving SCORA-related problems within AsiaPacific

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - SCORA Activation Status Follow-Up with SMMAMS Malaysia, RMSA Afghanistan;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- SCORA Newsletter: Rating of applications for NMO Activities;

- SCORA Activation OLM with AMSA

- Switching of communication platform of AP NORAs from Facebook Messenger to WhatsApp:

Kyrgyzstan

Initiated and coordinated poll;

- SCORA Activation OLM with RMSA

- AP Week: Discussions with SCORA D and RD AP about its feasibility, Coordination with RD AP

Afghanistan

regarding work for it, Coordination with members and solving their doubts, Sessions Team

- SCORA Activation OLM with SMMAMS

Form drafting, Sessions Team selection, Working on sessions with the Sessions Team;

Malaysia

- Supporting SCORA Program Coordinators with their Programs Annual Report;

- OLM with NORAs MSAI India

- World Refugee Day (MSAI India Webinar) content preparation;

- OLM with NORAs BMSS Bangladesh

- Helped SCORA D and SCORA DA ME with SCORA Active status of NMOs;

- OLMs with RA EMR and RA Africa for

- Gave input for SCORA Open Spaces, Virtual SXC Concept Note, AM 20 Sessions.

Transregional Collaboration x2 - OLM with SCORA D regarding AP Week - MSAI India Webinar for World Refugee Day with all the other SC RAs of AP - AP RT OLM #9

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - AP Week: Sessions Team selection, discussions with the RT and SCORA D, Sessions Team

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July

tasks coordination, working on external session with LRA and SCORA D, social media

- AP Week 2020

preparation, preparation of report for RT;

- AP Week Session Prep OLMs x7 (1 with

- AM20: Input for sessions, buddy system, Sessions outlines, Survival Kit descriptions, Buddy

SCORA D, 2 with AP Week ST Member, 2

system input; SCORA Active status support to SCORA D, AP NORAs list for SCORA Plenary;-

with SCORP ST Member for joint session, 2

SCORA Newsletter: Writing article on AP Week.

with SCORA DAME) - AP Week ST OLM #2 - OLM with SCORA D for technical stuff for AP Week - SCORA AM ST OLM #1, 2, 3 - SCORA Plenary - NMO Consultation - AP RT Monthly OLM #10

REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR EMR YARA HISHAM OTHMAN ra.scora.emr@ifmsa.org

The link between SCORA IT and NMOs from EMR Activating non-SCORA-active NMOs in EMR Coordinating Regional sessions at General Assemblies and SCORA Sessions at EMR Regional Meeting Assisting in organising Sub-Regional Trainings and solving SCORA-related problems within EMR

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Preparations for webinar for IFMSA Kurdistan;

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- Rating MSI 42 articles;

- Webinar for IFMSA Kurdistan

- ST and SP selection rating;

- OLM with NORA IranÂ

- End-term report;

- Regional team OLM

- NORA Weekend for EMR coordination.

-Transregional collaboration OLM with SCORA RA Africa and AP - OLM with SCOPH RA EMR & NORA kurdistan x2 - OLM with External Affairs Assistant for EMR

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July - OLM with SCORA RA AFRICA - SCORA AM ST - OLM with NORA bvmd Germany - SCORA Plenary

Tasks - AM preparations; - SCORA plenary: returning officer.

REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR EUROPE IEVA BERANKYTĖ

ra.scora.europe@ifmsa.org The link between SCORA IT and NMOs from Europe Activating non-SCORA-active NMOs in Europe Coordinating Regional sessions at General Assemblies and SCORA Sessions at European Regional Meeting Assisting in organising Sub-Regional Trainings and solving SCORA-related problems within European

Jun

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - Policy Toolkit renewal Small Working Group tasks (drafting, reviewing);

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: June

- SCORA Activation work;- NECSE (host selection procedure coordination and results);

- EuroTeam Monthly OLM

- Menstrual Health Policy (contributor);

- OLM with RA EA EMR x2

- Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign follow - up;

- OLM with RD EU

- IT tasks (newsletter tasks, etc.).

- NECSE Host Selection OLM - OLM with AzerMDS and SCORA DA ME - Policy Toolkit SWG OLM - OLM with KOMS - Kosovo

Jul

Meetings Online meetings:

Tasks - AM20 Preparation: session outline drafting (2 sessions), communication matters & solving

- Monthly SCORA IT OLM: July

issues, buddy system input, SCORA plenary prep (active NORAs list);

- OLM with SCORA GA & DA CB

- EuRegMe20 Preparation: dealing with issues with Sessions' Team and cancellations, started

- OLM with PC for MHASA

preparing the SCORA sessions with the ST members (introduction and preliminary agenda,

- OLM with LORA ANEM

follow - up sent).

- OLM with NORA swimsa - ERM ST OLM - SCORA Plenary - NMO Consultation - AM20 ST x2 - ET monthly OLM

SCORA X-CHANGE GOES VIRTUAL Dates: 17-30.07.

For the past months, SCORA X-Change OCs struggled to maintain as many physical exchanges as possible but the circumstances that we are facing now made it impossible to continue for some NMOs. However, none of us wanted to take back an amazing opportunity that SCORA X-Change is. These NMOs still wanted to give SCORAngels their knowledge, experience and time to provide them with information about SRHR issues. This is the idea of a virtual SCORA X-Change emerged.

Canada, France, India, Lebanon, Portugal, Romania and Rwanda gathered to conduct online trainings and webinars for members about their SRHR situation and much more. The initiative was super successful and we received over 2000 applications.

On the 30th of July, there was an Open Space for virtual SCORA X-Change. Speakers from all hosting countries addressed SRHR topics to the broader audience as a summary of their online SCORA X-Change meetings. All focus areas were covered by 3 speakers that represented different regions to ensure diversity of perspectives. This open event was an opportunity for all who did not register on time for particular exchanges to still gather knowledge of SRHR issues around the world.

SXC had been one of the many amazing opportunities I've experienced in IFMSA! It certainly had help me understand better the SCORA focus areas through a case-based approach based on realities, had given me insights on the current SRHR situations happening on another place in the world, and was definitely a positive mind-opening experience!

Putri Azzahra Nur Azrina

Being a part of the Organising Committee for Virtual SXC India 2020 was nothing less than a dream come true. It finally gave me an opportunity to take a step forward in advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights and definitely inspired me to continue doing so in the future as well. Hope to work closely with SCORA on future events as well!

Mohit Bhagia

This experience was an eye opener. We discussed different topics that turned out to be common to all of our countries! The discussion really helped me value our role as students working in the field of reproductive health.

Sara Elshafie

My SCORA XChange was a new refresh! A new refresh about everything I used to think about topics related to SCORA, a new refresh about everything I used to talk and think about Lebanon, gender based violence in Middle East countries and anything related to this specific world's population. But mostly, the SCORA XChange, even happen in a country totally opposed of mine, made me change the way I view all the topics talked in SCORA in my country, made me change the way I see my country, the way we treated those topics and the way I can change my country' reality about this topic, how I can really contribute to this aspects and how I can, really, even at this moment, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Rebeca GuimarĂŁes

My participation in SCORA Online india 2020 provided me with lessons that I would hardly have known in other ways. For me, it was essential to compare the situation of Brazil, my country, in relation to India with regard to public policies focused on women's rights. I could see how much Brazil is still lagging behind in terms of public policies in defense of women's lives. However, I realized that the feminist struggle is happening all over the world and that we still have a lot to question and to achieve.

FlĂĄvia Megda Garcia

ASIA PACIFIC WEEK 2020

Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) 2020 which was rescheduled to happen in September in Taiwan was cancelled since the Asia-Pacific region will most likely still be facing international travel restrictions then. However, the Regional Team still saw the need and importance of capacity building opportunities that the APRM brings to our members. As a result, the Regional Team began working on Asia-Pacific Week 2020 (AP Week 2020), a Virtual take on APRM, which included SCORA Sessions, Joint Sessions, Activities Fair and much more!

AP Week 2020 had 30 delegates from across the region attending SCORA Sessions. The virtual platform made AP Week much more accessible to our widely spread region which made it possible for nearly all NMOs to attend and participate in our sessions. The Sessions Team included: Shweta Poduval (SCORA Regional Assistant for Asia-Pacific), Abra Zahid (SCORA Development Assistant for Member Engagement and NORA, IFMSA Pakistan), Ching Wen Tang (NORA, SMMAMS Malaysia), Mauli Mehta (VPE & former-NORA, MSAI India), Myesha Mamun (NORA, BMSS Bangladesh).

In a short span of 2 weeks, the Sessions Team managed to put together 9 hours of SCORA Sessions spread across 13th to 16th July 2020. Since we were short on time, we addressed 3 out of SCORA’s 5 Focus Areas through our sessions. These were: Maternal Health and Access to Safe Abortions (MHASA): Where we discussed Access to Safe Abortions asa human right and various barriers that exist to accessing safe abortions in the AsiaPacific context Gender-Based Violence (GBV): This session focused on important issues relating to GBV specific to our region such as honour killings, lack of recognition of marital rape, literacy rate disparities among various genders etc.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI): To tackle this issue, we conducted a panel discussion with an external organisation “Youth Voices Count” that specifically works on addressing LGBTQ+ issues in the Asia-Pacific region. In case you missed this session, you can watch it HERE

However, we also felt that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is an important topic to address in Asia-Pacific. Hence, we touched on CSE in each of our sessions by discussing briefly how to approach CSE for each of the session focus areas to ensure that the participants’ knowledge about CSE increases as well!

To ensure capacity building of our members, we also conducted a session on SRHR Policy Planning and Usage to equip our members with the skills to incorporate policies in their national SCORA work to improve their advocacy efforts at a local and national level.

Finally, on the last day, we had a joint session with SCORP where we discussed the importance of Intersectionality in Healthcare Settings with specific focus on how intersectionality affects access to and quality of sexual and reproductive health services. In case you missed this session, you can watch it HERE. The feedback we received for AP Week 2020 was overwhelmingly positive and we hope that similar avenues of SRHR Capacity Building can continue in the future so that more members can be empowered to and informed about important SRHR issues and perhaps even motivated to create a change.

NMO ACTIVITIES AFRICA

THE RED BARON MHM OUTREACH MSAKE-Kenya The main aim is to empower medical students as MHM trainers and advocates while simultaneously promoting good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices amoung the vulnerable girls and women in the society.The main topics taught in the sessions by the MHM trainers are:1 definition of terms in menstruation, the menstrual Cycle and the female reproductive system, common myths and misconceptions about menstruation, proper menstrual hygiene practices and general hygiene during menses, the supportive role of men and boys in menstruation.

The main materials availed to the needy girls and women during the outreach include reusable and disposable pads, tissue paper, soap and knickers for each. In 2020, under Barbara Nyaga's leadership, it has been incorporated to the COVID-19 response as the pandemic has greatly increased period poverty in Kenya. So far community outreach has been done in three different parts of the country where MHM education and materials have been distribution in addition to relief food. So far we have reached out to about 1,700 girls and women and about 400 boys in 10 out of the 47 counties in Kenya since the beginning of the activity and plans are still underway to continue with the project in the midst of this pandemic. The partners that have contributed to make this project a success in are Freedom4girls, Lady's Heart Foundation, Phoenix Vita, Call for Humanity, all the well wishers that have faithfully donated to our cause and the brave hearts of the SCORAngels who have volunteered to conduct the outreach.

NMO ACTIVITIES AMERICAS

IDAHOT CHALLEGE WEEK AEMPPI Ecuador IDAHOT Challenge Week was a seven day project for the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. On the first day we did a dynamic on IG stories asking participants to share their experiences of discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ community. On the second day we did a “Trivia Night”, during the day we posted statistics about the community and at night we asked questions through IG stories. On the third day we sent participants four different scenarios of discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ community. Participants shared how they would act according to each situations, the best answers were shared to IG stories. For the fourt day we had the voting for the art contest, that had the theme “Break The Silence”. On the fifth day we had participants post a picture with symbols relating to the LGBTIQA+ community along with the #BreakTheSilence. On The sixth day, we organized a webinar where we talked about The main problems with discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ community in The World, and in our country, Ecuador. Finally, The last day we sent all The participants phrases from a script, for them to record videos saying these phrases and join all of them, creating an emotional video.

NMO ACTIVITIES ASIA-PACIFIC

REDEFINING REALNESS: BECOMING TRANS SELVES BMSS-Bangladesh Far too often, transgender people in South East Asia face seclusion, a consequent result of ingrained social stigma and discrimination. This phenomenon also prevails to exist due to misinformation or lack of awareness about their vulnerable sexual health. Over 100000 trans people work as sex workers with 99% suffering from STDs. Redefining Realness: Becoming Trans Selves, is an event devised by SHMCJ-LC, SCORA, BMSS to enhance trans cognizance. A webinar conducted in collaboration with an NGO and a transgender person addressed their sufferings and injustice. It informed people about defining gender identities, advocate for trans rights as well as establish a safer environment for the minority. Post webinar evaluation revealed that people were now more informed about trans matters, and had gained over 1.5k viewers. In addition, posts were circulated debunking various trans myths, discussing differences between gender identities, sexual orientation, and sex as well as enlightening people on what gender dysphoria is.

NMO ACTIVITIES EMR

SCORAPEDIA LeMSIC-Lebanon SCORApedia will be a platform comprising essential evidence-based knowledge tackling the standing committee’s 5 main focus areas: i. HIV, AIDS and other STIs; ii. Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression; iii. Maternal Health and Access to safe abortion; iv.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education; v. Gender-Based Violence. By collecting data about the knowledge of our members in those 5 focus areas, our team will assess the situation and be creating monthly training sessions about SRHR. For that, members will collect information about each focus area and add them to an online platform accessible by everyone. Our aim is to allow every person who’s advocating for SRHR to have between their hands a platform containing all the information needed.

NMO ACTIVITIES EUROPE

INCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION FASMR-Romania During our medical education we focus a lot on our clinical studies, however we tend to forget about one of our most powerful tools: communication. In particular, correct, compassionate and inclusive communication. And while medical schools tend to ignore this subject, vulnerable groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, teenageres with unwanted pregnancies, patients with HIV or victims and survivors of gender based violence, are the most affected. The fear of judgement and mistreatment can prevent them from seeking medical help, that can cause serious health consequences down the line. Inclusive Communication is a series of workshops dedicated to health care students. Every workshop will focus on one vulnerable group. Our pilot workshop was on communication with patients from the LGBTQIA+ community. During the session we focused on understanding concepts like gender identity and sexuality, the challenges queer patients face in the doctors office and how we can change that in our own career.

U O Y D I D HOW H T I W T R STA SCORA? I LE ADAN GABRIECLIM e n SA Indo sia

LORA from

Sexual and reproductive health, rights, and issues – including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – have always piqued my interest. This ‘infatuation’ started from my curiosity when puberty hit in 2013. I realized that there was so little of formal sexual education being taught in Indonesia, and in order to be more educated about this specific topic, I have to learn it myself from other available sources. The real catalyst of this interest of mine is a personal experience that made me recognized the fact that not everyone feel the need to educate themselves about sexual education, unlike me. There are still so many people who don’t know the importance of sexual education, moreover the sexual education itself. Many people whom I’ve met and talked with aren’t really familiar with the risks of practicing unsafe sex – or how to practice safe sex itself – which is totally worrying for me.

A friend in high school once said to me, “The only important thing about having sex is to not ejaculate inside, so the girl doesn’t get pregnant. Condoms aren’t needed!” That particular statement terrified me, and still terrifies me. How many boys out there having the exact same thought as my friend – still totally clueless about importance of condoms and risk of getting and spreading STDs? How many girls out there, while not knowing the risks of unprotected sex, willing to give their consent? How many adults still have this frightening mindset?

Indonesia still has a lot on its plates about these specific issues. That’s why joining CIMSA and being a SCORA member has been my initial step to contribute in spreading the importance of sexual education. I am really, really passionate to raise Indonesians’ awareness about the importance of sexual and reproductive health, rights, issues, and education – including risks and effects that can happen because of practicing unprotected sex. I want people in Indonesia realize that there are many more things beyond lust and desire at the moment to consider before having sex. I want people to think clearly and not totally lust-driven, knowing the underlying risks, understanding the so-called safe sex practice, before they act.

U O Y D I D HOW H T I W T R STA SCORA? JANA MANISHA MSAI India

LORA from

I was 10, when a man older than me inappropriately touched me, but I remained confused.

I was 13, when I first bled; a pad hidden in a newspaper was covertly given to me.

I was 16, when I learnt about sex, as a means of procreation and not for pleasure.

I was 19 when I entered medical school and joined SCORA. And a whole new world opened up.

All the uncertainties, fear, and shame I had felt was suddenly replaced with confidence, empowerment, a safe space and most of all a platform to vocalize. All the years I was told to speak in hushed tones had finally ceased, for SCORA told me to be as loud as I can, for there is no shame in being a girl, to menstruate, to have sex, how the sexual assault wasn’t my fault and express heartily in a society where everything is brushed under the carpet.

I remember hearing about IFMSA and MSAI from a friend, and what started as a call to catch up, turned into a 3 hour call on what the standing committees were, what this global network of medical students worked for, advocacy and all that I had never heard before. Getting intrigued every second, I stayed up that night researching further on it, when I stumbled upon SCORA. And I knew it; I knew I just belonged there. Call it a gut instinct, I didn’t think twice before applying for the post LORA, and all I could do is cross my fingers as I hit the ‘submit’ button. And voila, 2 weeks later I see the email, holding my breath, I click on it and I see the words: “Welcome to the SCORA Team!”

Words don’t amount to what this meant to me. The utter euphoria was inexpressible. Everything’s been a whirlwind since then. Multiple OLMs, conducting events, turning passionate advocates into close friends, and most of all, learning everything from gender spectrum, to abortions, maternal health, the need for comprehensive sex education and the uphill battle to make SRHR issues the priority, I have learnt every single day, expanded the table for others to join in, but most of all, I am more vocal than I have ever been.

I knew I had a voice, SCORA just helped me find it. And that’s how I found my safe haven: SCORA.

U O Y D I D HOW H T I W T R STA SCORA?

ORENO M S E R A M A A HUAYm IFMSA-Peru MARIANN ORA fro

"My experience on this committee began as soon as I started medical school! During my first year, I was actively involved with SCORA, learning and following its guidelines. As a member of SCORA, I had the opportunity to participate in various activities. My first activity was a campaign about the use of condoms and sexually transmitted diseases. This experienced enlightened me intellectually by introducing me to comprehensive sex education and how important it is. The thing I remember the most about this activity is the fear and even shame I felt when walking around holding condoms in my hand to educate adults and young people about the use of condoms. As I participated in more campaigns, this fear disappeared and evolved into a desire to educate others and a self-confidence that I did not know I could harness to share these essential topics. Therefore, I believe that I discovered SCORA at the right time in my career so that it helped me guide my choices in a professional and personal level.

Since then, I focused my desire to continue growing into action and, in my second year, I became LORA assistant to continue the work that I loved so much. Following that year, I was so empowered that I was elected as LORA and also National Documentary Assistant of SCORA-PERU. This is when I started getting more involved both nationally and internationally, which gave me the opportunity to participate in an SXC and the IPAS and HEAT workshops. These experiences taught me new perspectives and innovative solutions and kept empowering my desire to achieve a real impactful change in our society. Thus, in order to pursue this goal, I am currently serving as NORA. I am proud to be the agent of change that implies being a SCORAngel. I am pleased to be someone who seeks to educate and humanize communities in need and who works hard to contribute however possible to improve the context in which we live.

Finally, every time someone ask me what this committee is, I answer that SCORA is a family that seeks to make our community a better place. To me, SCORA is a safe space that will help you grow professionally and personally, that will teach you how to love, respect and educate your peers, and, most importantly a place where you can be yourself and be sure that people will respect you."

U O Y D I D HOW H T I W T R STA SCORA? ALOVA NIA GYUAHMPSB Bulgaria

LORA from

"SCORA topics have always been a huge interest to me. Ever since I was a child, I was the first one among my friends, who knew what I was going to do when I grow up. Everybody wanted to be a ballerina or a princess. I wanted to become a doctor!

And it was exactly some of the topics, included in the priorities of SCORA problems, such as maternal health, abuse and violence against women and children, that made me dream of becoming a doctor. Then I spread my knowledge and I realized how important comprehensive sexuality education is, because it can help reduce the number of abortions made by uneducated people and the sexually transmitted diseases. I firmly believe people should be aware of sexual and reproductive health. Later in my life I realized that there are countries where you don’t have the personal choice whether you can make an abort. In my opinion, everyone should have the right to make a personal choice. This is a problem, which needs awareness as having the child born as obligation is less problem than having to raise it. When people are not ready to have children, those children sometimes suffer from lack of attention, love, education and therefore grow up being bad behaved, unloved and often get themselves to bigger problems like smoking, drinking, taking drugs, etc. Being a parent is a very responsible job and people should not be obliged to carry this burden if they are not ready.

When I was accepted in the medical faculty, I very quickly learned about IFMSA and AMSB. SCORA immediately took my attention. I was finally able to learn more about the topics I have had interest in for a long time. An example of learning something new is “female genital mutilation” – something that I have never thought can exist in 21st century. I had the instant wish to spread my knowledge about this horrifying ritual. Being in SCORA I have the chance to make presentation and raise voices against this widely spread problem in countries in Africa, Middle East and Asia.

SCORA gives you the chance to learn, express opinion, raise people’s attention and hopefully make a difference. I regret no moment being part of this family and I hope that I can have the chance to organize more campaigns and events!"

HOW TO CAMPAIGNING AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT Following are the tips and tricks for effective campaigning.

Structured communication The communication system of SCORA IT campaigns is managed extensively along with the PCs and VPPRC, targeting our members especially SCORAngels.The messages are managed both internally (with their structure and content) and over time (with consistency and developing stories). To have an impactful and effective campaign, structured communication amongst the campaign coordinators and team is really important for smooth running of work.

Facts Campaigns have to be credible, supported by facts and have to be tallied from proper resources and researches to back it.

Aligned climate The message that the SCORA campaign is promoting is carefully aligned with the general climate of the day. They should be designed and executed in a culturally sensitive manner.

Target opinion leaders SCORA Campaign messages are particularly targeted at the SCORAngels who are credibly willing to repeat it to others. These leaders, once infected with enthusiasm, will not only become valuable SRHR advocates, they will also be listened to by their own large constituency.

Positive messages In SCORA, we believe in spreading love and positivity. We believe in planning campaigns based on inclusivity, warmth, happiness and excitement, that are attractive and desirable for our members. An effective campaign involves a strong, positive message.

Members engagement tips Building relationships with your members, adding value to your work and capturing their attention just often to keep them engaged for a common goal and vision is member engagement. Successful engagement of members boils down to two objectives: - Member Recruitment - Member Retention Effective engagement cycle plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of the vision one believes to advocate for. It involves objective planning and targeting, recruitment of members and assessment of the plan, devising tools for member engagement that leads to celebration of diversity. SCORA IT has been actively recruiting and engaging members by various initiatives like campaigns, open spaces, observer’s OLM and capacity building opportunities. We believe that the best way to recruit and engage our members is to deliver value to them from day one!

HOW TO TRANSPARENCY Transparency is a set of actions that are taken to make all tasks performed easy to see, access and check or simply “easy to see through”, so the teamwork is visible for other people and they know what the team is working on, in which way and in which timeline. This creates a sense of openness, approachability and accountability. Apart from being open and honest, it’s also about being clear. Many members are not knowledgeable about procedures, abbreviations, names and many more things that happen within IFMSA, so in every shared content we aim to provide all necessary information (at least we attempt), so all opportunities aim to be equally available for all members.

There is no universal definition of transparency but this is how we work on transparency in SCORA? Reports, Transparency Portal and monthly work updates Observers in OLMs Newsletter Call for input Team introduction Posts that address the surge (how to enroll an activity, SRHR activities lists for the pandemic) Check the overview of SCORA tools in this Newsletter.

What’s the reason, importance and benefits of it?

Transparency is a crucial step towards building trust within a team but also with the outside world. It is also a requirement for some grant applications. Therefore, a necessary point for effective work.

It allows people to understand the characteristics of your job so they are less likely to criticize but it also makes it easier for possible successors to prepare, to envision and to plan their strategy. By this, your handover is smoother and you have more applicants to choose from.

It is also empowering and engaging all members. With clear actions, people fully comprehend the vision, mission and goals and are more likely to contribute, display creativity. You get better input if the procedures are cleared. More people can share their opinions, perspectives and solutions if they see through your work. By sharing your actions with them you include them in your evaluation and you show them that you work for them. It is also a tool for motivation to improve as all flaws are more visible - it is easier to be held accountable. We tend to work better to avoid fault-finding.

Inside the team, it strengthens and supports collaboration between teammates as they know each other’s work so they can give more ideas and assess risk from their perspective. There will be also no surprises and uncertainties within the team since all points and procedures are constantly updated and honest. It also supports clear and direct communication on all levels of working so the team is more horizontal rather than hierarchical which builds a better atmosphere. However, transparency is a double-edged sword for team dynamics. You need to balance it so things are not overshared and people feel comfortable - not exposed or vulnerable.

COMING SOON IN SCORA

The General Assembly was shifted to online settings.

ONLINE GA

SCORA Sessions will be held on the 7, 14, 15 and 16th of August and some of them will be open for all members. Days are themed and go as follows: Global Health Essentials for SRHR, SRHR in health emergencies, Adolescents health, SCORA takes it one step forward!

SCORA X-Change is a unilateral exchange focusing on SRHR. The second call for participants will be

SCORA X-CHANGE Deadline: 31st of August

opened on the 10th of August. Available exchanges are: Brazil (2), Iraq, Sudan and Pakistan.

Should you have any questions, contact SCORA General Assistant and follow the SCORA X-Change FB group (click here).

LOVE HAS NO GENDER Article by Roshini Yelisetty from MSAI-India

Esther was a thirteen-year-old pretty girl who was about to enter high school. She was about to end her childhood and step into adolescence. Entering high school had been so tough on Esther.

All her friends and peers would always speak about sex and relationships. No, that wasn’t the tough part. The exhausting part was that she wasn’t experiencing any of these feelings. She would never feel a thing and have no sex drive. This proved to be daunting and eventually pushed her over the edge into depression. She wanted to speak to someone about her issues but she knew that her parents won’t speak about it. The idea of sex was stigmatized in her country similar to a lot of many nations. She went up and spoke about this with one of her friends who started finding this weird and avoided her. As days passed on theschool counsellor found Esther behaving differently. She was separating herself from the crowd and was sitting lonely and depressed for most times. He called her and asked regarding her behavioral changes.

In the beginning, she was hesitant but after a few sessions, she opened up to him and was totally worried. The school counsellor who fortunately had a broad mindset went on and told her that she may be asexual.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation just as homosexuality, bisexuality and heterosexuality. It gave her a sense of relief that she wasn’t the only weird person out there in the world. She said that she couldn’t open up to her parents right then. She needed some time. A few years later when her parents spoke about her wedding, she disclosed that she was asexual. They said that she wasn’t a part of the community and deserved to die. Esther, later on, moved out of her parents’ house and started living by herself. She was better living off without them because she wasn’t acting anymore. She was being herself and most importantly it gave her more confidence.

LGBTQIA+ community is one of the most diverse communities in the world including people from various nations, cultures and traditions who are united to stand up for basic human rights This is just a story which describes the harsh reality out there. There aren’t always supporters out there who are gonna understand them in a broader perspective. They’re just shunned by the society for them being unique. LGBTQIA+ community is one of the most diverse communities in the world including people from various nations, cultures and traditions who are united to stand up for basic human rights just as the two most dominant genders in history: males and females. It includes people of various sexual orientations such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, queers, trans-genders, intersexes, asexuals etc.

Among all these groups the most extremely vulnerable and misunderstood ones are ASEXUALS. Asexuality is a sexual identity in which the individuals have no sexual attraction. It’s more often considered as a disorder rather than a sexual identity. There are different types of asexuals: Aromantic asexuals - Aren’t sexually or romantically attracted.

Homoromantic asexuals - Are romantically attracted to people of same sex.

Heteroromantic asexuals - Are romantically attracted to other genders.

Biromantic asexuals - Are romantically attracted to both genders.

According to current statistics, about only 1% of the population are asexuals but it’s believed that there are still many out there who aren’t willing to accept for who they are.

We often neglect the fact that they are ordinary humans just like us with a different sexual orientation. All they seek is acceptance and treated normally with basic human rights. Gay marriage is legal in only 30 countries and as a matter of fact there are only two from Asia and Africa. Does this mean that people living in and around these nations can’t embrace their true selves?

It’s high time that we accept them into the society because it’s not them who need our love it’s us who need their love. Even after being shunned by the society and thrown out by their families who have been living with them for years and all this hatred, you go to them and they’ll support you and treat you well even if you don’t.

As mentioned in the title love has no gender and it’s meant for all.

References: https://images.app.goo.gl/5N37vfMMYhFAKako9