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Human Rights as a Mission
I soon discovered that all the projects I initiate and coordinate out of passion are related to human rights; whether it’s racial equality, gender, religion, sexual orientation or children’s rights.
Below is a selection of Topics on Human Rights.
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More Women in Decision Making
Regionale Samenwerking Genderbeleid
Upon her remigration to Suriname in 1996, the STAS Caribe Foundation was appointed by the respective governments of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean as regional coordinator for Gender Policy. Three major regional conferences, which were to result in national implementations of gender policies, were held in:
1. Aruba, Gender Awareness and the Media, 1996
2. Bonaire, Gender and Politics/ Gender and Women’s Art, 1997
3. Suriname, Gender and the Importance of Women’s Education, 1999
In addition, she is co-founder of Women’s Rights Center (www.wrcsuriname.org).
In addition to regional meetings and actions, within the Regional Gender Policy Cooperation, governments worked at the national level to implement national gender policies. In Suriname and Aruba, for example, the National Bureau for Gender Policy and the Bureau for Women’s Affairs were set up.
As interim manager of the National Bureau Gender Policy, a range of projects were coordinated and implemented by the regional coordinator.
On March 8, 2000, the first national conference Women in Decision Making was organized in Suriname. Besides a pre-organized training on gender policy to the media, members of parlement were trained on legislation specific to gender policy and children’s rights. On March 8, actions were worked out within various working groups by Government and non-governmental women’s organizations, including in the areas of: Violence Against Women, Education, Health Care and Women in Decision Making. In 2001, within the National Gender Action Plan 2000-2005, the agenda of the National Office for Gender Policy was completed to implement a supported gender policy.
Gender and the Media
An Organization of American States-funded regional project with Belize and Trinidad, resulted in a major regional conference to expose gender inequality within the media. Both within the content of programs as well as at the management level within the aforementioned countries.
National Awareness Campaign: OOK ZIJ
Ahead of the national Free and Secret Elections on May 25, 2015, a start was made on May 24, 2014 when Stas International launched a national awareness campaign aimed at getting more women into leadership positions in parlement and other senior positions in Suriname.
Based on the world quota of at least 30%, the goal was to have at least 30% women:
- placed on the lists of political parties that participated
- included as part of The National Assembly in line with the world quota of 30%
- appointed to supervisory boards
- appointed to the boards of semi-governmental institutions and other bodies
- appointed to the judiciary
- appointed to the Council of Ministers
- appointed to boards in the private sector
to the boards of trade unions
STAS International initiated, coordinated and implemented the entire project. In addition to the captivating visual appeal, the payoff OOK ZIJ transformed into its own brand that became known in all layers of society. The communication strategy included a series of different activities, including visits to chairmen of political parties, huge billboards in all districts, 6 live TV OOK ZIJ debates with politicians and the private sector, supporting media activities and a major online campaign to present the female candidates of all parties. With the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the main donor of the OOK ZIJ campaign and the support of the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) as the main donor of the National Assembly’s “More Women in Decision Making” project, a successful partnership was developed between STAS International and the National Assembly. The OOK ZIJ campaign became a prestigious branding campaign for more Women’s Leadership in Suriname and the results were hugely successful: a total of 180 women on the lists of political parties and after the elections women’s participation in The National Assembly increased from 2% to 29.8% and in other bodies women’s representation increased to an average of 25%.
The conclusion of the OOK ZIJ campaign included a presentation of the success in The National Assembly and a film produced by STAS International entitled “Because they were there…” in which Surinamese women advocates were immortalized with justification.
Balans in 2020
In light of the tremendous success of the OOK ZIJ campaign, STAS International was approached by the Government of Suriname to initiate, coordinate and implement a similar project. With the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) as the main donor to the Surinamese government, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands selected STAS International to lead this project. For this project, the idea was to get not only women, but also young people in Suriname and especially first-time voters on the political agenda for branding activities in the period leading up to May 25, 2020, the day of national Free and Secret Elections in Suriname. STAS International initiated, coordinated and implemented the “Balans in 2020” national awareness campaign. Working with UNDP as a co-donor, the communication strategy was expanded to include a Youth Debate, as well as 6 Live TV debates between political parties, and billboards. “Balans in 2020” can also be labeled as ‘hugely successful,’ in achieving 30% of youth, women in the National Assembly, Council of Ministers, State Council and other bodies. The fact that after this campaign, political leaders mentioned “gender equality” in the same breath as Article 1 in the Constitution, namely “regardless of difference in religion, race and ethnicity,” indicates that “more female leadership” is considered the norm. “Balans in 2020” has set the tone!
Excellence - Women First...
On June 14, 2024, the campaign towards the General Free and Secret Elections 2025 “Excellence – Women First” was launched.
The campaign aims to raise awareness leading up to the elections that should result in the advancement of more women in all high institutions of State, as well as encourage and promote rejuvenation in politics.
Click here to visit the official campaign website “www.excellencewomenfirst.sr”.
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Children's Rights
Karin Refos joined the Mediaboard for Children’s Rights initiated by Robert Wijdenbosch to be able to address a number of children’s rights issues and launch campaigns for national awareness under its auspices. (Read: De verantwoordelijkheid van mediahuizen bij het uitzenden van programma’s)
Children's Rights Bureau
With the then Minister of Social Affairs, the Children’s Rights Bureau was simultaneously evaluated for repositioning in 2004. The next step was to focus on the implementation of several rights from the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Suriname.
In order to raise awareness about Child Abuse, a large national awareness campaign was launched with funding from UNICEF: AGAINST Violence Against Children.
The 1-2-3 Child Helpline was initiated from the Directorate of Youth Affairs. The “Children Visibly Safe” campaign, coordinated and implemented by STAS, resulted in, among other things, the child-safe conscious design of buildings where children frequent, for example, the installation of glass doors (at the National Music School of the People. (read:Surinaamse kinderen moeten zichtbaar veilig worden)
The “Be a Hero and Report” campaign was launched at a later stage by the children’s helpline; produced by STAS International.
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Youth Policy
Supporting Youth Policy
An evaluation of a malfunctioning National Youth Council resulted in the national organization and establishment of the Youth Parliament, with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank. Together with then Director of Youth Affairs, Richenel Trustfull, a whole new impulse was given to youth policy, which had to create participation on every level within the Surinamese community.
With a successful interpretation and implementation of the Youth Parliament, young people in the Youth Parliament in each district should be able to pass on the needs and priorities of young people from the respective districts for translation within the national Youth Policy.
The Youth Policy was also subsequently further formulated and implemented on behalf of the Directorate of Youth Affairs.
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Nationale Volksmuziekschool
In 2004 werd door de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten gestart met het initatief voor de Opzet en het “uit de as herrijzen” van de Volksmuziekschool aan de Henck Aronstraat, op het terrein van het Cultureel Centrum Suriname, CCS. In overeenstemming met het CCS bestuur werd met fondsen van de Inter American Development Bank aan de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten het terrein opgeschoond, de oude Balletzaal gerestaureerd en de bouw gestart. Daarnaast zijn vele materialen gedoneerd, zoals meubilair.
Tante Es voor VMS
Jorgen Raymen, met zijn Poor Infant Equality Trustfond (PIET Fonds), waar Karin Refos in het bestuur zat, werd mede-initiatiefnemer van de school en reisde naar Suriname af voor een grootse benefit show “Tante Es voor VMS”. Door tussenkomst van Jorgen werden een 8-tal splinternieuwe piano’s in Nederland aan het PIET Fonds gedoneerd, voor gebruik in de nieuwe school. Dit, naast de enorme opbrengst uit de show.
Obstakels bij de Bouw
Door perikelen met een voor de Media Board onbekend “CCS nieuw bestuur”, die over de door de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten opgehaalde fondsen meende te moeten beschikken, werd de bouw gestaakt. Een door dit “nieuw CCS bestuur” aangespannen rechtzaak, besliste dat Karin Refos in het gelijk werd gesteld (zie: Krantenartikel DWT 23-Juni-2005). De verdere afbouw heeft nimmer voortgang gehad.
Een Nieuw Hoofdstuk
Notarieel werd de naam gewijzigd in Nationale Volksmuziekschool.
(bekijk: Fuckup Nights Paramaribo – Karin Refos over NVMS – December 2021)
(bekijk: Ontstaansgeschiedenis van de Nationale Volksmuziekschool)
Through the mediation of the Roman Catholic Diocese, specifically Bishop Wilhelmus de Becker, the National Music School of the People was housed within a former pastoral building designated by the Roman Catholic Church, across from the Cathedral Basilica.
After a thorough renovation, financed by funds raised by the Mediaboard for Children’s Rights, the National Music School of the People opened in grand fashion on March 6, 2006. Many Surinamese artists such as Erwin de Vries (Painter), Henk Tjon (Director), Henna Brunings (Art Director) as well as other notables and Surinamese who had a warm heart for the school donated their Art to this Institute. The first director was Herman Snijders.
5 years National Music School of the People
On the 5th anniversary in 2011, a large classical concert was held in the Cathedral Basilica by a dozen talented students of the National Music School of the People under the coordination of then Artistic Director.
Bij het 5-jarig bestaan in 2011 werd een groot klassiek concert gehouden in de Kathedrale Baseliek van een tiental talentvolle leerlingen van de Nationale Volksmuziekschool onder coördinatie van toenmalig Artistiek Directeur.
Da Lobi Fu Wi Kondre A tribute to a man of merit Nicodemus Johannes Helstone
On Tuesday, 13 apri 2013, at the initiative of the Ilse Boon Fund Foundation, a musical program was performed by the National Music School of the People. This special evening included the life and works of Nicodemus Johannes Helstone (Berg en Dal, January 11, 1853 – Paramaribo, April 24, 1927).
Made a slave, he freed himself through his talents given to him by the Almighty. At a young age he was discovered by a Dutch couple who gave harmonium and theory lessons. Stimulated, he was further educated in Leipzig (Germany), and passed Cum Laude at the conservatory in 1894 for the final examinations in Music Theory and Composition, Counterpoint and Fugue, Clavier Play, Organ Play, History and Aesthetics of Music and Singing.
Some of his choral songs for soprano, alto, tenor and bass: “Welcome,” “We Are Faithful,” “No More Slaves,” and “Triumph,” were performed on this special evening, combined with a short theatrical representation of his life. He became more famous with his work : “Het Pand Der Goden”(opera), which may also be considered a musical highlight of his even.
On the Kerkpein in Paramaribo in 1948, on the 95th anniversary of his birth, the monument “Musicus Hestone” was unveiled.
10 years National Music School of the People
On its 10th anniversary in 2016, the National Music School of the People performed the Musical “Land for Sale,” a classic by Henk Tjon and Thea Doelwijt, with music by Harto Soemodihardjo and Water Muringen. It was directed by Ivan Tai A Pin. The music and stagecraft of this “Rock Version,” arranged in 2016, was performed by young Surinamese musicians and actors.
After the 10th anniversary, Karin Refos stepped down as President of the National Music School of the People. The National Music School of the People is still a household name in the Surinamese Society. The National Music School of the People, a Music School for the People. (www.volksmuziekschool.com).
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Nationale Volksmuziekschool
In 2004 werd door de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten gestart met het initatief voor de Opzet en het “uit de as herrijzen” van de Volksmuziekschool aan de Henck Aronstraat, op het terrein van het Cultureel Centrum Suriname, CCS. In overeenstemming met het CCS bestuur werd met fondsen van de Inter American Development Bank aan de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten het terrein opgeschoond, de oude Balletzaal gerestaureerd en de bouw gestart. Daarnaast zijn vele materialen gedoneerd, zoals meubilair.
Jorgen Raymen, met zijn Poor Infant Equality Trustfond (PIET Fonds), waar Karin Refos in het bestuur zat, werd mede-initiatiefnemer van de school en reisde naar Suriname af voor een grootse benefit show “Tante Es voor VMS”. Door tussenkomst van Jorgen werden een 8-tal splinternieuwe piano’s in Nederland aan het PIET Fonds gedoneerd, voor gebruik in de nieuwe school. Dit, naast de enorme opbrengst uit de show.
Door perikelen met een voor de Media Board onbekend “CCS nieuw bestuur”, die over de door de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten opgehaalde fondsen meende te moeten beschikken, werd de bouw gestaakt. Een door dit “nieuw CCS bestuur” aangespannen rechtzaak, besliste dat Karin Refos in het gelijk werd gesteld. De verdere afbouw heeft nimmer voortgang gehad.
Notarieel werd de naam gewijzigd in Nationale Volksmuziekschool.
Een Nieuw Huis
Door bemiddeling van het Rooms Katholiek Bisdom, met name Bischop de Becker, werd de Nationale Volksmuziekschool gehuisvest binnen een door de Rooms Katholieke aangewezen oud-pastoraal gebouw, tegenover de Kathedrale Baseliek. Na een grondige renovatie, gefinancierd door de opgehaalde fondsen van de Mediaboard voor Kinderrechten, werd op 6 maart 2006 de Nationale Volksmuziekschool op grootse wijze geopend. Vele Surinaamse kunstenaars zoals Erwin de Vries(Schilder), Henk Tjon(Apintie), Henna Brunings(logo) alsook andere notabelen en Surinamers die de school een warm hart toedroegen, doneerden hun Kunst aan dit Instituut. De eerste directeur was Herman Snijders tot 2011 (bekijk: Opening Nationale Volksmuziekschool ).
Bij haar 5-jarig bestaan in 2011 werd een groot klassiek concert gehouden in de Kathedrale Baseliek van een tiental talentvolle leerlingen van de Nationale Volksmuziekschoolonder coördinatie van toenmalig Algemeen Directeur Waldemar….….??…FOTO plus .((link youtube5 jaar).
Bij het tienjarig bestaan in 2016 bracht de Nationale Volksmuziekschool de Musical “Land te Koop”, een klassieker van Henk Tjon en Thea Doelwijt, met muziek van Harto Soemodihardjo en Water Muringen. De regie was in handen van Ivan Tai A Pin.
De muziek en theaterspel van deze in 2016 gearrangeerde “Rock Version” werd vertolkt door jonge Surinaamse musici en acteurs.(film apintie)
Na het 10 jarig bestaan nam Karin Refos afscheid als Voorzitter van de Nationale Volksmuziekschool. De Nationale Volksmuziekschool is nog steeds een begrip in de Surinaamse Samenleving. De Nationale Volksmuziekschool, een Muziekschool voor het Volk. (www.volksmuziekschool.com).
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Pink Ribbon Suriname
In June 2010, Karin Refos was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since radiation treatment was not possible in Suriname, she spent 3 months in Curacao. Further treatment took place in Suriname. In 2011, she started preparations for the Pink Ribbon Campaign to break the taboo surrounding breast cancer. The Pink Ribbon Suriname Foundation was launched on March 8, 2012.
Subsequently, the Pink Ribbon Shop was opened.
Until 2014, she went with the foundation and other board members to almost all districts for the breaking of the taboo, awareness on breast cancer and early treatment.
In 2016, a grand Pink Carpet Event was organized in Suriname, with Jandino Asporaat. Following this, she stepped down as president that year and handed over her duties to young women who are passionately running the foundation. She remains an “advocate” for early treatment and support in many media and at events. The Pink Ribbon Suriname Foundation is a household name in Suriname, has proven its right to exist and is guiding many young women to take on the enormous challenge of cure. (www.pinkribbonsuriname.com)
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Couleur Internationale
Image Building and Style Counseling
After completing her training in make-up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Dick Peeters, one of the greatest make-up artists, experienced in the (professional) make-up of non-white skin, Karin Refos worked as a make-up artist for several Dutch TV productions. Then, in the late eighties, she opened the first “black” Make-Up Institute in Amsterdam at the Rijnstraat.
After emigrating to Aruba in 1992, under the name COULEUR INTERNATIONALE, she started a collaboration with MAGGY’S, the largest perfume and make-up house in Orange City. The cooperation resulted in “MAGGY’S COULEUR INTERNATIONALE”, a Make-Up and Vision Institute, which operated successfully for years. Upon remigration to Suriname in 1996, the institute was transferred to young Aruban make-up artists, trained by Karin Refos.
Protocol and Etiquette
In cooperation with and under the leadership of Ambassador Rose-Anne Franklin, former Chef de Protocol of various Presidential Cabinets in Suriname, from 2019 the Training Protocol and Etiquette is provided for business, institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations.
The sessions are already fully booked at an early stage after announcement, showing that the enormous importance of Protocol and Etiquette for professionalization of both the “corporate branch” and all relevant institutions within the Government can no longer be ignored.
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Mensenrechten als Missie
Ik kwam er al gauw achter dat alle projecten die ik initieer en coördineer uit passie in relatie staan tot mensenrechten, als het nou gaat om de gelijkheid van ras, gender, religie, seksuele geaardheid of kinderrechten.
Mensenrechten als Missie
Ik kwam er al gauw achter dat alle projecten die ik initieer en coördineer uit passie in relatie staan tot mensenrechten, als het nou gaat om de gelijkheid van ras, gender, religie, seksuele geaardheid of kinderrechten.
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Gallery
Fotomateriaal voor gebruik door de media.