April 6, 2006

Ask Amnesty: AIUSA Youth Ambassador Q’Orianka Kilcher

Join us on Thursday, April 6, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time for an online discussion with Q’Orianka Kilcher about the Treaty for the Rights of Women and student activism as part of Amnesty International USA's National Week of Student Action. Q’Orianka—who stars in the film, The New World, directed by Terrence Malick and co-starring Colin Farrell—was recently named a Youth Ambassador for Amnesty International USA.

Featured Guest: Q’Orianka Kilcher

From our featured guest: "Social change is needed urgently and I hope that through my art I can empower my voice to bring awareness to such issues. I look forward to hearing your questions and speaking with you."

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Question Submitted by Kenya:

How and when did you start out with Amnesty International?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

I went to an Amnesty International Film Festival and I was really inspired. I wanted to find out how I could be involved so I went the website. There I saw Artists for Amnesty and asked to participate.
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Question Submitted by Mallory:

Hi Q’Orianka, I was wondering how you became interested in human rights work and what your ultimate goal for the world is. Thanks so much!

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Having success in your career is not the most important thing life. Being a successful, compassionate, courageous, and responsible person is. The future depends on the young generation, and the initiatives we take shape our identities. Being that I am from the Quechua/Huachipaeri tribes of Peru, human rights abuse is something my people have been facing for a long time. Wanting to help make change is what originally inspired me to use my voice as a singer and actor. It has been the driving force for me to achieve fame.
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Question Submitted by James:

What kinds of things do you to have fun? Do you have any hobbies besides acting?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

I go kite-surfing, camping, sailing, and boogie boarding. I write songs and poetry, and do wushu kung fu. My mom and I design clothes for quality time together. I think it's good to be creative and not just a consumer. It try not to get clothes made in sweatshops, and if I make my own clothes, I know who did the labor!
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Question Submitted by Aaliyah:

Why have you decided to advocate and raise awareness about human rights (especially women)? What do you think are the best supports and services that address the needs of human rights?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

The young generation must demand change for human rights, social justice and the environment. Change is desperately needed. Being a young girl, women's rights are important to me because women's rights are basic human rights.
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Question Submitted by Justin:

Do you intend to use your fame as an actress as a way to spread your message as an activist or will you keep your role as an activist separate and shared only within your network of fellow activists?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

I think that with the power of celebrity comes the responsibility to do something positive. I like to think that my fame is a vehicle to do important and positive things. Being famous is not enough for my good self-esteem. Being famous doesn't mean anything if you don't do anything positive at the human level.
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Question Submitted by Alex:

What experience in your life do you think has, so far, shaped the way you view the issue of human rights?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Seeing how my people get treated in Peru. Even though we are the majority, we are treated as second class citizens. That is why I want to find way to use my voice to bring awareness to human rights issues.
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Question Submitted by Jana:

What are your issues with human rights?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

All human rights are important. Indigenous rights are the closest to home to me, closest to my heart. And women's rights of course. There are so many things to work on.
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Question Submitted by Anna:

At what point in your life did your activism start? Were you a student? Were you encouraged by your teachers/school? As a teacher, how can I inspire my students to stand up against injustice?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Since I was very little my mom raised me to think on my own and always speak out against injustice. I always found human rights and environmental activism very inspiring. It was a great way for me to find my identity and gave me a great sense of purpose. Today's youth are responsible for the future development of our planet. Therefore we need young people with strong identities to shape the future. I truly believe that putting one's own initiative into practice. How to take the steps from thinking to acting should be taught in the classroom.
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Question Submitted by Gloria:

So many large women's movements in the United States today are primarily (though not entirely) based in middle/upper class white society (e.g.:ecofeminism). How can we change this so that poor women and colored women are heard more? How can we bridge this gap between feminist theory and inclusive praxis?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

It all starts with educating yourself and others around you. By urging the U.S. to ratify the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW) we can begin to ensure equality for women of all classes and races.
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Question Submitted by Maddy:

Many people believe that it is naive to think that music and films and art can change the world. I personally believe that this is nonsense, but as an artist how strongly do you feel about the potential for art in any form to make people more aware of social justice?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

With the power of today's media, music and film have a such a far reach and strong influence on the younger generation. If this power is used widely and responsibly, we can use film and music to reach millions of people with a positive message.
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Question Submitted by amanda ocha:

how did you get started with showbusiness?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

It was a long and hard road. I've been acting over a decade. When I was 5 I started taking acting and singing classes. I've kept pushing forward and following my dream was to rebel against failure. Lots of people expected to fail or not to make it. I wanted to keep my dream alive.
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Question Submitted by Anabela:

I am a portuguese feminist and I want to do something to fight against Violence of what women are victims. In last years, I realized that principles as Equality and Justice don’t exist in our societies. I would like to change this miserable situation. What can I do? How can I help million of women that suffer every day? I can't accept the permanent violation of the Human's Rights!!

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

There are a couple of great websites you can visit in pursuit of this initiative:
The Treaty for the Rights of Women site
The Universal Declaration for Human Rights
And of course Amnesty International, which got its start because of Portugal.

Taking initiative can start within your community. It's important to connect yourself with the people and organizations working towards the same goals.
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Question Submitted by ayaz muhammad:

i,m from pakistan and working for the socialization of women society whos still unaware about education. so my question is that! how can i socialize and empower the women in pakistan and what will your voice,to bring awarness and empowerment about the pakistani women? thanks ayaz muahmmad(social worker)from Pakistan

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

I think it all has to start by getting people educated about the problem so women don't feel isolated. Violence against women is a universal problem. And we have to empower ourselves by understanding that there are millions of women who suffer similar ordeals. We must bind together and demand change. For example, after Pakistan ratified the Treaty for the Rights of Women, coeducation was introduced in primary schools. This caused sharp increases in female enrollment, especially in rural areas. This is a step in the right direction!
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Question Submitted by henriette:

what motivated you to do this and how can anyone make a difference in a world full of hate?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

With Amnesty's work it helps so much to see that letters you can send to the government make a difference. It's hard for the government to ignore millions of people.

This world is not full of hate. And it's so great to meet so many people who want to make this world a better place.
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Question Submitted by Susana:

Hi, thanks so much for doing this chat. Why do you feel it's important for youth activists to support US ratification of the Treaty for the Rights of Women?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

The Treaty for the Rights of Women affects us all. The United States should lead by example. The U.S. is the only industrial nation in the world that hasn't ratified this treaty yet. We have to urge our leaders to ratify the Treaty now. Not ratifying this treaty gives the U.S. a weak diplomatic standpoint to demand or support other countries in providing basic human rights for women.

The U.S. should show leadership in the battle against the discrimination of women.
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Question Submitted by Emily:

Why is it important for the U.S. to ratify the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW)? How can I help?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Get involved with the National Week of Student Action and join an Amnesty group!
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Question Submitted by Nicole:

Why is it important for students to support CEDAW if they can't even vote yet?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Basic human rights affect women and girls equally, and being deprived those rights it's a universal problem. It's all of our responsiblity, young or old. But it's important for our young generation to demand change--you don't have to be a voter to do that! There are plenty of petitions you can sign to make your voice heard.
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Question Submitted by Karen:

Hi Q'orianka - Really liked you in The New World, hope we see you soon in more films. As an artist/celebrity, why do you feel it's important you lend your voice to the Treaty for the Rights of Women and other human rights issues?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

We should be leaders taking initiative for a better world for today and tomorrow. Working to bridge gaps between people through our examples of tolerance, compassion, mutual respect and understanding. Basic human rights is all women want.
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Question Submitted by paulina:

yeah i was wondering if i could ask you some questions for my research paper that im doing on women's rights and one of them is "what ARE women's rights... and how do they earn or get those rigth's"

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

There are so many issues involved with women's rights. You will find lots of useful information on the Women's Treaty site and the Amnesty's Women's Program page.
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Question Submitted by amanda:

hi q'orianka, i was very glad to hear you are working with amnesty on human rights issues. i'm writing you towards the end of the chat -- i'm just wondering what you might have as a closing thought for us, as a number of us on this chat are amnesty activists actively engaged in work on human rights and the treaty for the rights of women. with appreciation, amanda

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Keep up the good work! Be the local heroes in your community. There is power in numbers so keep connected with Amnesty International and other organizations. Every person counts! Every choice we make, and every little step we take makes a difference. We're all a unique part of the puzzle of life.
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Question Submitted by Armando:

Dear Q'orianka, I really enjoyed the film New World - best wishes for your acting and activist career. I have a question: what can men do to support the Treaty for the Rights of Women? sincerely, Armando

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Well, men have just as strong of a voice as women! In countries where men have more power than women it's important for them to use that power to help advocate for change. It's so great that there are men out there who want to make women's lives better. Men in the U.S. can write letters to their Senators to urge ratification for the Treaty for the Rights of Women. Women's rights are important because it will affect their daughters, sisters, mothers, cousins, and friends someday.
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Question Submitted by Keola:

Hi Q'Orianka! What can we do to help and support the Native Americans in the USA, and make the situation in the reservations better?

Q’Orianka Kilcher answers:

Domestic abuse and physical assault occur at a much higher rate to Native American and Alaskan women. More than one in three American Indian and Alaskan native women will be raped in their lifetimes, and six of ten will be physically assaulted. It is important that we recognize the specific needs of these women. The Treaty for the Rights of Women confirms that gender-based violence violates women's fundamental human rights. If ratified as US law, the Treaty could be used to promote additional measures to prevent violence against Native American Women.
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