Host: Jonathan “Jono”
Guests: Anthony Oluoch (Pan Africa ILGA), Jholerina Timbo (Positive Vibes Namibia), Nurdiyansah “Diyan” Dalidjo (Indonesia)
Episode Summary: In the debut episode of The Unseen Podcast, Jono explores the critical theme of care in activist spaces, particularly within LGBTQIA+ movements. Burnout, mental health challenges, and lack of systemic support are persistent issues for activists globally, yet the concept of care—both individual and collective—is often overlooked.
This episode flips the script, inviting listeners to examine care not just as self-indulgence but as a necessary, political, and collective practice. Jono and his guests unpack what care looks like in practice, the systemic barriers to nurturing it, and the creative ways communities can root care in their daily lives.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why care is essential for human rights defenders, with burnout affecting 40% within their first five years in Africa (Frontline Defenders Report, 2022).
The difference between individual self-care and collective/community care, and why both are crucial.
How patriarchal and capitalist systems impact the way care is perceived and practiced.
The importance of decolonizing care, challenging norms, and reclaiming relational, collective practices.
Practical strategies for embedding care: setting boundaries, checking in meaningfully, implementing organizational SOPs, and prioritizing mental health.
How activists can advocate for donor support that includes care and well-being in funding structures.
Key Quotes:
“You cannot pour out of an empty cup. Recognize your limits and prioritize your care.” — Anthony Oluoch
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgent. It’s self-preservation and an act of political warfare.” — Jonathan
“Collective care is essential. Ubuntu—it’s about how we care for each other as a community.” — Anthony Oluoch
“Care work has been historically undervalued, often relegated to women or marginalized groups. We need to shift that perception.” — Diyan
Resources & Links:
Frontline Defenders Report 2022
Call to Action: Reflect on care in your own life—both personal and collective. How can you practice care for yourself and for your communities? Share your thoughts on social media using #TheUnseenPodcast.