Unprecedented call to action by “Women for Women International” to unite globally and build bridges for peace, development and opportunity
To honor the resilience of millions of women survivors of war around the world, Women for Women International is hosting a global campaign called, “Join Me on the Bridge.” This unprecedented call to action, on the 99th anniversary of International Women’s Day, March 8th 2010, will highlight the fact the women are 70% of the world’s poor; 75% of the civilians killed in war [along with their children], and earn only 10% of the world income, despite doing 66% of the world’s work. It’s the first time women have led a global movement of this magnitude and geographical scope.
Nowhere is the plight of women’s struggles more evident than in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the site of over 5 million deaths and hundreds of thousands of rapes. The conflict is the worst wince World War II, yet the atrocities continue every day. On March 8th, thousands of women will stand together in Congo and neighboring Rwanda to demand peace, and development. Anastasie Mkwigomba, a participant from the DRC says, “I like Women’s Day, because it’s the day the women get their right to express themselves, to work, and to lead men.” Supporting Anastasie, and others in their calls for war’s end will be thousands of women from the United States, United Kingdom, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sudan and Mexico. Their unified voices will be saying “no” to war and “yes” to peace and hope.
In addition to the women who will be uniting on the border between Rwanda and Congo, major “Join Me on the Bridge” events are planned on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, and in London on the Millennium Bridge. Major politicians, fashion icons, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, media entities and celebrities are also lending their support to this global call to action. They include Oscar winning actress Vanessa Redgrave, and the first female President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
Events around the world will be captured by media, film and photography and available on the campaign website: www.womenforwomen.org/bridge.
Background on Women for Women International Since 1993, Women for Women International [WfWI] have empowered more than 250,000 women survivors of war. Thanks to the commitment of women and men in more than 70 countries, WfWI has provided economic assistance, vocational skills training, rights awareness education, emotional support, jobs and business skills training. Described by Time Magazine as being “a life-line for women in war torn countries,” in January 2010, the work of Women for Women International was acknowledged by President Bill Clinton as one of the highlights of his Presidency.
For further information please contact Nicolla Hewitt Communications
Source: Women for Women International
