Archive for the "Press Releases" Category
Amnesty International Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Michelle Linder at 212/633-4268
Sheila Dauer at 212/633-4251
(New York) – Iraqi authorities must take effective measures to protect women and change discriminatory legislation that encourages violence against women, Amnesty International said today in a new report, Iraq: Decades of Suffering. The report focuses on the disproportionate effect of government repression and armed conflict on women and girls in Iraq, documenting how women in Iraq have been targets of violence because of gender discrimination in society and the lawlessness that followed the U.S.-led invasion, which has resulted in the restriction of their freedom of movement. This report is part of Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women campaign.
“Iraqi authorities must introduce concrete measures to protect women,”said Abdel Salam Sidahmed, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Amnesty International. “They must send a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated. This can be done by investigating all allegations of abuse against women and by bringingthose responsible to justice, no matter what their affiliation.”
According to the report, members of the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq allegedly have received threats related to their advocacy for women’s rights. Chairperson Yanar Mohammed reported that in January and February 2004 she received several death threats by e-mail from an Islamist group known as the Army of Sahaba. She asked US officials for protection, but reportedly was told they had more urgent matters to address.
The current lack of security has restricted severely the participation of women in civil society, particularly in education, employment and political decision-making and constitutes a major obstacle to the advancement of their rights. Since the 2003 war, armed groups have targeted and killed several female political leaders and women’s rights activists.
The report also demonstrates how gender discrimination in Iraqi laws contributes to the persistence of violence against women. Women remain at risk of death or injury from male relatives if they are accused of behavior determined to have brought dishonor on the family.
“Iraqi authorities must review discriminatory legislation against women and bring it into line with international human rights standards. Mostimportantly, they must ensure that the new constitution and all Iraqi legislation contain prohibitions to redress all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence against women,” said Abdel Salam Sidahmed.
Amnesty International has repeatedly called on armed groups to immediately end the violence against women, including harassment, death threats, violent attacks, kidnapping and killing. Amnesty International equally calls on the U.S.-led multinational forces to investigate promptly all allegations of violence against women, including sexual attacks by their forces or other agents and improve safeguards for women in detention.
“Women must be at the heart of the political decision-making process in Iraq, particularly when dealing with issues directly pertaining to women,” concluded Sheila Dauer, Director of Amnesty International USA’s Women’s Human Rights Program. “Women should be represented at all levels to protect women’s interests. Women in the next government must take the lead in ensuring that Iraqi legislation is in line with international standards that protect women against violence and discrimination.” To read the report, click here:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=9E865CC4FD535B2880256F73005E4047
http://www.feministmajority.org/news/newsbyte/uswirestory.asp?id=8914
The United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) first ever Afghanistan Human Development Report found that while the country has made progress since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Afghanistan could easily fall back into chaos. According to the UNDP, the basic human needs of the Afghan people, including access to jobs, health, education, dignity, income, and opportunities for participation must be met or else the country will once again collapse into an “insecure state, a threat to its own people as well as to the international community.”
According to the UNDP, “years of discrimination and poverty have relegated Afghan women to some of the worst social indicators in the world,” citing poverty, violence, inadequate health care, exclusion from public life, rape, illiteracy and forced marriage. The Gender Development Index places Afghanistan above only two countries: Niger and Burkina Faso.
The report also found that reconstruction projects sponsored by the US military, known as Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), are inadequate and dangerous, citing that they blur the lines between civilians and soldiers, making aid workers targets for militants, reports the Associated Press . Afghanistan ranked 173 out of 178 countries in the United Nations 2004 Human Development Index. The average life expectancy for Afghans is only 44.5 years, 20 years lower than the life expectancy for people in neighboring countries.
In addition, recent reports from on the ground reflect that Afghanistan’s severe winter has claimed the lives of hundreds of people in villages in the country. The snow and lack of roads makes many areas inaccessible to assistance. Even in Kabul, where there is little electricity to provide heat and there is much homelessness, people are dying from the cold and from starvation.
To read the UNDP press release and report, click here
http://www.undp.org/dpa/pressrelease/releases/2005/february/pr21feb05.html
SEVEN YEARS SINCE V-DAY MOVEMENT LAUNCHED ON VALENTINE’S DAY, OVER 2500 BENEFITS OF “THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES” TO TAKE PLACE, THE MOST IN THE MOVEMENT’S HISTORY
Thousands of community-based V-Day benefit events of The Vagina Monologues to take place February – March 2005 in the U.S. (all 50 states) and around the world
Seven years since the first V-Day benefit launched a global movement to end violence against women and girls, over 2500 V-Day benefits of “The Vagina Monologues” are taking place in 1116 colleges and communities (719 college events and nearly 400 community events) around the world, the most in the movement’s seven year history. Between February – March 2005, V-Day benefits of playwright/founder Eve Ensler’s play “The Vagina Monologues” are taking place in locations including Australia, Belgium, El Salvador (in a women’s prison), Costa Rica, Jamaica, Nigeria, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia and all 50 states in the United States.
From One NYC Benefit on Valentine’s Day 1998 To 2500 Worldwide Benefits in 2005
V-Day emerged from one benefit on Valentine’s Day 1998 to over 2500 benefits worldwide in 2005. The very first V-Day benefit, held on February 14, 1998l, was a star studded production of Ensler’s hit play “The Vagina Monlogues” and featured actresses Marisa Tomei, Mary Alice, Glenn Close, Lily Tomlin, Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Rosie Perez and more. The event raised funds for local anti-violence groups and birthed the movement. Founding V-Day, Ensler enabled local activists to produce benefit of “The Vagina Monologues,” granting them the rights to play if it raised awareness of the issue and the proceeds benefited local charities working to end violence against women. The following year (1999), over 70 V-Day benefits of Ensler’s play took place in the US and London. In 2000, over 160 events took place. In 2001, over 250 events occurred including the V-Day at NYC’s Madison Square Garden featuring over 70 actresses including Oprah. In 2002, over 800 events took the movement grassroots and global. In 2003, over 1000 events occurred. In 2004, over 2300 V-Day benefit events were presented by volunteer activists around the world, educating millions of people about the issue of violence against women and girls, raising $6 million and benefiting over 1000 organizations.
V-Day 2005
The 2005 theme: Vagina Warriors Lead The Way will resonate throughout the movement’s campaigns, grassroots events, first book, DVD release, and overall communications. V-Day Founder/Artistic Director and Playwright “The Vagina Monologues” Eve Ensler will visit a selection of colleges and communities who are staging V-Day 2005 benefits of her play “The Vagina Monologues.” Eve will also appear at book signings for V-Day’s first book Vagina Warriors in some cities.
V-Day organizers around the globe will highlight and raise funds for the 2005 Spotlight campaign entitled, Women of Iraq: Under Siege. Monies raised will benefit groups on the ground in Iraq including the Organization for Women’s Freedom In Iraq who are building safe houses for women to protect them from honor killings and lack of security. Many V-Day organizers are selling the movement’s first book Vagina Warriors (Bulfinch Press) and first DVD “Until The Violence Stops” (Netflix/Docurama) at their events. Overall, our local organizers are getting the word out on their events so effectively that in January alone local, national and web media articles about V-Day reached 4.9 million readers.
Each year the V-Day movement expands as new cities and communities stage benefits, raising awareness and funds for critical anti-violence shelters, programs and groups.
To schedule interviews with Eve Ensler or a V-Day spokesperson, contact Susan Celia Swan, (212) 253-1823.
Dear V-Day Organizers,
Thank you so much for sharing your stories and V-Day experiences with LUNA. We commend all of you and the amazing work that is taking place across the country and overseas. I can’t tell you how much we respect and honor your commitment to end violence against women and young girls. We share the dream of one day living in a world without abuse and violence towards women.
After reading all of your stories and envisioning each of your amazing events, I had the difficult task of choosing only 5 V-Day productions for a LUNA award. This was not an easy task by any means, and I wish I had more resources to share with all of you. You each deserve to be recognized and applauded for your hard work, creativity and commitment to V-Day and your communities.
The winners of the $1,000 cash donation are (in no specific order)…
V-Day Chicago South-West
C.C. Carter, Artistic Director
V-Day Chicago South-West has shed light on a timely issue concerning women in war, and brought it to the forefront of their production by giving “homage to the women who are so often overlooked in media sound bites and on national coverage of war – yet make up 12% of the military, 25% of the police force and 6% of firefighters. These women who endure consistent sexual harassment and discrimination serving our country and yet rarely if ever get the recognition they deserve.” I commend V-Day Chicago South-West for bringing a new face to their V-Day production and saluting the WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINES! The dedication to supporting and acknowledging the thousands of women who are underrepresented is truly unique and admirable.
V-Day “New York 3”
Debbie DeLisi, Campaign Organizer
V-Day 2005 “New York 3,” has creatively incorporated a V-Carnival Program in conjunction with their performance this year. Some events included in the V-Carnival are: “THESE HANDS” Creation Station, where people can trace their hand and decorate their ‘creation’ and then hang it on the “These Hands Don’t Hurt Women, Men or Kids” Proclamation Wall; ART FAIRE/V-RAFFLE, this year in addition to artwork honoring women, they are including a compilation CD entitled “Victory” featuring local artists; RESOURCE ZONE, including brochures and literature from local crisis centers, domestic violence prevention groups, counseling resources, etc.; “24 HOURS-OF-ART”/ARTIST JAM Pre-Fundraiser, featuring poets, singers, bands, etc.
V-Day 2005 “New York 3” is dedicated to creating art while giving back to their community. This event has gone above and beyond by incorporating unique activities focused on getting their community involved with V-Day and raising additional funds.
V-Day Kansas State University
Zachary Hauser, Campaign Organizer
K-State V-Day has done an outstanding job creating V-Week on their campus and in their community. V-Week’s goal is to serve “as a celebration of both the people and organizations that shout out against abuse, aid to those who have been victimized, and confront how to approach contemporary sexual equality.” Some of the activities include: The Clothesline Project, featuring t-shirts created by Manhattan Crisis Center victims and others telling their stories through drawings and words. The goal is to wake up their community about the reality of abuse in violence; Documentary screening of “The Day My Dad Died,” presents the stories of young girl’s lives that have been shattered by the child sex trade; Vulvapalooza, and alignment of campus organizations working together to promote education, provide assistance to those willing to speak out, and to most of all give hope; S.A.F.E.R. Program (Students Active For Ending Rape), followed up with 3 productions of The Vagina Monologues.
The commitment and thoughtfulness that K-State V-Day has demonstrated is truly remarkable. They have created V-Week events and activities that bring the campus and local community together to celebrate women and V-Day’s mission. Not only is K-State V-Day raising critical funds needed, they are also taking time to educate, counsel and provide support for those in need.
V-Day Dorchester
Michele Martin, Campaign Organizer
V-Day Dorchester put together a Grassroots Fundraising Team that has been working hard to raise money for the past few months. In order to offset some production costs they came up with fundraising ideas that would help ease the budget burden. During the holiday season they raised money by setting up gift-wrapping stations at local stores, and by working with local coffee shops and bakeries to donate their tips to the cause!
Other events they are working on surrounding their actual performance include: An adult themed party celebrating women and V-Day through spoken word poetry, performance art, a live auction, candlepin bowling, burlesque, and Big “O” Bingo; they are also creating “Take Back Our Streets” 5K run/walk against violence Sunday following their performance.
V-Day Dorchester has demonstrated an amazing amount of creativity when planning their events. I imagine that this event will be one not to miss in Dorchester, MA.
V-Day Metropolitan State College of Denver
Zo Williams, Campaign Organizer
V-Day Denver has truly embraced what it means to involve the community in their V-Day efforts. Spurred by the three high-profile rape cases that have hit Colorado in the past two years and how the victims were torn apart in the media and blamed for their abuses, Zo and her team are working to “erase the myths surrounding rape and sexual assault and encourage women to seek help.” V-Day Denver as created a network that reaches beyond the Metropolitan State College of Denver and into two other campuses in the Denver area. This alliance has created an entire week of outreach, education and celebration surrounding their performance.
V-Day Denver will also be visiting Excelsior, a facility for young women who are generally high school age, and have backgrounds with mental illness, drug addiction, abusive families, and sexual assault. V-Day Denver will perform a monologue for the residents and staff, and then follow up with an open forum discussion. To top it off, they will have a Valentine making party with the residents. These Valentines will then be taken to local battered or homeless women’s shelters.
V-Day Denver has proven that networking and joining forces within a community can heighten awareness and increase the impact of V-Day’s mission.
Congratulations! Thank you for welcoming us into your productions and giving us a glimpse of your creativity and dedication. We are sincerely grateful for every V-Day Campaign and all the women and men behind each and every production. Thank you for taking a stand against violence and abuse towards women and young girls and making a difference!
Ashley Luckey
Assistant Consumer Marketing Manager
LUNA
V-Day Unveils A Range Of New Products From iTunes to eCards, Chocolates to Vagina Warrior Jewelry, Salon Treatments to V-Tea
Perfectly timed for your Valentine’s Day gift giving, V-Day announces products and services from iTunes to eCards, chocolates to jewelry, salon treatments to V-Tea via v-day’s online store, first book & DVD release, and partners. Proceeds benefit the movement to end violence against women and girls. Valentine’s Day is a special day for V-Day. The very first V-Day benefit took place on Valentine’s Day 1998 and seven years later, thousands of colleges and communities will stage benefits on and around V-Day 2005.
Following are new and exciting products and services – in a wide range of prices – that help stop violence while you shop this Valentine’s Day.
V-Gifts Featured At V-Day’s Online Store – http://www.vday.org/store
-Vagina Warrior Jewelry by GK DESIGNS for JEWELSERV
GK Designs creates sterling silver inspirational message jewelry. The new ‘Warrior’ jewelry designs are a collaborative effort between GK Designs and Jewelserv, born to serve as a reminder and to further raise awareness of violence against women.
The Vagina Warrior necklace is sterling silver and features a synthetic Ruby with 18″ sterling silver oxidized rolo chain. $130.00. The Vagina Warrior charm bracelet features a sterling silver tag on 71/4″ glass beaded double strand bracelet with sterling silver lobster claw closure. $40.00. http://www.store-vday.org
-Vagina Warrior Apparel (T-shirts and Ski Caps)
American Apparel T-shirts in black T with hot pink Vagina Warrior lettering ($17.99) and black and pink Vagina Warrior Ski Caps with hot pink lettering ($24.99) can be purchased at V-Day’s online store. http://www.store-vday.org
-V Tea By Zhena’s Gypsy Tea
V-Tea, a white tea with vanilla, is a delicate, healing potion dedicated to helping end the cycle of violence against women and girls worldwide. Ingredients: Organic, high grown white tea, natural essence of Madagascar vanilla bean and sun-dried safflower blooms. $12. Pre-order today – Tea should be available to ship on Valentine’s Day. http://www.store-vday.org
-Give The Gift Of A V-Day eCard
This year, give your Valentine a gift that really means love. Give a gift of V-Day – Your gift, in honor of your loVed one, will be put to work through V-Day’s program partners who are working on-the-ground to address the most critical issues facing women around the world. Gifts range from $25-$500.00 and are tailored to benefit young women at the V-Day Safe House in Kenya, women in Juarez, Mexico, Iraq and Afghanistan. We will send a card letting your Valentine know of your gift. To read more about the individual gifts, visit http://www.vday.org/giving
V-Day’s First Book And DVD Available For Valentine’s Day
-V-Day’s First Book: Vagina Warriors
Vagina Warriors is a collaboration between V-Day founder Eve Ensler and world-renowned photographer Joyce Tenneson. The book features Ensler’s essay “Vagina Warriors: An Emerging Paradigm, An Emerging Species” alongside Tenneson’s portraits of V-Day activists, many of them well-known celebrities, with powerful statements and quotations from the subjects. The celebrities featured include Glenn Close, Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, LisaGay Hamilton, Salma Hayek, Rosie Perez, Isabella Rossellini, Gloria Steinem, Marisa Tomei and numerous others. Bulfinch Press, Time Warner Book Group; February 2005. Price: $40.00 Hardcover/$19.95 FPT Paperback.
To purchase, visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0821261835/103-5344943-5813443?v=glance
– DVD Of “Until The Violence Stops” With Additional Scenes and Content
V-Day’s Emmy award-winning documentary Until The Violence Stops will be released on DVD by Netflix with additional scenes and content added including segments on Juárez, Mexico and Afghanistan. “Until the Violence Stops” follows the grassroots impact of V-Day in five international communities while exposing the pervasive and cultural forms of violence that women experience all over the world. Directed by Abby Epstein and featuring appearances by Tantoo Cardinal, Rosario Dawson, Eve Ensler, Jane Fonda, LisaGay Hamilton, Salma Hayek, Rosie Perez, and Isabella Rossellini among others
Pre-order your copy today! The DVD is available for purchase beginning February 8th from Docurama, http://www.docurama.com, or wherever fine DVDs are sold. Price: $26.95.
V-Gifts Made Possible By Our Partners
– “Because You’re Beautiful” Available For Download Exclusively on iTunes
Composed by Toni Childs, David Ricketts and Eddie Free, “Because You’re Beautiful” is the original song featured in the V-Day documentary “Until The Violence Stops.” The song received the 2004 Emmy award for “Outstanding Music & Lyrics.” In early 2003, V-Day Founder/Artistic Director and Playwright (“The Vagina Monologues”) Eve Ensler met Toni Childs at V-Day Kauai. Ensler was already a big fan of Toni’s – the impact of Childs’ music on her life has been profound and a lifeline. By night’s end, Ensler found herself asking Toni to write an anthem for Until The Violence Stops. “ Because You Are Beautiful” is the result. To purchase a download of the song 99¢, visit http://www.itunes.com
– Vosges Haut Chocolat
Vosges Haut Chocolat is donating to V-Day 25% of the proceeds from the sale of their Sophie’s Boite Chapeau, an elegant hatbox filled with exotic truffles, couture cocoas and haut-chocolat. The hatbox is filled with 16 pieces from the Exotic Collection, 9 piece Nouvelle Truffle Collection, 1 lb. of Caramel Toffee, 2 Exotic Candy Bars and our entire line of Couture Cocoas. $200.00
Visit http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/detail.aspx?ID=837
– “Gift Of Beauty” from Roy Teeluck Salon
For V-Day, Valentine’s Day, this year, the Roy Teeluck Salon challenges you to make a $75.00 tax-deductible donation to V-Day, and help put an end to violence against women. In return for your donation, the salon invites you to experience one of their very talented stylists for a complimentary haircut or a single color process with one of their fabulous colorists. The Roy Teeluck Salon is located at 38 E. 57th Street, directly across from the Four Seasons Hotel, in New York City. It is a relaxing environment where clients can come not only for beauty boosts but for some lighthearted fun. Roy Teeluck has been listed as one of NYC’s top stylists by Gotham Magazine and voted best stylist by Allure Magazine. The salon boasts some of the most talented stylists and colorists on the East Coast including the best eyebrow stylist, Duffy Neuberger, as voted by Allure Magazine. (Donations must be made before February 14th, 2005. Hair appointments can be booked anytime before June 30th, 2005. Complimentary services can be booked Mon – Thurs. Limited to one service per person and to the first $100,000 in donations.
Visit http://www.royteelucksalon.com/vday.html.
January 17, 2005 – “Because You’re Beautiful,” the original song featured in the V-Day documentary “Until The Violence Stops,” will be available exclusively for download on iTunes (itunes.com) beginning January 19. Composed by Toni Childs, David Ricketts and Eddie Free the song received the 2004 Emmy award for “Outstanding Music & Lyrics.”
In early 2003, V-Day Founder/Artistic Director and Playwright “The Vagina Monologues” Eve Ensler met Toni Childs at V-Day Kauai. Ensler was already a big fan of Toni’s – the impact of Childs’ music on her life has been profound and a lifeline. By night’s end, Ensler found herself asking Toni to write an anthem for Until The Violence Stops. “ Because You Are Beautiful” is the result.
“Until the Violence Stops” is a documentary that follows the extraordinary grassroots impact of V-Day in five international communities while exposing the pervasive and cultural forms of violence that women experience all over the world.
Writing again from the core of her soul, Toni once again brings the raw beauty of love, most importantly self-love, to this anthem for all women, for all time as a reminder that we are beautiful.
All proceeds from the sale of the song will go to V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls (http://www.vday.org).
Available now exclusively through iTunes:
Toni Childs – Because You Are Beautiful
.
NOTE: You must first download iTunes to use the iTunes store. If the link above does not take you to the iTunes web site to download, click here.
“Until The Violence Stops” Relased On DVD For Rental by Netflix and Purchase by Docurama DVD Features Additional Content
Netflix and Docurama will release V-Day’s Emmy award-winning documentary “Until The Violence Stops” on DVD with additional scenes and content added, including segments on V-Day Spotlight campaigns in Juarez, Mexico and Afghanistan. A portion of proceeds to benefit V-Day.
The documentary world premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and broadcast premiered on Lifetime Television in February. It has been screened at the Amnesty International Film Festivals in Amsterdam and Vancouver, as well as at the Miami and Maui Film festivals. In September, Toni Childs, David Ricketts, and Eddie Free received the 2004 Emmy award for “Outstanding Music & Lyrics.” for “Because You Are Beautiful” and in November, the film won top honor – the Gold Audience Award – at the Amnesty International Film Festival in Vancouver.
“Until the Violence Stops” follows the grassroots impact of V-Day in five international communities while exposing the pervasive and cultural forms of violence that women experience all over the world. Directed by Abby Epstein, the story begins at a star-studded V-Day benefit at Harlem’s Apollo Theater and travels to regional events in Ukiah California, the Philippines and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, culminating in the opening of the first V-Day Safe House for girls in Kenya. What emerges is an alternately devastating and hopeful look at the global and grassroots efforts in motion to stop violence against women and girls. Featuring appearances by Tantoo Cardinal, Rosario Dawson, Eve Ensler, Jane Fonda, LisaGay Hamilton, Salma Hayek, Rosie Perez, and Isabella Rossellini among others.
Available for rental, exclusively on Netflix, beginning January 11, 2004 via http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?movieid=70003231&trkid=73
The DVD will be available for purchase February 8th from Docurama,
http://www.docurama.com/productdetail.html?productid=NV-NVG-9702 or wherever fine DVDs are sold. Price: $26.95. Place your advance order today!
V-Day’s First Book Vagina Warriors Released On V-Day, February 14th
“Vagina Warriors” is a collaboration between V-Day founder Eve Ensler and world-renowned photographer Joyce Tenneson, whose “Wise Women” changed the way people look at women and aging. The book features Ensler’s essay “Vagina Warriors: An Emerging Paradigm, An Emerging Species” alongside Tenneson’s portraits of V-Day activists, many of them well-known celebrities, with powerful statements and quotations from the subjects. The celebrities featured include Glenn Close, Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, LisaGay Hamilton, Salma Hayek, Rosie Perez, Isabella Rossellini, Gloria Steinem, Marisa Tomei and numerous others. Eve Ensler’s proceeds from “Vagina Warriors” will benefit V-Day. (Bulfinch Press, Time Warner Book Group; February 2005. Price: $40.00 Hardcover/$19.95 FPT Paperback.)
To order a copy, visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0821261835/104-6231043-7343162?v=glance
Also, you can download Toni Childs’ Emmy award-winning song “Because You Are Beautiful,”
which is featured in the documentary, beginning Tuesday, January 18 at on iTunes.
Help fund shelter for abused Egyptian women and their families
or
Give 1 year of shelter and education for a young girl trying to escape FGM in Africa
ABC Home & Planet Foundation is encouraging consumers to actively build a better world by aligning their spending choices with their values this holiday season via “Gifts Of Compassion.”
Two unique Gifts of Compassion benefit V-Day programs:
- Shelter for an abused Egyptian Women- Provide food, shelter and counseling services to an abused Egyptian woman and family at the Arab world’s first comprehensive domestic violence shelter- $100.
- Protection from Female Genital Mutilation – Offer 1 year of shelter, food, school and training for a 12 year-old Maasai girl who refuses to submit to the ritual of female genial mutilation- $1,000
Through ABC’s new offering, holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families—both in America and around the world. Gift givers receive an embroidered silk pouch, fashioned from a vintage sari, containing a “Gift of Compassion” certificate that fully describes the gift, indicating that a special gift has been made on behalf of the recipient.
Read the complete ABC Carpet & Home press release.
Visit their web site.
By Kelly McDermott
Students met on the Diag last night at a vigil held in memory of all women who have been victims of violence at the hands of men. The vigil last night marked the end of Ann Arbor’s White Ribbon Campaign, sponsored by the organization Men Against Violence Against Women.
The campaign began in 1991 as a response to the Montreal Massacre, in which a man shot and killed 14 women at the University of Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989. Today marks the 15th anniversary of that incident.
The now-international campaign is held annually during the first week of December and raises awareness of the seriousness of violence against women.
Nearly 25 percent of college women are subject to the violence of men, Coert Ambrosino, a member of the group, said last night during the vigil. “By taking part in the White Ribbon Campaign, we hope to change people’s perception that men’s violence against women is acceptable.”
During the vigil, MAVAW observed a moment of silence for women who have died as a result of violence. Some participants handed out candles to students and spoke in memory of three women associated with the University who had died as victims of men’s violence.
Last week, MAVAW distributed white ribbons and held events in order to raise awareness about men’s violence against women.
Almost 75 group members helped hand out ribbons to students and encouraged other men to take a personal pledge to end violence against women. Men wearing the ribbon agreed to never commit, condone or remain silent about such violence.
“If every man was to take a personal pledge, we wouldn’t have a problem,” said Ambrosino, an LSA sophomore.
This year’s campaign was the most successful ever, according to MAVAW. Overall, 5,000 white ribbons pinned to flyers were distributed to men and women alike passing through the Diag. Many female students took ribbons to give to their boyfriends or other men they knew, Ambrosino said.
In addition to distributing ribbons, the group held a poetry event on Wednesday. During the poetry session, male students read pieces that related to violence against women.
“It was a good way to express their feelings about how they felt about violence against women and violence in general,” said Vincent Paviglianiti, an active supporter of the group.
Paviglianiti, an LSA senior, hopes that events like these will help people realize that such violence is a serious issue. “The first step is admitting that there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with,” Paviglianiti said.
LSA senior Megan Shuchman, one of few women present at the vigil, said she was pleased with the campaign. “Male participation is really important in the issue of violence against women,” Shuchman said. “We appreciate that men are willing to get involved in this struggle.”
MAVAW also participates in other events throughout the year, including “Take Back the Night,” a march and rally; “Femme Fair” and “V-day,” which is a global campaign against violence against women.
“Change occurs with little things,” Paviglianiti said. “We need to be aware of the issue. Violence against women is no joke.”
MAVAW will continue to spread its message through events like the White Ribbon Campaign. The group holds weekly meetings open to everyone on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Michigan Union.
V-Day Nairobi Press Release
V-DAY 2004 NAIROBI
In Nairobi the need to celebrate V-Day was triggered by the horrific and brutal rape and murder of an innocent 2-year-old girl in Kikuyu division on the 18th of March. The story, which made headlines on all the local press, shocked the everyone by the sheer magnitude of its brutality. Investigations are on going but so far they have not arraigned anyone in court on the charges. Earlier this year the papers once again highlighted the story of another minor who had been brutally raped by a neighbour. The little girl survived her ordeal and the man guilty of the crime was swiftly apprehended and convicted of defiling a minor and got a life sentence.
Since then a lot has been done to help curb this crime. In October the police launched an all female police squad to deal with cases of rape to be based at the Kilimani Police station and last week we saw the launch of the spider unit which includes female police women who are targeting rapist. This proves that the work of those concerned to see an end to violence against women has been fruitful.
The show which was held at the carnivore raised Ksh 305,607 (US$ 5055.64)
Beneficiaries of V-Day 2004
The main beneficiary was the Nairobi womens Hospital Gender Recovery Centre. The centre which is located at hurlingham centre has catered for women who have suffered violence from domestic violence to rape. They offer high quality medical service and also provide victims with information on the next step forward.
Our second beneficiary is The Tasaru Ntomonok Initiative.
Tasaru Ntomonok is located in Narok in Rift Valley Province and runs a safe house for girls escaping circumcision and forced early marriages. The initiative is the inspiration of Ms. Agnes Pareyio. Ms. Pareyio is a former associate of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake organisation’s innovative Alternative Rites of Passage programme. After leaving Maendeleo, Agnes began a programme to introduce the alternative rites of passage for female adolescents as an alternative to the hazardous procedure of circumcision among the Maasai. Eve Ensler the founder of the vagina monologues has supported this safe house and even has a dormitory named after her. 10% of the proceeds raised went to the initiative.
16 days of activitism
As the world celebrates 16 days of activisim against gender violence. We would like to take this opportunity to present the plan for V-Day 2005 which promises to be bigger than this years.
Mumbi Kaigwa, the woman brave enough to have taken on the V-Day event in Kenya in 2003 will be taking over as organizer in 2005. On the 26th November at Nairobi Women’s Hospital at 2:30 we shall present the check from V-Day 2004 to the gender recovery centre.
V-Day 2004 supported those who have supported the end to violence against women. We thank all those who came out to support the show at the carnivore and raise money for a worthy cause.
In every community there are humble activists working every day, beat by beat, to undo suffering. They sit by hospital beds, pass new laws, chant taboo words, write proposals, beg for money, demonstrate and hold vigils in the streets. Every woman has a warrior inside waiting to be born. In order to guarantee a world without violence, in a time of danger and escalating madness we urge them to come out.
-Eve Ensler
Lorna Irungu
V-Day organizer 2004