WUNRN
Women for Women International
Website Includes Link to Video.
Contact: mybridge@womenforwomen.org
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - 100th
ANNIVERSARY
WOMEN ON THE BRIDGE CAMPAIGN TO
DRIVE AWARENESS OF
WOMEN'S ISSUES & TO
CELEBRATE WOMEN'S ACHIEVEMENTS
The
idea for Join Me on the Bridge came from the Country Directors of Women for
Women's programmes in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo - two
countries which have seen some of the most devastating impacts of war in recent
years and where atrocities such as rape, torture and violence against women are
commonplace. Women from different communities decided to come together on a
bridge which borders their two countries, in the heart of the conflict; to
stand up for peace and an end to violence against women.
We will be marking the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day on 8th March 2011, by organising an even bigger movement of women to join together on a bridge. Women, children and men, whether it's 2, 200, 2000, or more, will be joining together on bridges across the world, holding up banners, making a public statement that 'Stronger Women Build Bridges of Peace' and supporting women in war-torn areas. They will be calling for women to have a greater say at the peace negotiating tables and for countries to honour the UN goals they have signed up to, to bring an end to violence against women in areas of conflict.
"100 years ago brave women stood up and changed the world for so many of us. Today, there are equally brave women standing up for equality in Afghanistan. Now is our chance to get behind them and help bring peace and greater security to these women. Women in Afghanistan must be fully included in the peace negotiations. Peace without women doesn't stand a chance, and the time to build peace is now - before the troops start withdrawing in June 2011.
We're not asking for any new policies or laws. They already exist. We have UN Resolution 1325, and we have the Millennium Development Goals. It's time to act, and we're calling for everyone who wants to make a stand against the brutalities inflicted on women in Afghanistan, and in areas of conflict around the world, to join us on a bridge on the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, 8th March 2011." Says Kate Nustedt, Executive Director of Women for Women UK, and organiser of the global Join me on the Bridge campaign.
Be part of it. One woman can change anything. Many women can change everything. Join a Bridge Event.