Fair Feels Good

This year, March 8 marks the centennial anniversary of International Women’s Day. On this day one hundred years ago more than 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Since then, International Women’s Day has remained a day for women raise their voices.

Last month The United Nations raised its voice to donors, calling for a massive $856 million to help women in crisis situations and war. This call for funds illustrates the sheer magnitude of the problem that UNICEF’s Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman, explains

“From Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Iraq, Zimbabwe and Sudan, children and women continue to bear the brunt of conflict, displacement and deteriorating conditions,” UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman

There have been more than 250 major wars since WWII, leaving millions of women displaced around the world. In modern-day warfare, women are targeted for ethnic cleansing, rape is used as a weapon to destroy communities, and women make up for at least 75% of the casualty rate.

Women today have a duty to contribute to programs that provide assistance and relief. One excellent program worth examining is that of Women For Women International, a courageous organization that reaches out to assist women in war-torn and post-conflict countries.

Their work is exceptional, as seen by inspirational videos and stories on their website. With a solid track record of rebuilding lives and communities, Women For Women offers a one-year program to sponsor a woman in a country of your choice.

The program is very personal, a deep connection is formed. Both parties get to know each other, letters are often exchanged, and friendships blossom. For $27 a month (and a $30 one-time administration fee), you can sponsor a woman in need to attend vocational training, feed her family and understand her rights.

This program is about more than money, its about creating a significant impact on both lives. After all, giving is the greatest gift.

Tags: genocide, sponsor, war, Women

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 8th, 2008 at 9:59 pm and is filed under Women. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.