International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

25 November 2008 -- 

Today is "International Day to Stop Violence Against Women.".

In December 1999, the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/134 declaring November 25th the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The origins of November 25th go back to 1960, when the three Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic were violently assassinated for their political activism. The sisters, known as the "Unforgettable Butterflies," became a symbol of the crisis of violence against women in Latin America. November 25th was the date chosen to commemorate their lives and promote global recognition of gender violence, and has been observed in Latin America since the 1980s.

Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions. According to UNIFEM, at least one in three women in the world has suffered from violence; usually by someone known to her. In many societies, the legal system and community attitudes add to the trauma. 

Source: UNIFEM

The Soroptimists I/E are involved in a couple of projects. Here are some of the links: http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/violence/ http://www.soroptimisteurope.org/Portals/0/Content/Documents/Newsroom/HRSW%204th%20Newsletter%202007_2008%20En.pdf http://www.femalesinfront.eu/default.asp?view=front〈=gb

This is an appeal to those who haven’t yet signed on to:

· Ask 3 people to visit

 SayNOtoViolence.org and add their names

· Include a link to SayNOtoViolence.org

as part of your e-mail signature

· Talk about the campaign in your blog

and in discussion forums

· Text SayNOtoViolence.org to everyone

on your mobile phone address book

· Get and use the Campaign Toolkit

Let’s make our voices heard loud and clear!

www.saynotoviolence.org

Quote:

“Thank you [SI/E] so much for all you do on behalf of others while striving to prevent hate!”
— comment left on the SI/E myspace.com/soroptimist_europe

Express it: Kamil Pinarci comment on SI/E video

Kamil PINARCI commented on the video "Soroptimist International: Friendship Days 2008":

"Wonderful subject!
Racism and prejudice is the most primitive form of human behavior.
It creates walls between human societies and human beings from all around the world.
It hinders development and understanding and blockage to solution of many problems.
The day we were able to reach the levels of all human beings created equal the day all women and men, and all children will be able to express their rich creativity without fear and social opportunity we will be a really civilized society."

NO TOLERANCE OF INTOLERANCE!

-soroptimisteurope.org

Video: Soroptimist Friendship Days 2008

Soroptimist International Friendship Days 2008 celebrated from September 19th - 21st 2008 in Aarhus, Denmark. The theme of the meeting was No Tolerance of Intolerance. Besides this, one important purpose was also to establish an inspiring forum for new friendships across borders and across Soroptimist clubs.

The programme inspired Soroptimists from Denmark, Europe, Africa, indeed from all over the world, to join in and meet other Soroptimists.

The programme included a series of lectures on Saturday as an entry to vivid discussions on the theme. Not to forget the opening reception at Aarhus Townhall, gala dinner and a guided city tour. Sunday evening closed the official part of the programme with home hospitality hosted by Soroptimist members of the two Denmark clubs.

http://www.soroptimisteurope.org

Soroptimist International: Friendship Days 2008 from Soroptimist Europe on Vimeo.

Our Planet!

It’s all we have ever had and it’s pretty

much all we have got left.

Yet we already consume more than our planet

can sustainable provide and by 2050 we will

need the output 2 Earth, if we are going to

continue living as we do now.

Sadly, this is not science-fiction. This is

science-fact.

Read the SI/E Eco-Newsletter here

Got Water?

Water is a right, not a privilege!
Please sign the petition to adopt article 31

Everyone has the right to clean and accessible water, adequate for the health and well-being of the individual and family, and no one shall be deprived of such access or quality of water due to individual economic circumstance.

www.soroptimisteurope.org

Eliminate Violence

25 November 2008, Internationally recognised day for the need to eliminate violence against women.

In 10 days time it is the International Day for recognition to Eliminate Violence against women. There are some projects that the Soroptimists I/E are involved in. Here are some of the links:

http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/violence/

http://www.soroptimisteurope.org/Portals/0/Content/Documents/Newsroom/HRSW%204th%20Newsletter%202007_2008%20En.pdf

http://www.femalesinfront.eu/default.asp?view=front&lang=gb

Launch of PACE Human Rights Prize

The PACE has called for nominations for the first annual 

Human Rights Prize, which will reward outstanding civil 

society action in the defence of human rights in Europe. 

Individuals and NGOs can be nominated for the prize,

which will be selected by a panel to be elected before 

the end of the year. 

The first Prize will be awarded at a ceremony in Strasbourg

during  the summer plenary session. 

For more information, see the Human Rights Prize website

or read the SI/E article here

SI/E Facebook

Become our friend on the Soroptimist International of Europe

FACEBOOK GROUP

Spread the Soroptimist buzz!

Spread the buzz about the Soroptimist International of Europe, as an inspired non-profit organization working together, to make the world a better place for women and children.

Get inspired, read the message here:

Soroptimist Buzz!

 www.soroptimisteurope.org

Become our Friend on Myspace!

www.myspace.com/soroptimist_europe

Soroptimist Parlent: Les Projets

Video in French / en Français
Women of the Soroptimists International talk passionately about their current projects.

www.soroptimisteurope.org

VIDEO: Soroptimists Speak: The Projects

Soroptimists International talk passionately about their current projects: 

-Water Projects: create possibilities for women and children to educate themselves, create economical development 
-Primary Education 
-Fighting trafficking 
-Protecting Orphans 

www.soroptimisteurope.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgnNEN9i-bQ

Take Action!

Join the European Women’s Lobby 50/50 Campaign for the

European Parliament Elections in June 2009

http://www.5050democracy.eu/

The people of Europe will elect the next European Parliament in June 2009. Currently 70% of the Members of the European Parliament are men. 

Soroptimists are invited to participate in the 50/50 Campaign of the European Women’s Lobby by:

- signing the EWL petition

- action using the model lobbying letter to ask the political parties in your country to take gender equality into account when they draft candidate lists for the elections.

In 2008, men occupy 82% of parliamentary seats in the world and 77% in average in the European Union. In June 2009, Europeans will elect a new European Parliament and a new European Commission will be designated. These elected and nominated persons are going to shape our future in Europe. The ‘50/50 Campaign for Democracy’ urges decision-makers, political parties, civil society, trade unions and all European voters to act for a more gender balanced family picture of Europe in 2009.

To read the entire article and how to join click: HERE

No Modern European Democracy without Gender Equality!