You Can Help End the Siege of Gaza: Ceasefire Now

The years-old blockade of Gaza is at crisis point: with a humanitarian disaster brewing, the southern border has been breached and over 300,000 Palestinians are leaving their homes and pouring across. The situation is chaotic -- the world needs to lend a hand and step in.To prevent catastrophe and protect civilians on all sides, your voice is needed urgently: Avaaz.org is running an emergency global campaign to international, European and Arab leaders, calling on them to stop the siege, oversee open borders and help broker a ceasefire. Avaaz.org will deliver the petition when they reach 150,000 signatures - please add your name below, and then spread the word:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_end_the_siege/

Haitian human rights defender, Lovinsky Pierre Antoine abducted as International concern grows

Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine, the human rights activist kidnapped in Haiti on Sunday, 12th August 2007 after meeting with a visiting US human rights delegation. Mr. Pierre-Antoine is the founder of Fondasyon Trant Septanm, which advocates for victims of the 1991 and 2004 coups d'états against Jean-Bertrand Aristide; and co-founder of Fondasyon Kore Timoun Yo for street children in Port-au- Prince, and FAM, a centre for teenage mothers. The Fondasyon was named after the date of the military coup, 30 September 1991 during which President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted. At least 3,000 persons were killed during the military regime between 1991 -1994. Ever since its creation in 1996, the Fondasyon members carry out weekly human rights vigils in central Port-au-Prince and several other Haitian towns to press for an end to impunity for past abuses and reparation for victims of the 1991-1994 military coup and for the victims of the transitional government of 2004-2006. The Vigil has now been devoted to Lovinsky’s safe return. The Fondasyon also campaigns for the total abolition of the Haitian army through reforming the Constitution by gathering signatures via a photo-exhibition of victims of past human rights abuses.

Amnesty International has issued an urgent report about the safety of Lovinksy as well as his close colleague, Wilson Mésilien. Mr Mésilien, who has been coordinating Fondasyon Trant Septanm (30 September Foundation) in Mr Pierre-Antoine’s absence, has been forced underground after receiving death threats and narrowly escaping abduction. There is increasing concern that members of that organisation are being targeted.

The petition for Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine has gathered nearly 1,800 signatures that include many prominent people. To sign visit: http://www.petitiononline.com/august/petition.html . Please show your support.

Capitalwoman film by director, Alexandra (Alex) Kalymnios

Alexandra (Alex) Kalymnios: I shall be making a 4 minute film to be screened at the opening of the Capitalwoman conference 2008, and it will later be featured on the Capitalwoman website. In a nutshell - this short film will show numerous London women dancing whilst at home or at work or in their recreationally area. Each woman will be dancing to their own individual beat although when edited together, the images collectively will convey a truly diverse, multi-cultural and united London rhythm, which will be accompanied with a score composed by Alies Sluiter.

I am looking for woman who would like to participate I would like to film woman of ALL ages, nationalities, abilities and occupations (doctors/police/taxi drivers/mothers/carers/athletes/teachers etc) - anyone who lives in the capital and would feel confident to dance on camera.Filming will take place during the week of 26th Jan – 1st Feb and we would ideally like to film at the participants place of work/play or a place convenient to them.

This film is intended to show the vibrancy of women's lives in London , therefore we are keen to approach all communities and have numerous dance styles to reflect the diversity and energy of our capital's woman!

If you are able to help or forward this email on to any organisations I would be extremely grateful,

Many thank in advance for your time,

Alexandra (Alex) Kalymnios

Contact Details: alexkalymnios@yahoo.co.uk or alexkalymnios@gmail.com

Tel: 07961 142 120 (UK number)


www.myspace.com/akalymnios

The White Ribbon Campaign UK - Engaging men in combating violence against women.

WOMENDAY CONFERENCE: MONDAY Monday, 10TH MARCH 2008, 10.00am – 16.30pm.

This conference takes as its focus, sharing best practice on:
Direct engagement activities with young men that challenge stereotypes about violence, sexism, homophobia, images and roles within masculinities;
Participatory activities that increase awareness and skills around violence against women, sexual health and relationships,
Awareness-raising and educational-based activities that encourage reflection and discussion, leading to personal and collective action.
The conference will be held at the Human Rights Action Centre, Amnesty UK, 17-25 New Inn Yard. The nearest tube station is Old Street.

Confirmed Speakers include Johan Jensen – Education Officer at Stonewall, Sandy Bowden - Children’s Services Practitioner at the NSPCC and Sandra Paton of South Ayrshire Women’s Aid.
The conference is open to all and will bring together those working with men, young men and boys, those from the Public, Third and Women’s Sector, Voluntary Groups, Activists, Trade Unionists, Youth Service Practitioners, DV Practitioners, Community and Youth Workers, Researchers, Local Authorities and Civil Society.
This day is intended to be a great opportunity to share best practice regarding the tremendous and diverse amount of work currently taking place with young men in the UK. We are extremely pleased to offer this opportunity and welcome attendance by anyone interested in this field, specifically anyone directly working with young men.
Registration Fees
Concessions: (low income and unemployed) £30 (approx. $60.00)
Others: £50 (approx. $100.00)

Contact White Ribbon Campaign for method of payment and other information:

Tel: 07941 597584 (United Kingdom phone number)
Enquires: info@whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
Address: Knott Hall, Charlestown Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX7 6PE

Some informative websites

GSN · Global Sisterhood Network - Feminists from around the world working together to improve women's lives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GSN/


London Feminist Network -This group is to bring together feminist individuals and groups working on women's rights in London, UK.:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/londonfeministnetwork/


Thinking Women is a discussion and networking group promoting the achievements and progression of women in society, politics and the workplace. It is open to all women who want to make an impact in their working lives and beyond, through sharing knowledge and ideas. We meet mainly in Manchester but are virtually available anywhere via our website.
www.thinkingwomen.org

UK Feminist Action - This list aims to provide a network and a central place for UK feminists of all ages, backgrounds and politicial affiliations to share news about feminist activism, activities, groups, events, protests, campaigns etc., to support each other, to ask for advice and help and ultimately to encourage feminist activism in the UK. This list is NOT a general feminist discussion list but rather a *resource* to share information about activism and action. Please read the list Charter before posting.
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ukfeministaction

Sunday, 09th March 2008 10.30am Women of Worth - Walking Tour

Celebrate International Women's weekend and join Blue Badge Guide Rachel Kolsky, on a Jewish Museum walking tour of the East End profiling Jewish and non-Jewish women alike who made an impact on the Jewish community.Sites of Whitechapel and Spitalfields include those associated with Alice Model and her maternity hospital, Miriam Moses and her youth work, the philanthropy of the Rothschild ladies and Henrietta Barnett and the actresses of the Yiddish theatre ending at the Kinderstransport Memorial at Liverpool Street Station10.30am. Full details of meeting place provided on booking. Tickets: £10.00 (approx $20.00) 020 8371 7373; admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk. Please note this is a UK telephone number.

The link to the website is as follows: http://www.jewishmuseum.org.uk/

Birds Eye View Festival 2008 - Programme details will soon be available

The organizers at Birds Eye View will shortly be announcing programme details for the Birds Eye View Festival 06th - 14th March 2008, so stay posted and connected via their website, telephone or email:


T +44 (0)20 7704 9435 F +44 (0)20 7704 9435 info@birds-eye-view.co.uk www.birds-eye-view.co.uk

Million Women Rise - Information

NATIONAL MARCH MILLION WOMEN RISE

Saturday, 08th March 2008

CALLING FOR AN END TO ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Assemble at Hyde Park 11:30am (March starts at noon)

March to Trafalgar Square

Rally at Trafalgar Square at approximately 3:30pm

For further information or to show your support contact:

Million Women Rise,

c/o WRC, Ground Floor East, 33-41 Dallington St. East, London EC1V 0BB

www.millionwomenrise.com
Email: info@millionwomenrise.com
Info line: 07862 113 308

Memories of my first Capitalwoman conference

I have traveled to London for many years and for brief periods of time I have lived in the capital, so I have pretty much exhausted the whole tourist experience. And now when I venture across the pond it is to see friends and to attend specific events.

I attended my first CapitalWoman conference in 2004. I found the all day free event given by the Mayor of London’s Office, Ken Livingstone while on one of my numerous internet searches seeking out any and all information on British Women’s and or interfaith events. A link led me to CapitalWoman 2004’s website and there I emailed the Mayor’s Office informing them that I was an American national and Anglophile who would love to attend the event. Receipt of my email was acknowledged a day or two later and within a few weeks my invitation was in my hand via snail mail.

Words simply cannot explain the buzz I felt about attending this event completely unknown to me. Why you might ask? Well as previously mentioned I am an Anglophile, and I am also a feminist and my politics and world view tends to be global in nature……………………………………………………………..So my feeling was attending an event in London (the most global of all the world capitals) for women was a culmination of who and what I am. Please note however that you do not need to be a feminist to feel comfortable at Capitalwoman, as women from all political stripes and dispositions are equally welcomed.

So I was off. I arrived in London on Friday, 05th March 2004 and that day was spent recouping from the flight and preparing for Capitalwoman. That meant laying out a carefully crafted outfit that would literally carry me through the day, packing a camera to have a record of the day forever, taking a large bag to bring back loads of brochures and pamphlets and packing a few healthy snacks.

Before retiring I ran a couple of quick errands to purchase something for lunch and later for dinner. Then I retired to my very modest, but quite functional and safe hotel in Russell Square to call a few friends and watch a little telly. The night of Friday, 05th March 2004 was an early one for me.

I must say I still remember that morning awaking and feeling like I was starting my first day of school. In 2004 I have been crossing the pond for 17 years, but this event I knew would be something different………something special. I quickly ate breakfast, worked out, bathed and dressed. With my arsenal of previously packed items I was off towards the Russell Street Tube station on the Picadilly Line. Capitalwoman 2004 was (as subsequent Capitalwoman’s) held at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, so that meant taking the Russell Square tube to the Green Park stop and changing to the Jubilee Line and getting off at Westminister.

Now getting to Westminister was an easy task, but as I have the sense of direction of al bat with broken sonar I was concerned as I rode the escalators up from the belly of the Westminster tube station. I could feel my anxiety growing, but just as I was about to sigh aloud I saw a London cop. As I walked towards the officer in a heavy, lovely, robust, British accent he asked,” Looking for Capitalwoman luv?” My smile told him that he was right. He quickly pointed me in the right direction.

At first I assumed that this London cop must have been a psychic, as he answered my question without me ever giving voice to it…………………………………………But my momentary fleet of fancy was dashed when he said that every other woman in Westminster tube station seemed to be heading to Capitalwoman. In any case I was most grateful for his preemptive assistance.

As I quickly made my way across the street and prepared to cross the street I saw two other women looking at the back of what I knew were the Capitalwoman invitations. I struck up a conversation with the two women and quickly found out that the two ladies were old friends indeed heading to what turned out to also be their first Capitalwoman. Though I was not concerned about attending Capitalwoman 2004 on my own it was nice to have others to share the experience with.

Once at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre there was a short wait in line for the doors to open at 9am. Inside we were quickly and very efficiently registered at one of the many registration points based on your surname (last name). With Capitalwoman 2004 packets in hand we headed upstairs for our choice of light refreshments such as coffee, tea, water, and biscuits (cookies).

Shortly after 10am the conference was ready to start. There was audio visual presentation to open the conference then the speakers began. There was Jenny Jones, Deputy Mayor of London, Mary Turner GMB, Polly Toynbee a journalist, Julie Fernandez an actor and Diane Abbott, MP and Britain first black woman MP to name a few. Finally there was a talk by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone followed by questions and answers. The speakers are well informed posed and give a view of London that is without comparison.

By 12:30pm we broke for an hour lunch and had our choice of prepared sandwiches and fruit bagged lunches. There were vegan and vegetarian options for those of us so included. During this time you could hear the buzz of 100’s and 100’s of women meeting and greeting each other. People were making new friends and reacquainting with old. The wonderfully healthy and satisfying lunches while most appreciated were the least of our concerns……………………………..we were all networking. The conference presented opportunities for connections in the political, career, health care, economic, inter-faith and realms.

Then there were stalls by the dozens offering information on adoption, careers, higher education, various government agencies, etc, etc, etc…………………………The potential for information overload was there and appreciated.

From 1:30pm – 2:40pm you had your choice of 5 seminar topics that covered such topics as London 2012 (referring to the then preparation for the Olympic bid), the London Childcare strategy, Towards an anti racist London, Open Space, Women’s place, and Delivering London’s domestic Violence strategy. I must admit I jumped between three of the conferences, as I could not settle on one.

There was another refreshment break from 2:45pm – 3pm with a chance to physically refuel and to again network with the diverse crowd of women in attendance.

At 3:05pm another round of seminars began that went to 4:15pm. This time the sessions covered, London transport, safer travel and future initiatives for women, Women in London’s economy, Women and the criminal justice system, Women and work in a global city and The case for a Single Equalities Act. Again I hopped between several seminars.

By 4:15pm the closing comments were started. And shortly before 5:30pm Capitalwoman 2004 was history.

The conference was brilliant. It was well organized and well attended by almost 2,000 women. If you are crossing the pond for International Women’s Day consider registering for Capitalwoman 2008. It promises to be equally if not more edifying than conferences of the past. In addition American iconic, civil rights activist, Angela Davis is an honored speaker. Capitalwoman 2008 is on Saturday, 08th March 2008.

Hope to see you there: http://www.london.gov.uk/capitalwoman/

Free Saudi blogger Fouad Al-Farhan

Birds Eye View’s 2008 Film Festival 06th – 13th March 2008

The people at Birds Eye View are at it again, and their 2008 festival will include a myriad of features, documentaries and short films from women around the world. In addition there will be many premiere screenings, loads of special multi-media events, Q&A sessions galore, panel discussions and gobs of parties with interesting film-makers and aficionados in attendance.
If this year’s festival is like those of bygone years – it should be a blast.

Stay tuned to their brilliant website for enlightening and pertinent information:

http://www.birds-eye-view.co.uk/

Million Women Rise 2008 in search mode for female musicians/singers/bands

The architects of Million Woman Rise 2008 (08th March 2008 in London, England) have the following announcement on Facebook:

Subject: New Website!

Hi All

Just quickly - please do check out the new website:
http://www.millionwomenrise.com/

Keep on spreading the word in any way you can! (the invite friends option on Facebook is always a winner!)

We are looking for female musicians/singers/bands to support our benefit events - the next one it 26th January 2008 and we have two good sized timeslots to fill - an all women audience of 300-450 depending on turn out (so 450 then!)

Get in touch if you're interested.

Gem x
Million Women Rise
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox/readmessage.php&t=7923138695
Pass the word along to any and all women who might be interested in using their musical talents in support of fundraising events for Million Woman Rise 2008.

Some personal thoughts on celebrating International Women’s Day in London, England

As the name implies International Women’s Day (08th March) is a global event, yet for the last few years I have chosen to celebrate the day in the UK capital, London. There are many reasons for this. One is that I am an Anglophile and some of the others reasons are that London celebrates IWD with a gusto not matched by any other city. Yes I am a tad bit biased. London is a world city and while in London you are technically in a European capital, but the city is populated and traveled to by all of God’s creations of the human kind. So when you celebrate IWD in London you truly get the global nature of the holiday.

In the coming weeks various London based organizations will announce their IWD celebrations. You will find conferences, seminars, concerts, marches and rallies for women of all colors, ethnicities, religious ideologies, political bents, economic backgrounds, professional training, disabilities status and ages.

Previous years there has been a film festival with the mission of showing the works of budding women film-makers, professional networking conferences, and music and comedy concerts with well known women performers. Readings by women writers saturate London during this time. Political organizations of all persuasions reach out to the female population during the weeks before and for about a week after IWD. Also during this time the myriad of women’s organizations in London open their doors to showcase their particular service (role) in the continuing struggle for women’s rights.

Many of the events are free or charge a nominal fee. They typically are accessible by tube (London Underground) or another method of public transportation. Visiting London during IWD also offers the possibility of cheap airfares as March is off-peak travel time……………………..and you will find relatively cheaper hotels and B&B’s.

Come on cross the pond and celebrate International Women’s Day in the Capital (London).

Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 - relevant third party (consulation)

Who should be able to ask the courts to take action to stop a forced marriage? A new consultation exercise launched today is trying to find the answer, with Justice Minister Bridget Prentice working to find the best and most effective ways to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.

The Government's new Forced Marriage Act was brought in to protect those forced into marriage, whether children, teenagers or adults - and irrespective of background, gender, race or religion. The Act gives the courts a wide discretion to deal flexibly and sensitively with the circumstances of each individual case, employing civil remedies that will offer protection to victims without criminalising members of their family. The new consultation paper is the first step to implementing fully the range of protections afforded by the legislation. It asks what types of people or organisations should be able to apply direct to the courts for the safeguards to be applied in individual cases. It also asks for practical suggestions on how to make the system work as smoothly as possible and it provides an excellent opportunity for the Government to engage fully with all interested parties and with the public.

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 enables applications by a relevant third party on behalf of a victim of forced marriage. This consultation asks for responses on what need there is for relevant third parties, who should act, and what safeguards might be needed.

Closing date: 14th March 2008

Download the consultation paper:* Consultation paper [PDF 0.81mb, 32 pages]

http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/consultation-31-07.pdf* Questionnaire [Word 0.04mb, 2 pages] http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/fm-consulta...onnaire-cp31-07.doc* Welsh version of the consultation paper [PDF 0.44mb, 32 pages] http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/welsh-versi...sultation-31-07.pdf


Contact details:

Louis Akinlude, Ministry of Justice,
Family Relationships Branch 2,
Post Point 4.17, 4th Floor Selborne House, 54-60 Victoria Street,
London SW1E 6QW
Tel: 020 7210 8320* Fax: 020 7210 8681
Email: Forced.Marriages@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk

Source: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/cp3107.htm