“I love to celebrate freedom in whatever context”, says Somi, an American singer/songwriter of Rwandan and Ugandan descent. She spent much of her young life, first in Zambia, then in many other African countries while working for an aid organization for children orphaned by AIDS. These experiences-and her Afro-American duality-are aptly exploited in her songs. Blessed with an exceptional voice covering a four-octave range, Somi is an artist in the pure tradition of great black Jazz singers. … [Read more...]
The Whitehouse, ‘The most powerful moment you’ll watch today!’
March 28, 2013 by
"We Have Not Forgotten" This morning, President Obama talked about the tragedy in Newtown, which happened 104 days ago, and brought a room to silence with a simple point: "The entire country was shocked," he said. "And the entire country pledged we would do something about it and that this time would be different. Shame on us if we've forgotten. I haven't forgotten those kids. Shame on us if we've forgotten." He was in the East Room, standing with a group of mothers who … [Read more...]
Mary Robinson marks a historic first as UN Special Envoy
March 28, 2013 by
UN WOMEN - Michelle Bachelet welcomes the appointment of Mary Robinson, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region of Africa As Ireland’s first woman President and the first female UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson’s passionate commitment to gender equality and human dignity led to major breakthroughs for women’s lives worldwide. I have no doubt that as the 'first woman' to be appointed as a UN Special Envoy, Ms. Robinson will continue to make … [Read more...]
Julia Pierson Is Sworn In As Director of the US Secret Service
March 28, 2013 by
Julia Pierson, a highly respected veteran of the Secret Service, was sworn in as the Director of that agency in a ceremony with President Obama and Vice President Biden in the Oval Office. As the President said: "I have to say that Julia’s reputation within the Service is extraordinary. She’s come up through the ranks. She’s done just about every job there is to do at the Secret Service." "Obviously, she’s breaking the mold in terms of directors of the agency, and I think that people … [Read more...]
EARTH HOUR – March 23, 2013
March 23, 2013 by
Earth Hour is a worldwide event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and held towards the end of March annually, encouraging households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to Take Action on climate change. The event, conceived by WWF and Leo Burnett, first took place in 2007, when 2.2 million residents of Sydney participated by turning off all non-essential lights. Following Sydney's lead, many other cities … [Read more...]
Voices of the Future 2013 begins April 2 – Take Action (Join)
March 22, 2013 by
This program has confirmed what I already know. Women need to speak out—or shout out—because we do have so much to say. We just need to give ourselves a chance. Voices of Our Future has allowed me to give myself that chance.” — Noreens, 2012 Voices of Our Future Correspondent, Palestine Call for Applicants Apply before April 2nd for our online training program in citizen journalism and digital empowerment! You only have a few days left before the application begins! Women from all over the … [Read more...]
Affluent Women are controlling Purse Strings, says Luxury Institute
March 21, 2013 by
Affluent women are the main spenders of affluent households Affluent female consumers are making 68 percent of their household’s purchases, while more women are becoming the bread winners of their families, according to a new survey from the Luxury Institute. Women are now more involved in purchasing and financial decisions for the family than ever before. Since this trend is likely to continue, luxury marketers should look to target affluent women to drive sales. “This means that … [Read more...]
Celebrating International Day of Forests – March 21, 2013
March 21, 2013 by
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. The Day will celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. Click here for the full text of the UN Resolution. Today is the first International Day of … [Read more...]
International Anti-Street Harassment Week, April 7-13
March 21, 2013 by
For the second consecutive year, The Women Worldwide Initiative (TWWI) is a co-sponsoring organization of International Anti-Street Harassment Week with Meet Us On the Street. From April 7-13, 2013, thousands of women and men across the United States and throughout the world in cities such as Cairo, Delhi, Istanbul, Montreal, Oslo, and Sana’a will participate in International Anti-Street Harassment Week to collectively raise awareness about gender-based street harassment. By collectively … [Read more...]
WAM: Women, Action & the Media!, March 23/24, 2013
March 21, 2013 by
Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press - Media Events March 23 - 24, 2013 Cambridge, MA USA Women, Action & the Media! Boston Film Festival 2013 Did you know that despite composing half of the population, only 23% of commercial films in the United States are produced by women? Only 7% are directed by women, and only 8% are written by women. The 3rd Annual WAM!Boston (Women, Action, and the Media) Film Festival looks to challenge this status quo by showcasing the latest … [Read more...]
International Day of Happiness celebrated March 20
March 20, 2013 by
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on 20 March. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012. Assembly Resolution A/RES/66/281 states in pertinent part: Balloons of Happiness The General Assembly, conscious that the 'pursuit of happiness' is a fundamental human goal, recognizing also the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, … [Read more...]
