As the founder of SANGRAM, an Indian non-governmental organisation that works with sex workers to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, Meena Seshu has strongly lobbied against the image of sex workers as powerless, irresponsible or even deserving of harm. Based in rural Maharashtra, the group seeks to empower the workers – most of whom are women – to form collectives and lobby for their rights. Here Seshu explains that in order to help reduce their vulnerability to HIV, any efforts must first help … [Read more...]
Catherine MacKinnon – WOMAN of ACTION™
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this woman, one that is devoting her life to ground-breaking solutions to one of our world's deepest subjects: Sexual Harassment and civil rights. Her life has contributed throughout the woman's movement in areas of prostitution and as global advisor on Gender Issues. WOMAN of ACTION™ Catherine MacKinnon Will the word “Woman,” like the word “Jew” finally come to stand for a reality of abuse that … [Read more...]
“Equality of Women Among Women”
A Celebration of Women™ Let us begin by saying that our vision includes the following solution to all gender issues: "Equality of Women Among Women" . A Celebration of Women™ is the first global forum where Women Leaders are being 'celebrated’ for spearheading positive action that betters the live of all women. Through the creation of our Alumni of WOMEN of ACTION™, a butterfly effect has begun, creating positive change for the Women of our World. We are advocating for, centralizing, … [Read more...]
Moldova: UN Trust Fund supports victims of human trafficking
When Dana read an advert from a travel agency inviting women from the Republic of Moldova to spend a summer in Italy working as waitresses in a nightclub, she did not think twice about seizing the opportunity. The 19-year-old had long dreamed of going to Italy; now she could do so - and even earn good money. Dana responded to the ad and soon after made the fateful journey from her country, nestled between Ukraine and Romania, west to Italy. Upon arrival, Dana found herself trapped in a … [Read more...]
Bahamas: Wendy’s restaurants fight human trafficking
May 2012 - Wendy's Bahamas, a franchise of the Wendy's international fast food chain, has joined with the United Nations Global Initiative To Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) and the new Bahamas National Trafficking-in-Persons Task Force to launch a unique "anti-trafficking-in-persons" tray liner in its ten restaurants in Nassau and Grand Bahama. For a month, all Wendy's Bahamas restaurants will serve food on tray liners that explain to people the different forms of human trafficking, … [Read more...]
BOGOTA – Margot Wallström hears stories of sexual violence
Margot Wallström hears stories from survivors of sexual violence in an IDP community, 100 km from Bogota, Colombia. UN Photo/R. Riveros Colombia must increase its efforts to fight impunity for crimes of sexual violence, a United Nations envoy said today, adding that such efforts should be paired with assistance to survivors and victims.“I understand that the country as a whole wants to look to the future, instead of dwelling on the past, but there can be no lasting peace without security … [Read more...]
SUMMIT PHOTOS – memories …
...the Stage is Set .... Master of Ceremony, Tom Corrigan and welcome speaker, Monika Burwise plan and prepare for the stage .... ...the Women are waking up ... ...DR. LORETTA CHEN wakes up the women of our world, during morning start. ...ALL the way from SOUTH AFRICA - Rosetta Stander and Mama Zuma are loved by all !!! The FWORD'S FANTASY Vignette rocks room to the core with her expose on the sufferings of Human Trafficking ...DWAYNE … [Read more...]
WOMEN are at higher risk during climate disasters says UN
Women are facing high risks to their livelihoods and health due to climate change, according to a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The report, which focuses on the effects of climate change on women, was released Tuesday at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP17) in Durban, South Africa. UNEP says that women living in mountainous regions in developing countries are particularly vulnerable. In parts of Asia and Africa, where majority of farmers are females, … [Read more...]
The ‘Whistleblower’ – real life story of post-war Bosnia
The film “The Whistleblower” was screened yesterday at the UN The film "The Whistleblower" was screened yesterday at the UN followed by a panel discussion addressing the issue of sex trafficking in post-war Bosnia. Directed by first time filmmaker Larysa Kondracki and inspired by actual events the film tells the story of Kathryn Bolkovac, an American police officer who uncovers a scheme by contractors and peacekeepers paying for prostitutes and participating in sex-trafficking. … [Read more...]
COLUMBIA: Blue Heart & Caracol merge against Human Trafficking!
"Letter of Intent" between UNODC and CARACOL, one of Colombia's biggest broadcasting Corporations 29 September 2011 - Colombia is the latest country to join the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking, with the signature of a "letter of intent" between UNODC and one of Colombia's biggest broadcasting corporations, Caracol. This corporate social responsibility agreement will heighten awareness of human trafficking among a wider audience, especially vulnerable groups … [Read more...]
Querétaro: the world’s first ‘Blue Heart City’
Querétaro: the world's first 'Blue Heart City' September 2011 - In a move aimed at bolstering national efforts to combat and prevent human trafficking, Mexico became the first country in the world to adopt the UNODC-led Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking in April 2010. As an international symbol to promote the rights of human trafficking victims, the Blue Heart encourages officials, civil society and members of the public across the globe to take a stand against what is … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan – Gender Violence Addressed in Community Theatre
Using Community Theatre to Address Gender Violence in Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — In June 2010, southern Kyrgyzstan was ravaged by inter-ethnic clashes that devastated communities throughout the region. During the course of a few weeks, hundreds of houses were burnt, public facilities were destroyed, thousands were injured and more than 300,000 people were displaced – most of whom were children and women. Several cases of gender-based violence were reported, including … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan – Gender Violence Addressed in Community Theatre
Using Community Theatre to Address Gender Violence in Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — In June 2010, southern Kyrgyzstan was ravaged by inter-ethnic clashes that devastated communities throughout the region. During the course of a few weeks, hundreds of houses were burnt, public facilities were destroyed, thousands were injured and more than 300,000 people were displaced – most of whom were children and women. Several cases of gender-based violence were reported, including … [Read more...]