Sponsorship Updates

The Sponsorship Community Updates provide you, our dedicated sponsors, with the most up-to-date information on what is happening with the Sponsorship Program. It is our hope that these updates give you a better understanding of our work in the field, changes in our DC office and any other information that affects your sponsorship.

July 2008 - Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Donate $200,000 to Women for Women International

The Jolie-Pitt foundation announced a $200,000 pledge to Women for Women International’s program in Iraq to sponsor 300 women, and more than 1,000 children who will benefit.

“These educational support programs for children of conflict are the best way to help them heal.”
– Angelina Jolie

The donation will help mothers in Iraq to feed their children, pay for their school fees, and earn a sustainable income to support their families. Ms. Jolie has visited Iraq twice in the past year.

“We hope to encourage others to give to
these great organizations.”
– Brad Pitt

Highlights from Recent Letters

Exchanging letters with your sister is a powerful part of your sponsorship experience. Your letters bring hope, strength, and comfort to a woman in need, and give you the chance impact the life of your sponsored sister across the world. We want to share with you some special letters we recently received.

“I have become a real woman… contrary to what I was in
the past” - Sister letter from DRC

Dearest friend,
 
Receive warmest greetings from your friend. I am learning basic business skills because though these skills I learn will help me better my situation and that of my family.
         
I hope that even after the graduating I will be conducting on petty trade to
increase my economic level. The training I have received has helped me become a real woman contrary to what I was in the past; before I joined the program.
 
Yours, Aimerance

“When I don’t feel well I just remember that there is someone who loves me”

- Sister letter from Bosnia

Dearest Sister,
 
Thank you my dear sister, for sharing my sorrow with me. It makes it a bit easier…the war begun and I lost my two sons and a daughter and my husband. I had difficult times during the war. I was wounded very badly. There were lots of bullets and grenades. People were dying in front of my eyes and I wasn’t able to help. I brought some to my house and helped them with their wounds in order to survive. There were people and children who died in my hands.

God gave you to me because I was never a bad woman. I loved everyone and helped all people. I think of you as my real sister and consider your family as mine. When I don’t feel well I just remember that there is someone who loves me and cared about me. You are a fine woman with a lot of strength. Just like myself.
 
Best regards for you and your family, Your Sister Abdia

“I love being called your sister” - Sister letter from Sudan

Dear Sister,

I am actually blessed to have you as a sister. I really enjoy your letter. Thanks for your soothing letter. Our program here in the Sudan is very educative. We are learning basic skills such as entrepreneurship and marketing skills. We really gain from these training sessions.
 
I must also tell you that, I am glad because you have helped me both financially and socially. I love being called your sister. I will keep you in my prayers and please do know that you letters are important in my life. Have nice time and prosperous year!

With Love, Deborah

June 2008 - A Greener, More Peaceful World: Supporting Women Survivors of War and the Environment

Women for Women International’s commitment to creating a better world extends beyond our support of women survivors of war. We are also dedicated to the environment, and strive to help the women in our program make their communities environmentally conscious and ecologically resourceful. As we help women rebuild their lives, we work to create a greener, more peaceful world.

In Rwanda, we recently launched a new environmentally friendly program: the Commercial Integrated Farming Initiative (CIFI). The CIFI program is based on a partnership with an organic farming training center. Integrated farming practices enable women to grow a variety of crops and keep livestock on one piece of land. During the next three years, 3,000 Rwandan women will learn how to grow sustainable organic crops that they can sell in the market or use to feed their family.

The organic farming approach enriches the soil, replenishing nutrients so that it will continue to be fertile for future generations. We have secured funding for CIFI centers in Rwanda and Sudan, and hope to expand to Afghanistan in the near future.

In addition to organic farming, women in our Rwanda program continue to preserve the environment through their craft skills training programs. Women learn to weave reusable baskets and bags to replace plastic shopping bags, which are outlawed in Rwanda. They also use recycled materials to create beads for jewelry.

Cows_KosovoIn Kosovo, littering and trash removal is a serious problem. Many farmlands are covered in trash after the devastation of war. Kosovo Country Director Hamide Latifi explains that as people and areas recover from the war, “you will see it in how they take care of their land.” Women for Women International encourages this process by making clean land a condition for microcredit loans for farmers.

Our environmental initiatives are just one part of Women for Women International’s strategy to change the world, one woman at a time.

 

You can also help Women for Women International and the environment by “shopping green.”

Going Green: Support our Environmentally Friendly Partners

• Olive Smart is committed to providing attractive, quality products that encourage an Olive_Smartenvironmentally conscious lifestyle. The Olive Smart Sack contains six stylish reusable bags and is designed to fit easily into the cup holder of your car or in your bag so you will never forget to bring it with you on your shopping excursions. Visit www.olivesmart.com today and portion of the proceeds will be donated to Women for Women International.

 

 

 

Organic_Bouquet• Organic Bouquet flowers are grown and harvested using practices that aim to improve the quality of farm working conditions, minimize damage to ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic Bouquet will donate 10% of their proceeds to Women for Women International when you shop. Click here to order flowers that are sustainably grown and that help support women survivors of war!

• Beauty Society products are irritant free, cruelty free, fragrance free, environmentally friendly and dermatologist tested. Beauty Society also offers a refill and reuse recycling program for moisturizers and uses only biodegradable packing material in shipments. Click here 

 

May 2008 - Women for Women International’s New Blog: Bringing Home the Stories of Your Sisters

There’s a new way to learn more about Women for Women International, find out what’s happening in our field offices and get the latest updates on our program! Read stories direct from the field on our new blog “Notes from the Field” available online at www.womenforwomen.org/fieldnotes.

 

Notes from the Field: Updates from Rwanda and Kosova

“Always be Strong” by Erica Tavares

Today was a day of hopeful beginnings and joyful celebrations. We traveled 90 minutes outside of rwanda_blogKigali to Kayonza, Rwanda. There, we met with more than 250 women as they waited, in the sun and in the rain, to be enrolled in our program, eager for their chance to rebuild their lives.

They came early, walking up to two hours to arrive by 8 am. Some would wait for 5 or 6 hours for their chance to meet with our trainers for their enrollment interview. While the women waited, they were divided into groups of 20, gathered together by village. These women, neighbors in their communities, would become a future “training group,” attending their bi-weekly rights education classes together and providing the powerful emotional support to each other that so many say is critical to their success in the program.

At the end of the day, we celebrated with 160 women who had completed their 12 months in the program. With the strong beat of African drummers providing the powerful backdrop, women danced, sang and shared their courageous stories of how they found the strength to rebuild their lives after joining Women for Women International:

“I now have an opinion about the status of my country,” said one.

“I’ve learned how to save money for the future,” said another. 

“Now, I vote.” “I have started sending my daughters to school.” One after another, women stood and told us of the large and small ways they have changed their lives and the lives of their families. And after two hours of joyous celebration, we departed, with the women continuing to dance and sing as we walked toward the door. As we reluctantly prepared to head back to Kigali, Zainab left the women, our graduates, with this message: 

“Always be strong. I want you to always be strong.” 

Kosova


“Education for Women in Kosovo” by Trish Tobin

While visiting in Kosovo, I had the opportunity to meet with three courageous women who, after graduating from Women for Women International’s program, decided to go back and finish their secondary education. They came to Sadije’s house - Sadije is a graduate who hosts classes in her home. Tina (28), Elmiahate (26) and Afrodite (30) are from another village though, the village of Llapushnik.

kosovo_blogThere is a whole generation in Kosovo who have missed completing their education because of the war and for some because of the oppression before and during the war. After the war, the focus was on recovery of the basic needs - homes for those who lost theirs, returning to look for lost loved ones. Now the focus is on jobs, how to generate income to get by and to improve their standing. Returning to school wasn’t something most could afford - if they didn’t go to school in the “regular years” people typically didn’t go back. When asked, they tell me they “missed school,” a term that people understand means that they couldn’t go to school because of war.

These women who I met used their Women for Women International funds to pay for transportation and school fees and even more importantly, they have been lobbying the 16 women in their village in their same situation to also go back to school - so far 14 of the 16 have returned to school.

For more updates from the field, please visit www.womenforwomen.org/fieldnotes ww.womenforwomen.org/fieldnoteswww.womenforwomen.org/fieldnotes.www.womenforwomen.org/field

 

April 2008 - Majka, Mama, Mëmë: Celebrating Mother’s Day All over the World

Hiding to Survive – A Mother’s Story

Meet Elizabeth. Elizabeth is not a political activist. She is not a revolutionary. She is a mother in Southern Sudan who was willing to give her life so her daughter Athieng, could have a better one.

When Elizabeth’s husband decided their very young daughter should marry, Elizabeth did the unthinkable. She hid her daughter so that Athieng could get an education. Her courage nearly cost Elizabeth her life. Her time in prison and rejection from her family left her with five other children, no shelter, no clothes, no food and no means to survive. So she came to Women for Women International with one hope – that someone like you would give her and her children a second chance.

Elizabeth and her MotherAnd you did. Your generous support gave Elizabeth and her daughter a future beyond their dreams. Through donations and Sponsorship support, Elizabeth received job training, and attended rights awareness classes. Athieng is still in school and dreams of being a lawyer so she can defend people’s rights and help end the suffering in Sudan.

Elizabeth's story of love and courage is one all women can understand.

Gifts that Give Back – Help Women Survivors of War this Mother’s Day

earringsJewelry That Inspires - Give the special women in your life a beautiful piece of jewelry from Lucina Jewelry. Crafted with the help of Women for Women International graduates from Afghanistan, each accessory is filled with the beautiful story of resiliency, hope and opportunity. With each piece purchased, 20% of proceeds are returned to help more women survivors of war. 

flowersBeautiful Bouquet - Why send an ordinary bouquet of flowers when you can send a beautiful arrangement from Organic Bouquet and help Women for Women International at the same time. For each bouquet you send, Organic Bouquet gives back 10% of the purchase price to support Women for Women International.

 

 

March 2008 - The Greatest Silence - Rape in the Congo

The Greatest Silence - Rape in the Congo
Premieres on HBO April 8 at 10 pm ET check local listings
 

The most recent data indicates that more than 5.4 million people have been killed in the war and conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Human rights violations continue at staggering levels and rape as a weapon of war continues to be perpetrated.
 
Emmy Award winning producer and director Lisa F. Jackson visited the war zones in the eastern DRC and the offices of Women for Women International there.  She documented the tragic plight of women and girls in the country's intractable conflict and gave the women she interviewed the chance to break The Greatest Silence.  The film is a journey into a literal heart of darkness, a search for survivors who pay witness to their own experiences, and break the silence.
 
We encourage you to watch and share this information with friends to learn more about what is happening to women the DR Congo.  Please watch Tuesday, April 8 on HBO at 10pm or check you local listings for additional air times.

Women for Women International’s New Study Finds Iraqi Women Want Jobs, Security and National Unity

Women for Women International recently released the latest installment of our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations report series, designed to amplify the unheard voices of women in Iraq. Our 2008 Iraq report, featured by BBC World News, found that the current insecurity, lack of infrastructure and controversial leadership of Iraq has transformed the situation for women from relative autonomy and security into a national crisis.

Women for Women International surveyed more than 1,500 Iraqi women, finding that:

• 89% believe that someone in their family will be killed in the next year.
• 70% of women say their family cannot afford to pay for the necessities of daily life.
• 76% of respondents said that girls in their family are not allowed to attend school.
• 88% of women thought that the separation of people along ethnic or religious lines was a bad thing.

Women for Women International Founder and CEO Zainab Salbi recently returned to her native Iraq – her personal experiences and interactions with Iraqi women reflect the findings of the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations report.

“Peace—real peace—means that there are schools for children to attend, and that it is
safe for them to go. Peace means having three meals a day, a job, and a home to come
back to. It is time for women to be involved, not just in symbolic ways, but through full participation at every level, from the family dinner table to the highest levels of the government. Strong women lead to strong nations.”
-Zainab Salbi

Although women in Iraq face instability and hardships, sponsors like you are helping Women for Women International bring Iraqi women the skills and training they need to help rebuild their country. Since reopening our Iraq office in fall 2006, we have helped more than 2,900 women in Iraq. Thank you for your dedication to helping the women of Iraq.

Exciting Staff Updates

We are expanding our Sponsorship Team to better serve our sponsors and their sisters. Please join us in welcoming new Sponsorship Coordinators.

Sponsorship Coordinators
Priscilla Muntemba Taylor: Rwanda, DRC, Sudan
Elizabeth Walker: Bosnia, Kosova, Iraq
Sara Grigera: Afghanistan, Nigeria

February 2008 - Kosovo Declares Independence, International Women's Day 100th Anniversary

After years of conflict, Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia. While the women in our Kosovan Program have desired Independence, many of them were also quick to point out that there is also a strong need to resolve other Kosovan issues, such as the current unemployment situation.  Please visit www.womenforwomen.org/kosovo for an update from Kosovo Country Director, Hamide Latifi, about Kosovo's declaration of independence.

International Women’s Day 100th Anniversary: March 8th

This year International Women’s Day, March 8th, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. On International Women’s Day the entire world celebrates the spirit of global sisterhood that embodies Women for Women International.

Since 1908, International Women’s Day has been a day when women of diverse cultural, racial, religious, economic, and political backgrounds come together to commemorate their past achievements and inspire positive change for the future. International Women’s Day is recognized by many countries as a national holiday similar to Mother’s Day celebrations. Events ranging from political rallies, theatrical performances, government events, concerts and food markets take place in honor of sisters, wives, mothers and grandmothers.

Women for Women International’s chapter offices hold International Women’s Day ceremonies where women in our program come together to celebrate their sisterhood and blossoming education, success and independence. Your sister will participate in International Women’s Day through song, dance, speeches, and special foods. It is truly a day of celebration for you and your sister, and a powerful way for our voices to be heard.

Host an Event

With the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8 and Mother's Day on May 10, now is a perfect time to plan an event to raise awareness about Women for Women International. To host an event, just follow these three simple steps:

1. Contact Patty Pina, our Grassroots Marketing Officer, at ppina@womenforwomen.org or 202-737-7705 to sign-up and receive your planning kit and all the materials you need.

2. Select a location to host your event, like your home, a local restaurant, or a community center.

3. Invite your friends, family, co-workers and community to join you and learn how they can help change the world, one woman at a time.

As a special thank you to you and your event attendees, you will be invited to join a conference call with Women for Women International founder and CEO, Zainab Salbi, and Chief Marketing Officer, Trish Tobin, at 3pm ET on March 8. Zainab and Trish will talk about how Women for Women International is playing an integral part in the advancement of women in war-ravaged parts of the world.

 

March 8th Run for Congo Women Event: Frederick, Maryland

Join Run for Congo Women for its March 8th 5k Walk/Run in Frederick, Maryland and with every step you can help change the lives of women in our Congo program. For details on the Frederick run, or for more information on upcoming runs in your area, registration, or how to organize a run in your community please visit www.runforcongowomen.org. 

Purses with Purpose: Handbags to Support Women Survivors of War

Now you can show your support for Women for Women International every day with a Flashbag handbag! Flashbags are unique handmade handbags created from eye-catching images or your own personal photos. Flashbag’s new handbags feature photos of women in our programs, and if you purchase a Women for Women International Flashbag, 10% of the proceeds will benefit our organization.

Women for Women International kicked off 2008 with CBS News show 60 Minutes featuring our program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Anderson Cooper reports that although the civil war in the Congo is an ethnic conflict, gender has become a crucial factor, too, as women are bearing the brunt of one of the horrible weapons used in the war: rape.

January 2008 - Women for Women International on 60 Minutes:

Anderson Cooper reports from the DR Congo

Women for Women International kicked off 2008 with CBS News show 60 Minutes featuring our program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Anderson Cooper reports that although the civil war in the Congo is an ethnic conflict, gender has become a crucial factor, too, as women are bearing the brunt of one of the horrible weapons used in the war: rape.

60 Minutes’ “War against Women” report tells the story of Lucienne- a Congolese rape survivor who is rebuilding her life with the help of Women for Women International.

Lucienne’s Story “My husband was on a business trip when Hutu soldiers broke into our home.  I had my baby in my arms.  They pulled it away from me and threw [her] aside.  They pulled me and tied my arms behind my back with a rope together with my sister-in-law.  They dragged us out…”  Lucienne was then brutally raped in front of her own brother- whom they killed because he wouldn’t watch.  Her sister-in-law was also killed because two men couldn’t decide who should have her as a wife- so they killed her to “solve their problem.”

The soldiers took Lucienne as a sex slave.  After three and a half tortuous months Lucienne was rescued, but “When my husband heard I was back, he said he would not remain with the [rapists] wife.  He stopped me from coming to his farms.  I had to live at my father’s old friend’s place, where I sleep with my children on the floor…”

Today Lucienne’s life is looking up thanks to Women for Women International and generous help from people like you.  “Joining the program has been a salvation…my life has changed my children are healthy.  I used my sponsorship funds to pay for medical treatments for them.  I recovered confidence through the [Women for Women International] training.”

 

Support Women Survivors of War this Valentine’s Day

Surprise your Valentine with a bouquet of eco-friendly roses and Organic Bouquet will include a FREE heart shaped box of organic chocolates.  With each purchase Organic Bouquet will donate 10% to Women for Women International.  Please visit www.organicbouquet.com/wfwfreechoc (offer expires February 20, 2008.)

Tax Receipt Reminder

Women for Women International’s Tax ID# is 52-1838756.  Your sponsorship contributions to Women for Women International may be tax deductible under US law.  Tax receipts will be sent by January 31, 2008 and will detail the total amount of your tax-deductible contributions from 2007.  Please consult with your tax advisor for further information.  If you have additional questions, please contact our Finance Department at finance@womenforwomen.org or 202-737-7705.

December 2007 - Celebrating the New Year across the Globe

As the New Year approaches, we wanted to share with you the many different ways your sister may be celebrating. This holiday season, write to your sister to tell her about your New Year’s traditions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo:  New Year’s is the most popular holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and is celebrated as a non-religious holiday when members of all faiths come together. New Year’s traditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are similar to Christmas in the United States. There is usually a New Year’s tree and gifts from “Grandpa Snow” for the children.

Women in Kosovo sing and dance.

Afghanistan:  Afghanistan’s traditional New Year is called Nau Roz, which means “new day” and is celebrated on the first day of spring. During the celebration lavish meals are prepared, including samanak and haft-mehwah. Samanak is a dessert made of wheat and sugar. Haft-mehwah consists of seven fruits and nuts to symbolize spring.

Women in Rwanda.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda:  New Year’s Eve in the

DRC is a modest celebration – many families go to church in the evening and then return home to spend time together. In Rwanda, families gather on New Year’s Eve to enjoy a meal which includes meat if available, and local drinks. In addition, many families make new clothes for the New Year.

Iraq:  The celebration of New Year’s Eve on December 31 in Iraq is similar to celebrations in the US. Enjoyed primarily by the young and the middle and upper classes, New Year’s Eve is often marked with lavish meals, parties, and celebrations in the street. Iraqi Kurds celebrate Nowruz, similar to the celebration of Nau Roz in Afghanistan.   Nigeria:  Nigeria’s New Year’s celebration is called Odum Titun. During this time, families often gather with friends and loved ones. While some people choose to celebrate quietly at home, others attend festive parties that often include fireworks. In addition, many Christians mark the holiday by attending a traditional midnight mass on December 31.

Sudan:  January 1 is the anniversary of Sudanese independence from colonial rule. It is celebrated with military parades in the streets and families gathering for meals, singing and dancing to give thanks not only for the New Year, but also for new opportunities for the country.

Exciting Updates from Women for Women International

Make a Tribute Gift with Confidence We just received a four-star rating – the highest ranking given to a nonprofit by Charity Navigator – for the fourth year in a row! Now is a great time to make your tax-deductible year-end gift to honor someone special. And with our four-star rating from Charity Navigator, you can donate with confidence. For more information, please visit Charity Navigator.

Vote for Women for Women International on the Working Assets Donations Ballot!

Are you a member of Working Assets? Help fund Women for WomenInternational by voting for us on the 2007 Donations Ballot! Go to http://www.WorkingAssets.com/vote.

By filling out the Working Assets 2007 Donations Ballot, you can vote to allocate this year’s funding to Women for Women International. The distribution of funds is determined solely by how many votes each group receives. The more votes you give us, the more money we get. It's that simple.

Watch a Sponsor and her Sister Meet at the Gala More than 800 people attended the 2007 Awards Gala to celebrate our awardees and honor the courage and resilience of the women in our program. The heartwarming highlight of the evening was when sponsor Liz Hammer and her sister Violette met for the first time. Shop for Jewelry Made by Afghan Graduates Lucina Jewelry brings together the craftsmanship of artisans in developing countries and the talents of American designers to create indulgent jewelry. Lucina designers use exquisite fluorite gemstones hand-carved by graduates of Women for Women International's Afghanistan program. Visit www.lucinajewelry.com to shop the Women for Women International Collection of beautiful bracelets, earrings and necklaces today!

November 2007 - Success in 2007: Helping Stronger Women Build Stronger Nations

As 2007 draws to a close, we want to celebrate that more than 53,000 women transformed their lives through Women for Women International's program this year! Thanks to your support, these women now have enough money to feed their children and send them to school. The rights awareness and job training they received this year will bring self-confidence and help to earn an income. Most importantly, in 2007 more than 53,000 women gained hope for a better future. Here are some other exciting developments from this year: 

• Micro-credit Loans: In 2007, more than 6,000 women received micro-credit loans that allowed them to start and run their own businesses – for a total of $8.2 million. One program participant who received a life-changing loan says, "I am the new definition of a business woman."

 •  Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Report: Women for Women International conducted an in-depth report that gave the women of Kosovo a voice in rebuilding their nation in 2007. We surveyed more than 1,600 Kosovar women who said that economic, social, and political issues are at the top of their agenda for change. More than 89% of women surveyed expressed hope and optimism for their nation's future. Read the report on our web site: www.womenforwomen.org/kosovo.

Women in one of the first trainings in the Sudan.

• Sudan Sponsorship: After facing many challenges in this devastated region, the Sudan Sponsorship Program opened in 2007, providing the women of southern Sudan with the literacy and business skills that they need to rebuild their lives

• Improving Letter Exchange: This year we exchanged more than 95,000 letters between sponsors and their sisters! We also analyzed the letter program in each of our field offices to help improve letter exchange and strengthen the bond between you and your sister.

• Taking Action Against the Rape Epidemic in DR Congo: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, violence against women continues to increase, making our sponsorship program work as important as ever.  In October, the New York Times reported that "women are raped, mutilated and kept as sex slaves, then they are turned away from their families and left with no hope to rebuild their lives." We've seen evidence of the increasing problem in the number of women literally lining up at our gates in DR Congo for their chance to be sponsored.  Thanks to you and all of our supporters we're increasing the number of women we serve there.  If you haven't seen the e-mail update on the increasing state of violence and need in DR Congo – please visit www.womenforwomen.org/congowomen. 

As the year ends, now is the perfect time to send a tax-deductible donation. With your generosity we can ensure that in 2008, we will help more women on their journey from victim to survivor to active citizen.

Just in time for your winter celebrations!

Organic Bouquet is offering a handmade herb wreath that is beautifully crafted using fresh certified organic Rosemary, Thyme and natural Bay leaves, accented with fresh organic red Chili Peppers for a splash of eye-catching color. This wreath provides up to a year's supply of culinary herbs! Visit

www.organicbouquet.com/wfw3hwreath to purchase the Three Herb Wreath and support women survivors of war. Organic Bouquet will donate 10% of your purchase to Women for Women International.

Watch our Videos 

Please take a moment to view some of the videos we've posted with updates from the field and share your favorite with a friend.  They are now easy to find on our site at www.womenforwomen.org/watch.

October 2007 - Special Security Challenges: Sponsorship in Iraq

Every week stories of explosions, unrest and the climbing death toll in Iraq fill the news. But we don’t often hear about the reality of daily life in Iraq. The women of Iraq face unfathomable challenges each day. They cope with strict curfews and long power outages and live in a constant state of fear. What jobs they did have, they can no longer get to – causing increasing levels of economic hardship. Although the security situation poses serious obstacles to women in our program, they keep attending classes because their will to learn and improve their lives is unshakable.

We have 1,000 women in Iraq waiting at our doors for their chance to be sponsored – and to change their lives and the lives of their children. Will you consider sponsoring a woman in Iraq today? Due to the tenuous security situation, women in our Iraq program cannot exchange letters with their sponsors, but they are still in desperate need of the education, training, and support your sponsorship will provide. Your commitment will give a woman the tools she needs to rebuild her life and build a more secure and peaceful nation.

Consider taking on another sister in Iraq today and give her knowledge, confidence and courage. Or spread the word to a friend or family member who may be interested in sponsoring an Iraqi woman..

 

Writing to Your Sister this Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, we know you may want to send good wishes to your sister, or perhaps even add her to your gift list. Now is the perfect time to send your sister a card, so she’ll read it in time for the New Year! Please note that your sister may celebrate Ramadan, Christmas or other holidays.

Also, we would like to take this time to remind you of the gift-giving policies at Women for Women International. We understand that many sponsors want to share above and beyond the sponsorship funds and letters they send each month. However, due to customs duties and the high cost of overseas shipping, there is a limit to what you can send. Feel free to send any of the following flat, paper items.

 

  • Greeting cards: You can send a greeting card to your sister in place of a letter to share holiday cheer.

  • Photos:  Send your sister photos of you and your family, your house, your town, a holiday tradition, or another special moment in your life.

  • Postcards:  A postcard from a vacation or your hometown can give your sister an idea of where you live. 

  • Stationery:  Send 5-10 sheets of small stationery or note cards that your sister can use to write to you.  Envelopes aren’t necessary, since all mail goes through our offices.

  • Map:  Send an 8 by 11 inch or smaller map of your hometown or state. 

  • Drawings:  Share your children’s creativity by having them draw a picture for your sister and her family. 

Please attach items securely to your letter and label them with your sister’s full name, woman group and country to ensure delivery. Please note that we cannot send any items that are not listed above. Please do not send jewelry of any kind, books of any kind, clothing or pieces of cloth, hand-knitted small items, cosmetics, seeds, food or candy, toys or any other non-paper, non-flat items.

The correspondence between you and your sister is an important element in the Sponsorship Program. Letters are the ultimate source of support and inspiration for your sister. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact the sponsorship team at sponsorship@ womenforwomen.org or (202) 737.7705.

September 2007 - Women for Women International is featured in President Clinton's new book Giving

In his new book, President Clinton tells the story of Women for Women International and our founder Zainab Salbi.  He writes about the connections sponsors and their sisters make, and how life changing the experience can be.  "We all have the capacity to do great things," President Clinton says. "My hope is that the people and stories in this book will lift spirits, touch hearts, and demonstrate that citizen activism and service can be a powerful agent of change in the world."

Special Reminder – Iraq Sponsorship Program

We have 800 women in Iraq that are waiting for their chance to be sponsored – and to change their lives and the lives of their children.  Will you consider taking on an additional sponsorship of a woman in Iraq today? Due to the tenuous security situation, women in our Iraq program cannot exchange letters with their sponsors, but are still in desperate need of the education and training your sponsorship will provide.  Your commitment will give a woman the tools she needs to rebuild her life and build a more secure and peaceful nation. Contact us at sponsorship@womenforwomen.org to add a sister in Iraq and change another woman's life today.

Learn more about our program in Iraq. 

August 2007 -  Summer Reading: Inspiration into Action

Summer reading is a perfect opportunity to learn more about women survivors of war. Whether it is a heart-wrenching narrative or a detailed historical account, books can offer insight into the culture and life of your sister. But reading about women's struggle for peace can do more than increase your awareness. Sharing stories of women survivors of war can also open dialogues, build communities and bring change.

Inspired by Women for Women International President and Founder Zainab Salbi's memoir Between Two Worlds, Janice Maffei and her book group decided to take action. They formed giving circles to reach out and educate others about the work of Women for Women International and encourage them to make a difference. "What we thought might be a challenge has become a joy," Janice says. "We have found that women are hungry to help and be in community with other women." Today, Janice and her friends have recruited over 200 members and raised $25,000 to support women survivors of war. To learn more about Janice's book club, check out the latest edition of Outreach, Women for Women International's newsletter, in the mail or read it online.

Other sponsors have used books to increase awareness in their community. A Women for Women International sponsor in California, Wiloe Poehlmann, took action by creating a book-swap fundraiser. She gathered friends and encouraged them to bring a book and a donation to her meeting. Each person left with a new book and the proceeds benefited women survivors of war through Women for Women International.

Women for Women International Country Directors pose with supporter Stacey Edgar  during last year's The Other Side of War book tour in a Colorado Barnes and Noble. 

You can also spread the word about Women for Women International by recommending books written by Zainab Salbi to friends or to your book club:

- Between Two Worlds details Women for Women International President and Founder Zainab Salbi's personal story of survival. When she was eleven years old Zainab's father became Saddam Hussein's personal pilot. Her memoir shares the horror of growing up in Saddam's shadow, her escape from her war-torn country, the challenges she faced in the United States, and her journey to become a leader for women's rights around the world.

- The Other Side of War takes readers into the heart of Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Sudan. Its images and stories chronicle the consequences of war left out of the headlines – the side of war that is imprinted on the faces of the women who endure its devastation.

Find more ways to Get Involved.

Special Reminder – Iraq Sponsorship Program

We have 1,000 women in Iraq that are waiting for their chance to be sponsored – and to change their lives and the lives of their children.  Will you consider taking on an additional sponsorship of a woman in Iraq today?  Due to the tenuous security situation, women in our Iraq program cannot exchange letters with their sponsors, but are still in desperate need of the education and training your sponsorship will provide.  Your commitment will give her the tools she needs to rebuild her life and build a more secure and peaceful nation.  Contact us at sponsorship@womenforwomen.org to change another woman's life today!

July 2007 - What You May Not Know About the Power of Your Letters…

The letter you send may be the first letter your sister has ever received.

Not only are many women we work with disadvantaged, they are the most socially excluded people in their own cultures. Receiving a letter addressed to them is something many women could not have conceived of before enrolling in Women for Women International's program.

Exchanging letters is new to many of the cultures we work with. For many women, writing and receiving letters is completely foreign to them. It is their first expression of freedom and self-confidence.

"I am happy to have a chance to write to you because I have never before written a letter to anyone. The first person I write to is you."

– Kosovo Participant

You don't have to wait for a reply to write again. We encourage you to write letters even if you haven't received a response. Your letters do make a difference to the women we serve whether you have received a reply or not.

"I was so glad to see your letter. I felt tears surrounding in my eyes. I come to realize that I have another family." – Rwandan Participant

A letter or a picture is precious to your sister and her community. When a sister receives a letter she shares it with the women in her training group.  Women who have not received a letter also then get to share in the feeling of being acknowledged and supported. Many women cherish letters and pictures from their sponsors and carry them as precious possessions.

Most importantly, your letter will let your sister know that she is not alone. For many women in our program, violence and rape have destroyed their sense of self-worth. It is hard for them to believe that someone across the world could care about them. Writing your sister a letter shows that you believe in her, renewing her sense of hope for a better future.

                         How to Write a Letter to Your Sister Please mail your sister's letter to our office at 4455 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington DC, 20008. You can also send your letter via email to sponsorship@womenforwomen.org. Be sure to include the following information on your letter:

  • Your full name
  • Your sponsor ID number 
  • Your sister's country
  • Your sister's full name
  • Your sister's woman group

We will send the letter to our field office as soon as possible, where it will be translated and hand delivered to your sister.  If you have any questions about writing letters, please contact us at sponsorship@womenforwomen.org.

June 2007 - Building a Path to a Better Life: Vestine’s Journey

After war ravaged her country and destroyed the life she knew, Vestine Uwimana faced the impossible challenge of finding her way home. Not just a place to sleep, but a place where she and her children could feel safe. A place where she could provide them with food and an education. A home where she felt like a complete woman again. With the help of Women for Women International, Vestine gained training that guided her on her journey to a new life.

Before war broke out in Rwanda, Vestine was married to a man of a different ethnicity and had four young children. On April 6th 1994, her multi-ethnic family became a target of one of most horrific genocides in Africa’s history. Massacres swept across the country leaving more than 800,000 people dead in the span of four months. Vestine was desperate to protect her children. She took her family and fled to the Tanzanian border facing roadblocks and mass hysteria along the way.

Vestine and her family were lucky to escape from Rwanda with their lives. The Tanzanian refugee camps were swarmed with other survivors fleeing from the slaughter. Vestine thought she had found a safe haven, but the horror had only begun. She was persecuted for her ethnic identity. Then her husband was murdered by Tanzanian soldiers, leaving her alone with four young children.

Once the genocide in Rwanda ended, all Vestine wanted was to return home to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. She was refused when she tried to board a bus taking refugees back to Rwanda. She had no choice but to walk hundreds of miles home with her children.

After her long journey, Vestine returned to Rwanda to find that although the killing had stopped, the wounds of ethnic strife were still fresh. She faced hatred and rejection from her husband’s family.

Vestine remained compassionate despite her hardships. She adopted two children orphaned by the genocide – a young boy and a mute girl. In addition, Vestine’s youngest child developed a physical disability. As a single mother, she struggled to provide for her six children, especially those with special needs. She joined Women for Women International hoping to find a way to improve her life.

With her sponsorship funds Vestine was able to send all her children to school, including her youngest disabled child. She bought mattresses and blankets so that her children would have a warm and comfortable place to sleep. After joining Women for Women International’s program, Vestine found a way to forgive and reconcile with her mother-in-law. She also purchased a cow, a goat and two pieces of land where she plants rice. With the money she earns from farming she is able to provide for her family.

Vestine’s journey was long and difficult, but with help from Women for Women International she now is an independent woman who has given her family a place to call home.

May 2007 - Giving Hope to Mothers and their Children: Bobette and Claire’s Story

Like mothers across the world, the greatest hope for women in our program is to ensure that their children are safe and healthy. In the wake of devastating conflict, this basic and universal need motivates mothers to rebuild their lives with the help of Women for Women International.

When Claire, a participant in our Rwandan program, discovered that she unknowingly infected her baby with HIV, she was devastated. Claire’s daughter Bobette is small and frail for a six-year old. She lives each day with the burden of the disease that is weakening her immune system. In poverty and with her own health failing, Claire struggled to provide food for her daughter. She could not afford the costs of expensive medication. Facing dire challenges, Claire turned to Women for Women International for a chance to build a better life for Bobette.

Women for Women International offers rights and health awareness training that educates women about the rampant spread of HIV and AIDS. In Rwanda, an estimated 250,000 people are infected with HIV. As of 2001, 160,000 children have been orphaned by the disease. HIV can be spread from mothers to their children before birth, during birth and through breast-feeding. Mother-to-child transmission accounts for 90 percent of HIV infections worldwide in children and infants. Women for Women International’s reproductive health training teaches women the importance of HIV testing and prevention.

With the knowledge and assistance she received from Women for Women International, Claire is working to improve life for her family and community. While she was being sponsored, she used her monthly funds to buy food and medicine for Bobette and care for her mother and HIV-positive husband.

When Claire graduated she joined a cooperative with some of her fellow graduates. They pooled their money and purchased a grinding mill. The cooperative offers grinding services for wheat, corn and other grains. She told our staff in Rwanda that there are other grinding services in her community, but people choose to purchase services from them because they want to support businesswomen in their community. Claire is attending school to learn English and hopes to one day study medicine, inspired by her own situation.

Claire is an active member of her community. She teaches women about the importance of early HIV testing and ways HIV positive women can safeguard their unborn babies. Thanks to her increased awareness, Claire was able to protect her younger child from infection, and Bobette’s baby brother is HIV free.

Most importantly, Claire now has the tools to ensure that Bobette remains healthy and will have a mother who can love and protect her.

See a video about Bobette and Claire today. Thank you for the support you show mothers around the world!

Special Reminder – Iraq Sponsorship Program

We are in great need of sponsors to support the women we serve in Iraq. We are currently serving over 820 women in Iraq and plan to grow to 1,500 by the end of year. Because of the dire security situation there, sponsors and participants cannot exchange letters at this time. If you or someone you know would be interested in sponsoring a woman in Iraq, please contact us at . 

 

April 2007 - Engaging Men in “Women’s Issues”: Inclusive Approaches to Gender and Development

As a follow-up to our update on our Men’s Leadership Program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we invite you to read the latest issue of Critical Half, our bi-annual journal. Critical Half is a publication of Women for Women International devoted to the exchange of ideas and insight encountered by practitioners in the field of gender, development, conflict and post-conflict reconstruction.

Over the course of 14 years of working on gender and development issues, Women for Women International has seen how cultural norms regarding female roles often prevent women from realizing their economic, social and political potential. Men frequently play pivotal roles in maintaining these norms - it is our belief that we cannot overlook opportunities to develop partnerships for change between women and men.

In the Winter 2007 issue of Critical Half, entitled Engaging Men in “Women’s Issues”: Inclusive Approaches to Gender and Development, we present the programs and observations of several individuals and organizations who work with men to promote gender equality. Articles explore men’s perceptions of gender roles; men’s opinions of “women’s empowerment”; factors and incentives that influence men’s receptiveness to economic, social and political programs for women; obstacles faced by men who wish to implement change in their communities; and proven strategies to create partnerships with men to positively transform gender relations. 

Readers will no doubt notice that most of the Critical Half articles present examples from sub-Saharan Africa. Interestingly, it appears that many initiatives that engage men are currently operating in that region. The need to involve men in gender issues, however, is a universal concern, and it is our hope that by showcasing work with men in several African communities we can provide insight and inspire debate among other communities around the world who are searching for innovative and sustainable methods to transform gender relations and better the lives of all.   

Read this issue of Critical Half today.

Support a Woman Survivor of War this Mother’s Day

Instead of buying flowers or perfume, why not do something truly meaningful to honor a woman in your life?

Make a Mother's Day gift to Women for Women International.

We'll send your recipient a beautiful Mother's Day card telling her that a donation has been made in her honor. Your gift will help a mother in a war-torn nation realize the most cherished dream of mothers around the world - to care for her children and provide them with a future. At the same time, it will be a moving symbol of how deeply you care for your honoree - and for mothers everywhere that are working toward a brighter future.