Women for Women International was founded by Zainab Salbi in 1993, and has since
empowered more than 299,000 women survivors of war to reclaim their lives, with
direct aid, rights education, job skills training, and small business education,
distributing over ninety-five million dollars in direct aid. They have mobilized more
than 250,000 women and men in 130 countries to support women world-wide.
This
March there were 464 events in over 70 countries in which supporters met on the
second "Join Me on the Bridge" day for the 100th International Women's
Day.
Go to the Women for Women Bridge Event to see photos of the events,
or to their website, Women for Women, to find out
how you can get involved.
Their vision
“Women for Women International
envisions a world where no one is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalized;
where members of communities have full and equal participation in the processes
that ensure their health, well-being and economic independence; and where
everyone has the freedom to define the scope of their life, their future and
strive to achieve their full potential.”
My personal experience of The Bridge
I had the joy of meeting people -
women, and men - who care deeply about women victims of war - enough to take the
time to meet for this event on on the Duke Ellington Bridge, in Washington, DC. It was a cool, cloudy day and we held up
placards, and talked to passers-by about the need to care, and help. Some of the
women were college students, and a few were members of other women's groups. It
was a deeply inspiring experience, and I made new friends, and learned of some
local women's groups I will contact. It's a great feeling to get involved, and do
good. It empowers us, also, as we feel, and know that we can make a difference
in this troubled world. And that means a lot. That's me, second from the far left with the black boots and sunglasses!
