CORRECTION: You can set the agenda for women's human rights

[Rafael Aviles]

Correction: In our February newsletter we referred to this year as the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war. This year is the sixth anniversary of the Iraq war. The updated version is below.  Having trouble seeing this? Read it online. February 2009 Dear R, This week, women from around the world will gather in New York for the 53rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). With a new president in office, it's a good opportunity to define the role we want the United States to play in the lives of women around the world. The relief we all felt when we finally got rid of Bush is still palpable. But we can't rest for a minute now that there's a chance our calls for change might elicit a response from Washington. Last month, we introduced a section on MADRE's blog for you, our members, to communicate your hopes and desires for the future during this next administration. As the discussion develops, we will create petition letters on each of these issues - using your input - and gather signatures.  We'll send the messages to key contacts at the Obama administration and use them as a starting point to keep pushing them with our advocacy efforts, until we have the policies we need. All of us at MADRE are absolutely committed to using this opportunity to secure permanent change in the lives of so many women around the world - women for whom winning human rights has always been a matter of life or death. I continue to look forward to working together. In peace and justice, Vivian Get Involved Iraq: Your Chance to Build a New Agenda With the sixth anniversary of the Iraq war approaching, it's time for a better strategy in Iraq. Help us shape a plan that's better than a continuation of war. What do you think needs to happen? Help us write the letter that we will send to Congress and President Obama on the occasion of the sixth anniversary. Take part>> Who Inspires You? In honor of Women's Month, we've been thinking about the people who inspire us to want to change the world. We started making a video, but it won't be complete until we hear from you! Help us make a tribute to the people who have made a difference in your lives too.  We want to know: who inspires you? Take part>> MADRE News & Views Palestine: Gaza Emergency Response Update Just days after the Israeli airstrikes against Gaza began, MADRE was working to facilitate an emergency response to the rising crisis. Relying on our partnership with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, MADRE was able to channel life-saving support into areas in Gaza where it was most needed. Learn more>> Nicaragua: Harvesting Hope Project Update Together with our long-time sister organization, Wangki Tangni, in Nicaragua, MADRE continues to work on Harvesting Hope, a project that provides both seeds and training to women whose families struggle with malnutrition. A recent shipment provided organic seeds to over 80 families and 30 community gardens. Learn more>> Sudan: Women Farmers Unite Project Update The Women Farmers Union in Sudan that MADRE helped to found only two years ago has already grown to over 2000 members. This summer seeds were distributed to over 20 villages by union members, and local coordinators have been working with farmers to provide support and resources. Learn more>> Un-Gagging Women's Human Rights: a MADRE Article Of the many crises President Barack Obama faces, few are more urgent than preventing the needless deaths of half a million people this year. This is the number of women who die annually from a lack of basic reproductive health services. Unlike the global recession and climate change, the crisis of maternal mortality is easily resolved. Read more>> IN THIS ISSUE:   • Get Involved   • MADRE News & Views Make a Difference. Find beautiful gifts from around the world at MADRE's Webstore Sign up to receive updates from MADRE's Blog! Read MADRE's Winter Book Club Selection: A Tale of the Dispossessed by Laura Restrepo Help us promote MADRE: MADRE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization MADRE · 121 West 27th Street, #301 · New York, NY 10001 · (212) 627-0444 · www.madre.org You are receiving this email because the email address rafae...@yahoo.com was subscribed to our email list. To remove yourself from this mailing, please visit our unsubscribe page.