Somali Peacemaker Honored at Peace Conference
Somali Peacemaker honored at Conference at Weber State
Odgen, Utah The Worldwide Organization for Women in partnership with Weber State University recently concluded ‘Women and their Worldwide Influence for Peace’, a conference which highlighted women around the world working for peaceful resolutions to conflict. Conference events began in Utah on October 7th and will end in Washington D.C October 17th.
Asha Hagi Elmi Amin, the keynote speaker at the conference was awarded the Worldwide Organization for Women’s Women and their Influence for Good award at an Award’s Luncheon held in the Weber State University Ballroom on October 10th. She spoke during the luncheon about the need for WOW’s three pillars; education, advocacy and humanitarian work in order for the world to find peace for families. The conference was sponsored by WOW and Weber State University, the Department of Geography, the Women’s Study Program and the Diversity Office.
Asha Hagi Elmi Amin founded Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) a woman run non-governmental humanitarian organization in Mogadishu in 1992. SSWC works to create a safe and sustainable situation for women by helping them overcome marginalization, violence and poverty in their communities. It is a non-profit organization that functions under the belief that through their own efforts as well as with help from local and international allies, women can transform their own lives and their communities. Amin has been involved for many years in peace negotiations and has met in recent months with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Amin was recently honored in New York City at the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative on Thursday September 24, 2009. She was awarded one of six 2009 Clinton Global Citizen Awards which recognizes remarkable individuals for their leadership in improving the lives of people around the globe.
Other speakers during the daylong Conference included:
Valerie Hudson, the author of Bare Branches and a Professor of Political Science at Brigham Young University. Hudson presented findings from her research called WomanStats. She has spent seven years studying the connection between the treatment of women and the peacefulness of nations. Her insight and vast experience gives a better understanding of the need to speak out for those who are marginalized in society.
Afton Beutler, Vice President for International Affairs for the Worldwide Organization for Women in Geneva. Beutler is involved in: humanitarian projects, advocacy for women, children and families, issues of health, peace, human rights and climate change, the Eleanor Roosevelt Project on behalf of WOW and the Geneva internship program. New York UN Representative, Suvi Hynynen along with some of the Geneva interns shared their experiences about being part of the advocacy and educational process at the UN as a positive influence for change.
Carol Ugochukwu, the current Executive Director of WOW-Africa. Ugochukwu strongly advocates for community and self development projects. Ugochukwu was elected the State President and National Vice-President for the National Council of Women’s Societies of Nigeria. Ugochukwu was instrumental in building a bridge in her village of Ozubulu.
Ramita Shrestha, the Manager for ‘JOY Foundation-Nepal.’ Shrestha takes a proactive stance in improving the lives of women and children in her home country of Nepal. Through the ‘JOY Foundation-Nepal’ she organizes eye and health camps for rural Nepalese. She began her work with the Nepalese community by actively engaging the youth in after school computer literacy programs. She has worked with women from her village of Sankhu on the outskirts of Kathmandu to empower them through education and self reliance workshops.
Jackie Hunlow, founder of the Mothers’ Legacy Project. Hunlow is on the National Board of American Mothers Inc. and created the Mothers’ Legacy Project, as a living collection of written, oral and visual stories honoring mothers. As an author and artist, Hunlow spoke about the importance of women telling their stories and addressed how to build strength in our children and peace at that foundational point.
Charlotte Hamblin, philanthropist. Charlotte and her husband saw a need in the city of Mozambique and decided to do something about it. Over the last three years they have helped countless girls to get an education through their humanitarian projects. Hamblin discussed her work in Mozambique, including how getting sewing machines into the hands of women and paying for the production of school uniforms has opened doors for girls to go to school.
Other activities associated with the WOW conference included: a literacy event Thursday October 8th in conjunction with Global Literacy Day where Susan Dayton, President of WOW and Carol Ugochukwu, Current Executive Director of WOW Africa were at Glendale Middle School in Salt Lake City. to share inspirational stories about the education of women. Bags of books were provided by First Book, Utah Children’s Reading Foundation Reading Tree and Harmons. This event was partnered by the Salt Lake Community Action Program, the Children’s Reading Foundation and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office of Education Partnership. On Friday, October 9th, WOW members participated in the Diversity Conference at Weber State University.
The Conference will continue to Washington D.C. Monday October 12th through Saturday October 17th, where Amin will do a series of meetings, presentations and fundraising events at Georgetown University and George Washington University. One of the key lectures and discussions will take place from 5:45 to 8:50 p.m. October 14th at the Georgetown University Law Center where she will be hosted by the International Law Faculty.
A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
By: Bobbi Aboe Smith
In an unlikely alliance, a group of American women and Nigerians are protecting children from crocodile and snake infested waters. The children of Enugwu, Nigeria, wade the Eze River to get to school. During the 5 month rainy season, though, they cannot cross the enlarged torrent at all, so they stay home. This results in a lack of consistent education, a pressing problem in an already underprivileged area.
This situation was a call to action for The Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW). WOW’s efforts to connect women and unite their influence for good focuses on 3 areas: advocacy, education and humanitarian activities. The organization has consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and members worldwide work to create a safer, better world for women and their families. Together with Dr. Todd Stong, a retired civil engineer from the Army Corps of Engineers, they began a quest to help the people of this Nigerian village build a permanent means of safely crossing the river. The cooperative and combined efforts of all involved would end up bridging more than just dangerous waters.
While traveling to the World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, WOW members became acquainted with Carol Ugochukwu, a delegate from Nigeria to the same conference. Their friendship led to a visit to Ugochukwu’s home village, Urumabian in Ozubulu town, by WOW representatives in 2003 and again in March, 2005. The purpose of the visits was to observe literacy, micro-credit, child-care and nutritional programs that had been instituted by Carol in her role as leader of WOW-Africa, founded in 1999.
Observing village life, Afton Beutler, then Director of Humanitarian Projects, and currently WOW representative to the United Nations-Geneva asked the community elders what they would need the most for their village. “They took me to the Eze River,” Beutler said. “As we all stood on the banks, they explained that their people couldn’t cross the river in the rainy season.” They detailed the many problems this created for the villagers, including lack of employment options, restriction from health care, limited opportunities for the children’s education and the trading of goods. Their request: help with the construction of a bridge.
“I told them we would try,” said Beutler. “That night there were cries of joy, praising God, as the village crier told the news of a bridge being built over the river. They, of course, thought it could be done immediately.” This was in 2003. The first task was to find an engineer who would give them a bid, spearhead the work, and live in a high-risk, remote location for 2-3 months—and all for free.
Ugochukwu was asked to find an engineer in Nigeria to prepare an estimate. The bid came back at what seemed like an impossible amount–$300,000.00. A WOW committee member recalled reading about a retired engineer who was available for humanitarian work in third world countries at no cost for his labor. Through an unlikely series of events and coincidences over the next several months, Lori Wilkinson, Bridge Committee Chairman, found that same engineer, Dr. Todd Stong. He told her he would be available in November, 2005, to take the job.
After dimensions of the river and site conditions were sent to him, he estimated the cost. “The challenges included the need to design a bridge of over 200 ft. in length to carry a truck, to be built with 30-50 unskilled laborers by hand, with no construction equipment, and to fit WOW’s budget, which was less than 10% of that expected for such a structure,” Stong said. He believed it could be done.
WOW began fundraising. Nina Palmer, past president of WOW said they approached friends and family for help with the funding. A plea for help was made to attendees of WOW’s conference in Sept. of 2004. Many people donated and money began to accumulate. Much more was needed, though, and NuSkin, a Utah corporation, provided a grant of $17,500.00. The project could go forward.
The details of Stong’s journey to Enugwu show the perils he faced. “We sewed the money for the project into our clothing, traveled by daylight, and paid off numerous ‘police’ roadblocks,” Stong said. “Robberies are common, especially for foreigners.” Upon arriving in the village, work to clear the vegetation from both banks of the river began, and it was discovered that the river bed was wider than previously estimated. Dr. Stong was dismayed when he found that the measurements of the needed bridge span were underestimated by more than half. His $35,000.00 bid was going to be stretched to its limits and beyond.
Dr. Stong welcomed the volunteers from the villages and began to train them in the skills required. To start and finish the bridge within a 3 month span of time he would need a significant amount of manpower. The state governor graciously offered some funds to provide the volunteer work force of 25 men with a token wage. Modern machines and technology are not an option in rural Nigeria, especially on such a limited budget. Instead, Dr. Stong took with him the minimal tools required. “When I showed the local government official, and later the governor, my engineering tools—a 500 foot roll of nylon cord, a 4” line level and a tape measure—they were amazed,” Stong said. “The tools for the men in building this bridge were equally simple—shovels, picks and head pans.”
The increased scope of the bridge would require 150 tons of excavation, 170 tons of concrete and 47 tons of timber placement, all completed through manual labor, but “it would be straight and level”, according to Stong. Additional problems surfaced as the work went forward. Crocodiles and snakes became a minor issue as they tended to move upstream with the noise of construction. The oppressive heat and humidity caused Dr Stong to lose 26 lb. in the first 2 months. Delays in obtaining basic materials sometimes slowed the project down for several weeks at a time.
Good things happened, too. The men gained confidence as they learned new skills. The women were proud of the men and often brought food for the workers. Dr. Stong said. “Hope began to grow as the bridge grew. The local government saw our progress and came through with some funds for bull-dozer help on the adjoining roads.” During delays and at night, Dr. Stong rarely rested. He tackled other projects in the area for the villages and churches. These included plans for a water supply, rebuilding of other bridges, and even the design of a ferry to cross trucks and people over a wide river several states to the north.
Dr. Stong and WOW had determined an objective that all designs, construction concepts, devices crafted for substituting manual labor for powered machines, and the administrative agreements developed by this project be freely offered to any and all other interested communities. As the weeks passed, the structure grew. Forty concrete pillars topped with steel columns emerged from the swamp. 350 lb. timbers were bolted between pillars and then came the equally massive beams that would lie beneath the wheels of the autos soon to pass overhead. Finally came the deck planks, railings and treadways.
The last bridge built in this area had taken three years to complete, but had washed out completely over 30 years before. The story of this bridge being accomplished in less than three months by volunteers with no construction experience or equipment soon reached Dr. Chris Ngige, the Governor of Anambra State. He came to the river with a TV crew to publicize this amazing enterprise. He praised the ingenuity and leadership of Dr. Stong, the generosity of WOW, and congratulated the workers for their amazing speed, obvious skill, and willingness to volunteer. “The pride of the local villagers could not have been higher,” Stong said.
Dr. Stong returned home in mid- January. The last shipment of heavy timbers from the distant forest was still delayed and family matters required his presence in the U.S. Local timber supplies were exhausted, requiring a hazardous journey to a remote area near the border of Nigeria and Cameroon. The men purchased large standing trees, cut them by hand, and hauled the logs back to the bridge site. After the timber arrived, the men finished the bridge on their own with Dr Stong consulting with his crew via e-mail. The men remain anxious to be given the chance to do another bridge project, one that Dr. Stong designed and bid for them before his departure. This new job will not only provide the villagers with an opportunity to make use of their new skills but will also offer a full wage.
Dr. Stong is once again leaving for central Mexico to begin more water-related engineering work. He is in his tenth year of providing humanitarian services at no cost. The end result of the labor of many men, the unselfish work of Dr. Stong, and the dedicated faith and fundraising of WOW members is that economic improvement, better health and consistent education will soon be benefiting the families of Enugwu.
Susan Dayton, current president of WOW, says this is what her organization is about. “Supporting women and recognizing their influence for good worldwide, we have helped the women, men and children from this remote village know that anything is possible.” And now the children will be able to attend school all year round—without worry about what may be lurking in the water.
Find Your Voice and Share It
“Spiritual and religious practices differ widely around the world. But at heart we are dealing in universal values: to be merciful, to be tolerant, to love thy neighbour. No tradition can claim a monopoly on such teachings; they are deeply ingrained in the human spirit. They also animate the Charter of the United Nations, and are enshrined in international human rights law, and lie at the root of our search for world harmony and peace. If we are to overcome the many challenges facing us today…we must recognize that our own individual well-being is linked to the well-being of the broader human community. Whatever our origin, race, culture or belief, each of us shares the hope of a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future. And we share the same home, an ever smaller planet on which we are bound to live together. So let us work together towards the common good and the peaceful coexistence of all the world’s people.” Kofi A. Annan, UN Secretary-General NGO Forum June 29, 2006
This heartfelt plea strikes a chord with members of the Worldwide Organization for Women who are seeking to address the crushing needs of the world’s oppressed by advocating for policies that strengthen women, marriage, and families. Policy makers and public officials in many parts of the world are beginning to recognize the social, cultural and economic importance of good marriages and healthy families. A woman’s influence upon her family and community can have more lasting and significant impact upon society than government programs or agencies, no matter how well intentioned or well funded they are.
WOW works in a variety of ways to improve quality of life for individuals as well as nations. WOW representatives in NY and Geneva are active at the UN, speaking up, drawing attention to women’s issues and organizing for change. Members and interns from several universities sponsor panels and roundtables, and sign written/oral statements in collaboration with other NGO’s at UN events in NY, Paris, Brussels and Geneva on a variety of issues such as: Education of girls in Afghanistan; Female Feticide and Infanticide; Value of Women’s Unwaged Work in Society; Peace Panels; Honor Killings; Forced Marriages; Early Marriage; Migration and Health; Bioethics and Gender Networking.
So much happens behind the scenes of political and governmental policy making. WOW representatives are not only able to share their voices but they also provide members with information that can help them become agents for change. Some examples of the work WOW is doing:
- Research and advocacy at the Human Rights Council and Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) and CoNGO in areas such as health, education, peace, economics and family issues
- WOW members attended the Doha Conference and were in attendance in NY when the Doha Declaration was taken to the UN General Assembly and resulted in the Doha Document for the International Year of the Family.
- WOW sponsored a conference entitled: “A peaceful world comes from peaceful people”. A presentation on the “Underground Railroad” honored Americans who had courage and strong convictions to oppose slavery.
- In Geneva, WOW assisted a program which allowed students to attend the UNESCO Slavery exhibition at the UN. “Heroic women are continually fighting to free enslaved people of today from the bonds of poverty, illiteracy and disease. Their work is helping individuals and families secure the rights and freedoms that all should be able to enjoy regardless of where they live, their culture or religion.”
- WOW presented “Women and their Influence for Good” Conferences in 2005 and 2007 honoring women from around the world for their achievements
- Supported the American Mothers Legacy Project.
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who have no voice? Join WOW and be a part of our efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals, as well as nations.
Bridge Video: Humanitarian Project
Advocating for Women
Can I just tell you how much I love having a UN badge? Even after a year and a half, I still get giddy every time I sail into the United Nations Secretariat and show my badge as I pass through security. Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to work at the UN, so here I am in New York City as the United Nations NY Representative for the Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW).
How did I get involved? I was in graduate school when the opportunity arose to represent WOW at the UN. I’ve always been passionate about women’s rights, so the responsibility of representing women and their influence for good at meetings, conferences, committees and UN missions sounded like it would be a great learning experience. It has been fantastic! I put on my nicest business attire (and that wonderful badge) and have access to conferences, meetings and panels on world issues. There are delegates to meet, experts to greet, and a whole UN system that I have hardly even begun to understand. I’ve attended international conferences on topics such as HIV/AIDS, sustainability, women and the financial crisis, climate change, violence against women in the media, and many others. There just isn’t enough time in my schedule to attend all of the interesting, pertinent events here.
One of the things I most enjoy about my position is attending the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) when women from around the world gather in New York at the end of February to address women’s issues. (CSW) was established in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to promote women’s rights in the political, economic, civil, social and educational fields. There is such energy present as thousands of women from all corners of the globe join together to discuss issues impacting women. They come from different backgrounds, languages, and customs, bringing with them different perspectives, ideas, and hopes for change. The days are full and exciting, filled with briefings in the UN Conference room, caucuses, panels, presentations, and long discussion with new friends over dinner at one of New York’s countless restaurants. I have enjoyed connecting with incredible women who are also working in their own countries on the same issues that we’ve convened to discuss.
The Priority Theme for 2009 was: “The equal sharing of responsibilities between men and women, including care giving in the context of HIV/AIDS” (CSW 53, 2009 ) The 2008 theme was: “Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women” (CSW 52, 2008) In addition to the Priority Themes, each year WOW hosts side events such as panel discussions focused on the year’s topic and how it relates to our mission of connecting women and their influence for good. As we have shared our vision of creating change through advocacy, education and humanitarian activities, we have developed associations and friendships with women from around the world that we’ve invited to participate at these panels.
When other members leave after the first week of CSW, I have the privilege of spending another exhausting week of finalizing draft conclusions in addition to more workshops, caucuses, and meetings with missions. I’ve taken the opportunity to sit at the table as the words are being drafted for proposed changes to the draft conclusion. Working hard on proposals, networking, and learning are different but equally rewarding aspects of CSW that make it a valuable and truly memorable experience for me.
CSW is a highlight for me, but we’re busy as bees at UN Headquarters all year
long, not just during CSW! I’m a member of a number of committees, each with monthly meetings and a plan for action. For instance, the NGO (Non Government Organization) Commission on the Status of Women brings together ECOSOC NGOS who are all advocating for women’s rights at the UN for monthly meetings. The themes of the meetings vary as we meet with ambassadors and experts in and around the UN to educate ourselves and to build our networks.
I’m also involved with two subcommittees—the Subcommittee on Violence Against Women, and Women and Climate Change. These are two particular areas of personal and professional interest for me, and since these committees are smaller, I get to contribute greatly to the discussion on what our goals are on these issues! Check out the new website for the Subcommittee on Women and Climate Change —we’re working hard to advocate for a gendered perspective in the climate change negotiations going on now to prepare for COP 15 in Copenhagen in December.
WOW also advocates for families through education, strengthening the family, and supporting family-friendly policies. The NGO Committee on the Family meets monthly on various themes concerning the family worldwide and brings in local and international experts on “family” to lead discussions. I was also recently elected to the Board as the Correspondence Secretary, and now have the opportunity to plan upcoming meetings and events.
If you’re in New York City and interested in attending one of these or another NGO committees at the UN, contact us! I encourage you, (yes YOU!) to get involved, no matter your age or circumstances. Each little part can help! I’ve learned these last few years that you can’t make a difference if you aren’t at the table…. Suvi Hynynen, WOW NY UN Representative
Interested in attending CSW 54 in March 2010? Let us know!
The Bridge
A major project which illustrates our vision is the completion of a bridge across the Eze River in Nigeria. This project, which brought people from around the world together to build a bridge, also built bridges of understanding and friendship across continents. The unlikely beginnings, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes are a fascinating and inspiring story. Click here to see more photos, watch a short video or learn more about the project.![AKWUGO bridge6[1]](http://wowinfo.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/AKWUGO-bridge61.jpg "AKWUGO bridge")
No Poor Among Us: Informing and Empowering Women through Education
Although education is a basic human right, approximately 520 million women, (nearly two thirds of the world’s illiterate adults) do not know how to read or write. The way of life in any country is a reflection of the percentage of its educated citizens.
Research repeatedly demonstrates that education has a ripple effect leading to a prosperous, productive society.
The UN is particularly concerned with the education of women, as educated mothers are more likely to produce improved health, nutrition, and education in the family, and are vital to a nation’s economic success. Johnnetta B. Cole, the first African American female president of Spellman College said “When you educate a man, you educate an individual. When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
A woman’s education or lack thereof has profound impact not only on every aspect of her life, but also upon that of her family, and ultimately, the world. Society is strengthened as women utilize their knowledge and skills in creating stable, loving, and productive families. “Study after study has taught us that there is no tool more effective for development than the empowerment of women.” – UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
The Worldwide Organization for Women is committed to changing lives by informing and empowering women through education. Charlotte Hamblin, co-founder of “No Poor Among Us”, exemplifies the power of one woman’s influence for good, and the ripple effect it has already produced.
“When I read in The Wall Street Journal that the best way to keep young African women from contracting AIDS was to keep them in school so that they didn’t go to the streets as prostitutes, I remembered a small village my husband and I had visited six months before in Mozambique. We had been invited by the LDS Church to go to Africa to look for agricultural projects, but shortly after we returned home, we were very disappointed to learn that the Church was not going forward with any projects at that time. The village we had visited was made up of mostly women and children, and many of these women were caring for their grandchildren whose parents had died of AIDS. As we were leaving one woman said, “Many people come and say they want to help us, but they never come back.” As I read that many girls were not attending public school because they couldn’t afford the required $10 uniform, that woman’s statement echoed in my mind. I knew I had to do something.
I contacted everyone I had met in Africa to get ideas for making uniforms. We found that it would be very difficult to send them in from the U.S. and also that the African women needed work. Fortunately, I was finally introduced to a wonderful woman named Lizy, and she became our head seamstress and manager. Though she has suffered greatly in her life, she was anxious to help others. We sent solicitation letters to our friends and family, and through their generosity we were able to buy 4 sewing machines and enough fabric to begin our “No Poor Among Us Uniform Project”. Two of the machines are treadle and are being used in a small village to make uniforms for primary school girls. Some of the other sewers have their own machines or work with Lizy on one of her machines.
We are now making 75 uniforms a month and hope to be making 100 a month by the first of 2010. We would like to buy 2-3 more sewing machines, and continue to increase the program. We would love to supply bus fare to more girls, buy them notebooks and supplies, and even get more girls into school by paying their school fees. Currently only 1/3 of the girls in Mozambique attend secondary school, (and one half of the boys.) We believe it is very important to always have enough money to fund the program for at least one year in advance so the women can count on the work.
When I was in Mozambique in April, I went to three schools where we handed out uniforms. Three girls in particular touched me. One young, 13-year-old girl waited around to talk to me and asked if I had enough money to buy her some juice. She hadn’t eaten in 2 days. She was living with her 15-year-old sister. When I asked how they got by she said her sister went out at night sometimes to work. It was easy to guess what her sister was doing out at night.
Another girl named Saudina asked me if I could help her friend with school fees. Her friend had been with her in primary school, but couldn’t afford secondary school. Of course, we gave the administrator the required $8 fee. Saudina wanted to be a doctor because she thought that would be the best way to help all the sick people in her village. She had to walk one hour each way to school in a pair of very flimsy flip-flops. (We are adding bus fare to our program for girls with very long walks.)
Another young woman suffered from albinism (albino). She was very shy and stayed hidden as much as possible. I realized after I left her school that I hadn’t gotten an individual picture of her even though I thought I had taken pictures of each of the girls as I gave them their uniforms. When we were ready to leave, she approached me and asked if I could possibly buy her some glasses. The sun had burned her very pale eyes and she had difficulty seeing. I was happy to fill such a simple request. People with albinism are generally treated very poorly in African societies because of superstitions about people with perceived disabilities.
I think I realized the impact of what we are doing when our granddaughter from Connecticut called to say that she was asking for donations for the girls in Africa rather than gifts for her 7th birthday party. She sent enough money to buy 27 uniforms.
It is easy to be overwhelmed in Africa when all of the problems become evident. However, when a small, 13-year-old girl wobbles up to you with a beautiful thank-you note, in a very large pair of strappy, high heels because she wanted to dress up for your visit, it is clear that every small drop in the ocean of poverty is worth the effort.”
Charlotte Hamblin
Read about other “No Poor Among Us “ projects…
To learn more, click on www.nopooramongus.com
Women and their Worldwide Influence for Peace Conference
“Women and their Worldwide Influence for Peace”
Afton Beutler represents the Worldwide Organization for Women in Geneva as the Vice President for International Affairs. Besides overseeing humanitarian and advocacy efforts, she has developed and managed the WOW intern program where over 26 young adults have been trained in the workings of the United Nations. Afton has also set up projects and panels in a variety of venues at the Human Rights Council and HO side events. Currently the Co Convener for the NGO CSW committee on Women’s Right to Health, she shared ways that our voices can be a positive influence for change as well as the important work being done by the WOW interns in Geneva and how you can help.
Carol Ugochukwu is currently the Executive Director WOW-Africa, encouraging community and self-development projects. Carol held several positions in the Nigerian Civil Service including, Sole Administrator of a local Government and Permanent Secretary/Director-General. She was elected the State President and National Vice President of the National Council of Women’ Societies of Nigeria, an organization that was actively involved in community organizations and programs for educating about and breaking cultural barriers preventing the advancement of women and children. Carol received her education in Nigeria and London, England. Her education and work make her a recognizable role model for the younger generation in her community. She has represented her country in many national, international and UN Conferences. She spoke to the necessity of education for women and how we must work together for this goal.
Jacki Hunlow Lives in Portland Oregon. Among other honors ,she has served on the National Board of the American Mothers Inc. and President of Oregon American Mothers Association. Her dedication to the role that mothers play in society inspired her to start the Mothers Legacy Project, a living collection of written, oral and visual stories honoring mothers. An author and artist Jacki emphasized the importance of women telling their stories. She taught how anyone can be a part of this great collection of stories and build strength in our children and peace in the world.
Charlotte Hamblin is a native of Utah but has changed lives a world away. She and her husband saw a need in Mozambique and decided to do something about it. Over the last three years they have helped countless girls get an education through their humanitarian projects. She told how getting sewing machines into the hands of women and paying for the production of school uniforms has opened doors for girls. THose in attendence were inspired by her work and realize how one woman can make a difference.
Asha Hagi Elmi has been battling hardship and war since she was very young. A citizen of Somalia, She has raised her young family in the midst of war. Unlike many, she has spoken out and continues under challenging situations, to organize and advocate for women and children from her war torn country. Currently sitting at the peace table and advising the US Secretary of State, Asha will shared her insights on peace and the need for advocacy, educational opportunity, and humanitarian aid if the world is to find peace for its families.
WOW Members Participate in and Learn From Conferences About Child Abuse
Preventing Child Abuse
The Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW) is an ardent advocate in protecting women and children from abuse. The President, Susan Dayton spoke at a seminar for childcare and parenting advocates in Western New York. She encouraged them in this vital role of support for fathers and mothers with children and families at risk.
The Worldwide Organization for Women was active in four other major conferences in Salt Lake City in October and November 2008 addressing abuse: Power in Prevention, Prevent Child Abuse Utah, Critical Issues Facing Children and Adolescents, and The Drug Endangered Child. These major conferences are held annually and draw attendees from other parts of the United States and from other countries. A board member from the Worldwide Organization for Women attended each conference. Also, a Worldwide Organization for Women board member participated on the conference planning committees of three of the conferences and presented two workshops at the Power in Prevention Conference.
Abuse of children comes in multiple forms. Domestic violence is present in far too many homes. Research shows that domestic violence is more prevalent among cohabitating couples (than in married couples) and in homes where substance abuse is present. As cohabitation rates and substance abuse rates increase, child neglect, and child physical and sexual abuse increases. The most dangerous person in a child’s life is the mother’s boyfriend. Cases of infant and child injury or death are disproportionately caused by the live-in boyfriend.
Pornography use increases rates of sexual assault on women and children. The U.S. Department of Justice released a report stating that child sexual abuse had risen 5,171% between 1976 and 1996 which was attributed directly to pornography use. The rate today is much higher as the internet has brought pornography into the home.
A statewide study in Utah showed that by far, parents are overwhelmed with parenting and desire help. Parents who are low functioning don’t know how to nurture and thus neglect their children, producing developmental deficits
(speech and other cognitive delays). Parents who are over functioning and routinely over control their children or rescue them from their problems, create a form of developmental abuse in their children who do not learn choice and consequences and are thus handicapped developmentally.
The culture of a home teaches the child his or her world view. Children with high numbers of family risk factors are almost certain to enter into delinquent behaviors. The Search Institute (www.search-institute.org) has a program called The 40 Assets. The higher the number of assets in a child’s life, the lower the risk for delinquent behaviors. Parents can be taught the assets and helped to increase them for their children.
Gang membership is rising in the U.S. and the age of initiation is lower. Children are being recruited to gangs in elementary school. Also, more members within gangs are engaging in criminal behavior, substance abuse, and promiscuous sexual behavior than ever before. Prominent gangs have held off branding their members (tattooing) and have them join the armed services, usually the army or marines, to be sent to Iraq where they are trained in urban warfare. The US military is finding gang graffiti on Iraqi buildings and are nonplussed by this new problem of inadvertently training gang members in advanced warfare. These gang members then return home and help train other gang members.
Alcohol use by teens is widespread. The difference today is that children are using alcohol at younger and younger ages and drinking more. Binge drinking is beginning in elementary school grades. The new technology of brain imaging (functional MRI scans) is opening doors of understanding into brain addiction. Because of the plasticity of the developing teen brain, alcohol affects an adolescent’s brain differently than it does an adult brain. If a child begins drinking before the age of 15, he/she has a 40% chance of becoming alcohol dependent. However, if the age of onset of alcohol use is delayed until the legal age of 21, that percent of addiction drops to 5 to 7%. Research shows that lowering the drinking age would greatly increase underage drinking, DUI’s, and addiction rates. Density of alcohol outlets also increases underage use. Continuing to add bars and retail alcohol outlets, increases our children’s access to alcohol as well as crime: physical and sexual assault, disorderly conduct, and domestic violence. Alcohol kills more teens than all the street drugs combined. Alcohol is present in the 4 ways teens die: homicides, suicides, automobile crashes and accidents. Alcohol causes an increase in unwanted sexual activity.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a tragic result of alcohol consumed during pregnancy and causes life long debilitation to the child. The community must send a consistent message that underage drinking is NOT a teen rite of passage, that it is illegal and a very dangerous behavior for a developing teen brain. Parents need to set clear no underage alcohol use rules in the home and monitor teen activities.
Over the counter and prescription drug abuse is a brand new drug trend in our country. All drugs are cyclical, but OTC and Rx drug abuse is new and growing. The new drug dealer in town is the home medicine cabinet.
Parents are urged to monitor their medications, clean out their cabinet and dispose of unused medications and watch their credit card statements for internet purchases. Teens who abuse narcotic pain medications (opioids like Lortab, Percoset, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Oxycodone) are at risk for switching to street heroin, which is cheaper. Parents, who never in their worst nightmares would think they could have a child addicted to heroin, are finding that horrible dream coming true.
The internet is a fertile hunting ground for pedophiles seeking sexual encounters with children. Children enter chat rooms not knowing that the people they “converse” with are not whom they portray themselves to be. Parents need to teach children not to give out identifying information and better, to develop real relationships with other children rather than cyberspace relationships. Computers should not be in children’s rooms but in a well trafficked area where the monitor is visible to passing parental eyes.
Violent and sexualized media is having a negative effect on our children. Children are denied their innocent childhoods when they are exposed to images that are beyond their ability to process. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report stating that violent images on television and in video games are directly linked to children’s violent behavior. And sexual acting out is linked to increased sexual content on television and in video games.
Studies show that video games and online gambling can be equally addictive as drugs. Parents must limit internet use and monitor video games for inappropriate content.
Poverty and hunger exist in our country as well as in many other parts of the world. Malnutrition, lack of vaccinations, clean drinking water, and prenatal care are causing illness and premature death among our children.
The world today has many dangers for our children. Let us as parents, resolve to reduce the stressors in our lives, eliminate harmful behaviors, and strive to raise our children in a healthy manner. Let us as community leaders resolve to provide support and education to parents and create a safer world for our children in which to grow and thrive.
Abbie Vianes, MA
Professional Counseling
Expert in substance abuse and parenting issues
Executive Board Member of the Worldwide Organization for Women
WOW participated with WWSF in the November 17th worldwide effort to look at these isues. Read about the WWSF and their conference on Child Abuse prevention at www.woman.ch./children/1-coalitionimpact.php
Worldwide Organization for Women Annual Meeting builds more "Bridges"…
A luncheon for the the Worldwide Organization for Women brought women from around the globe together in August 2008 to review the past year and plan activities which support the group’s focus on improving women’s lives.
