(June 21, 2012, Washington, D.C.) Islamic Relief USA’s CEO and May Hashem represented Islamic Relief USA at “1 Is 2 Many,” an event hosted by United States Vice President Joe Biden to raise awareness about abuse against women.
In the last year, according to the “1 Is 2 Many” website, whitehouse.gov/1is2many, one in 10 teens has reported being physically hurt on purpose by a significant other. The “1 Is 2 Many” initiative is a response to this and other staggering statistics about abuse, and aims to stop violence against women before it begins.
“Of course we responded to the call,” said IRUSA CEO, “Abuse against women is a very serious issue, and we want to do our part to help stop it.”
He continued, “Vice President Biden said that the faith-based community needs to get more involved and step up work on women’s initiatives, and we agree. Islamic Relief USA has been and is committed to designing and implementing programs that provide educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for women all around the world — we certainly are dedicated to programs that ensure their safety.”
During the event, which was held at the White House, Vice President Biden greeted IRUSA’s representatives and applauded the organization for its dedication to humanitarian work around the world. “The work you do is very important, and I am proud of the achievements you’ve made,” he said.
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. In 2011, Islamic Relief USA programs benefited more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States.
In addition to its 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Asma Yousef
Media Representative
(703) 370-7202
ayousef@irusa.org