MEDIA ADVISORY
It is widely estimated that 1 in 3 women globally will experience sexual or gender-based violence in her lifetime; and many have nowhere to turn for help. How are faith communities in the U.S and around the world addressing sexual and gender-based violence? What more could faith leaders be doing to aid survivors and prevent sexual assault, abuse and domestic violence in their communities?
Marking International Women’s Day and the UN Commission on the Status of Women, join Islamic Relief USA, IMA World Health and WeWillSpeakOut.US for a discussion and Q & A with leading women’s protection experts from faith-based organizations on the role faith leaders can and must play in combating the devastating impact of sexual and gender-based violence on women and girls worldwide.
The panel will be moderated by Rev. Terrie Robinson, Networks’ Coordinator and Women’s Desk Officer, Anglican Communion.
Panelists include:
Salma Elkadi Abugideiri, Advisory Board, Peaceful Families
Louise Bashige, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Technical Advisor–DR Congo, IMA World Health
Rev. Dr. Anne Marie Hunter, Director, Safe Havens
Rev. Dr. Sally MacNichol, Co-Executive Director, CONNECT
Deborah Rosenbloom, JD / MPA, Vice President Programs and New Initiatives, Jewish Women International
WHEN: Wednesday, March 12, 2:30-4:00pm
WHERE: Church Center United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, Hardin Room, New York City
To RSVP or for more information and interview requests, contact:
Chris Glass (DC) IMA World Health / WeWillSpeakOut.US: 443-547-0278 / chrisglass@imaworldhealth.org
Melissa Winkler (NYC) IMA World Health / WeWillSpeakOut.US: 646-734-0305 / melissajwinkler@gmail.com
Michelle Strucke (DC) Islamic Relief USA: 703-209-3262 / mstrucke@irusa.org
About WeWillSpeakOut.US
WeWillSpeakOut.US is a movement of diverse faith groups from across the US that joins together with other leaders, organizations and congregations in action and advocacy to end the silence around sexual and gender based violence. Its mission is to work at local, national and global levels to raise awareness, care for victims, encourage law enforcement, influence policy and change the culture of tolerance and inaction. WeWillSpeakOut.US was launched by IMA World Health in 2013. It is an outgrowth of the WeWillSpeakOut (Global) coalition, which was established in 2011 in the United Kingdom. For more information and ways to get involved, visit www.WEWILLSPEAKOUT.US
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. 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. Its programs benefit millions of people each year around the world, including in the United States.
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:
media@irusa.org