Bridge the Human Rights Gap for Women on International Women's Day - March 8, 2014
Again this year, the Human Rights Team invites FAWCO clubs to observe International Women's Day by meeting at a bridge in your community as a symbol of support for women's human rights.
This campaign began in 2010 in neighboring countries Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have been torn apart by the worst atrocities of war that the world has seen in recent years. Women from opposing sides of war in these communities came together on a bridge adjoining the two countries in a plea for peace and to show that they could build bridges of hope for the future. Their action sparked a massive global movement through Women for Women International's Join Me on the Bridge campaign to stand in solidarity with women around the world touched by war.
During the 2013 FAWCO conference in Bern, conference attendees participated in the Join Me on the Bridge campaign on International Women's Day. Joined by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Betty King, who spoke at the conference, attendees stood together on the Kornhausbrücke in Bern, while various FAWCO clubs held their own bridge events.
This year, the Human Rights Team is expanding the scope of this initiative by encouraging FAWCO clubs to plan an event at a bridge (or a "virtual" bridge) in their community to stand with women around the world in support of women's human rights.
The symbolic gesture of joining together on a bridge reminds us that we are all connected. Together, women can ensure that our rights are respected. Collectively, we can help to create change for all women.
The Human Rights Team wants to know about your plans for a Join Me on the Bridge activity. Please send a description of your event, or send questions to .
Therese Hartwell