Upcoming Events for Spring 2019
The HR Team has traditionally encouraged FAWCO/FAUSA groups to participate in several activities during the spring--great opportunities to watch the films recommended for the 16 Days Campaign or to take other actions, such as those mentioned below, to promote an end to violence against women and encourage gender equity. As always, if you participate, send photos and a write-up to .
February 14—V-Day and One Billion Rising –annual mass actions to end violence against women
Participate in an OBR event in your area or view City of Joy, a documentary film which looks at the lives of women at a safe haven in the middle of violence-torn Eastern Congo, founded by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize co-winner, Denis Mukwege; OBR and V-Day founder and writer of the Vagina Monolouges, Eve Ensler; and Congolese human rights activist, Christine Schuler Deschryver.
March 8—International Women’s Day
The HR Team has historically encouraged FAWCO/FAUSA members to participate in Join Me on the Bridge to celebrate IWD. This event was initiated by Women for Women International after women in their programs in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo met on a bridge adjoining the two countries in a plea for an end to the war between their nations. The event still exists to call for peace in solidarity with women in war-torn countries. Find other ideas for observing IWD on the official website.
March — Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month. The theme for the National Women’s History Alliance 2019 celebration is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” This year they honor women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society. These honorees embraced the fact that the means determine the ends and so developed nonviolent methods to ensure just and peaceful results. Check out their website for details on the honorees and related information.
In conjunction with the 16 Days theme, End Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work, consider watching Anita, a fascinating documentary detailing Anita Hill’s accusations of sexual harassment in the workplace against now Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas and Confirmation, a fictionalized version of the story starring Kerry Washington. You can also read Anita Hill’s book about her experiences, Speaking Truth to Power. And/or watch North Country with Charlize Theron, a fictionalized account of the first major successful sexual harassment case in the United States in 1984 by a woman who endured a range of abuse while working as a miner.
April 26 — 50/50 Day
This annual event is dedicated to addressing the real actions that need to be taken to achieve a 50/50 world. Watch the website for events in 2019.