A Message in a T (Shirt)...

I have already talked in two previous posts about the fantastic charity Women for Women.  My friend who is the Corporate Partnerships Manager for the UK office has just flagged up one of their latest campaigns.  Annually, Harpers Bazaar and UK fashion boutique Browns collaborate on a charitable cause which supports women's issues.  This year, they are working with Women for Women.  6 famous French female designers have specifically designed t-shirts with the "Women for Women" message.  I am loving the Sonia Rykiel and Isabel Marant designs (my credit card won't be loving them but at least it is for a good cause and not just my lust for clothing!)  This is definitely a chance to get a little bit of designer but also contributing to a good cause which is a definite plus and one of the aspects of fashion that I love....fashion with a heart....who could ask for more?

(From L-R: Vanessa Bruno, Isabel Marant, Agnes B)

(From L-R: Clare Waight Keller for Chloe, Martine Sitbon, Sonia Rykiel)

For more information and to check out the interviews with the designers on this project, please go to the Women for Women UK Harpers Bazaar/Browns page.

Support Women for Women by hosting a film screening...

I have already posted about Women for Women which is the organisation where one of my best friends work.  The UK branch is starting a campaign to spread awareness about Women for Women's work in war-torn countries.  It is a "Host a Film Screening" campaign.  This is a great idea which can be as small or as large as you want it to be and they have everything set up for you with tool kits that you can download from their website, (here is the link http://www.womenforwomen.org.uk/help-women/film-screening-pray-the-devil-back-to-hell.php) and directions on how to order the starter pack.

The two films are:

The Greatest Silence

Since 1998 a brutal war has been raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Tens of thousands of women and girls who have been systematically kidnapped, raped, mutilated and tortured by soldiers from both foreign militias and the Congolese army. The world knows nothing of these women. Their stories have never been told. They suffer and die in silence. In The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo these brave women finally speak.

Emmy Award winning producer/ director Lisa F. Jackson spent 2006 in the war zones of eastern DRC documenting the tragic plight of women and girls in that country’s intractable conflict. She was afforded privileged access to not only the grotesque realities of life in Congo (including interviews with self-confessed rapists) but also to examples of resiliency, resistance, courage and grace.

The film is a journey into a literal heart of darkness, a search for survivors who pay witness to their own experiences, and break the silence.
Background, context and opinion are provided by interviews with peacekeepers, politicians, activists, doctors and priests. But above all there is the wrenching testimony from dozens of survivors of sexual violence who recount stories of chilling barbarity. This film gives them dignity, a face and a voice that will finally break the silence that surrounds their plight.

Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country.

Thousands of women – ordinary mothers, grandmother, aunts, and daughters, both Christian and Muslim - came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the presidential palace. Armed only with white t-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they took on the warlords and non-violently forced a resolution during the stalled peace talks.

A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honours the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations.

Women for Women International

A friend of mine works for the wonderful organisation Women for Women International (in their London office).  This organisation supports at the grass roots level women living in areas of conflict from Congo to the former Yugoslavia.  Founded by the truly inspirational Zainab Salbi, this organisation is all about women empowering women.  Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Annie Lennox are supporters of the organisation.  If you are in London or Washington during International Women's Day, you should definitely join them on their "Join us on the bridge" events.  I truly admire my friend for finding such heart and passion to work for such a worthwhile cause.  Not only is she a wonderful and generous spirit on a personal level but now on a professional level.  Unfortunately, they don't currently have an office in Asia, but we can all still support through contacting the staff through the website:

http://www.womenforwomen.org