Congo Rape Action Event - October 6th, 6 p.m. - To develop our action strategy for WILPF NY Metro's Project Congo.

The meeting will be held at the 1199 SEIU Union Hall, Bread and Roses Gallery, 310 W. 43rd St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.) Take the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, or W to 42nd Street. Come hear Bibiane Tshefu speak about the situation in Congo and see assorted clips from films about Congo, some of which are part of WILPF's NY Metro's Trudy Orris Film Series.

Vinie Burrows: Women's stories leave many impressions - some fleeting and some lasting.

Submitted by admin_wilpfnet on Sun, 04/13/2008 - 12:34.

In an event where almost three or four thousand women were together, many impressions - some fleeting and some lasting. The overall impression was movement of women. Knowing the condition of women.

To hear from the Phillipines (the Gabriella Network is strong), to hear from Katrina survivors and Iraqi women, I realized that the two gulfs had something in common. Both gulfs were deserted by powerful proctectors.

It was also heart breaking to talk with New Orleans residents - white, black, poor, and otherwise. They had been abandoned by all the forces of Government. One women, with whom I spoke with in great length, gave graphic desciption for what happened - Clara Rita. She said she stood in many feet of water screaming to a boat passing by:

"My name is Clara Rita and I am still alive. My name is Clara Rita and I am still alive."

She also saw two young people die before her eyes. A girl and a guy. The girl wore a white polo shirt. She tried to get their names but their heads went under and never returned again. She didn't know if they were together but they did die together. Clara Rita regretted never finding out that girl's name, that she can't tell someone that she saw her before she died to give a loved one some closure.

At another encounter, I spoke with two health care professional who told me that before Katrina there were 300 psychiatrists in NOLA now there are 20 remaining and the mental health crisis does not get the attention it deserves because the trauma affects everyone. I can illustrate that by mentioning the remarks of the taxi driver taking us to the Superdome when a man crossed the street in front the moving car. Louise said, What is he doing walking in the street like that? Is he crazy?" He responded by saying that everyone is crazy here. "They've lost wives, husbands, children, homes and they have every right to be crazy. That brought it home for me again. This long after Katrina, there isn't much done.

The faces of their enemies are imperial government and corporate greed. Just remember when we fight for justice on one issue, we are also fighting on another. The struggles are connected.
Sigining Off,
Vinie

‹ Bibiane Tshefu: Where are we failing as women? Louise in the Actvist Lounge ›

WILPF is Building the Beloved Community by seeking to understand and address racism and discrimination in our society. Discussion about these issues is crucial to finding a viable solution. Add your voice and reason to the conversation.

WILPF is Challenging Corporate Power through education beginning with a six-week course developed by WILPF, which is being held across the world. A course will be held this summer. Call the WILPF New York Metro office to enroll.

WILPF is Disarming The War Economy by linking the effect of the for-profit war machine on our day-to-day lives. With the Raging Grannies and through song, art and satire we work to bring the immoral cost of the Iraq occupation home.