Prior to the actual headline of this edition of Global Woman Newsletter, Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF) asks you to join them in remembering the lives lost on this day, 17 years ago on September 11, 2001.
Now for the story of the week:
A major grocery store in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Giant Food, Incorporated was the first to recognize and support the Walk To End FGM (#walk2endfgm) in 2014. Now after four consecutive years of sponsoring the Walk To End FGM (#walk2endfgm), and with only 45 days to go, Giant Food, Inc. has agreed to sponsor this event for the fifth year, including providing fresh bananas. The National Park Service only allows bananas, bottled water and health or granola bars to be served on the National Mall. When the Walk To End FGM (#walk2endfgm) was unknown with no history at all, Giant Food responded without question to GWPF’s sponsorship request.
Giant Food, Inc., more commonly known as Giant is an American supermarket chain with 169 stores located in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. including 159 full service pharmacies. More than 75 years ago, N.M. Cohen and Samuel Lehrman founded Giant with their first store in Washington, D.C. They have continued to grow over the years, and today they are headquartered in Landover, Maryland with a successful track record.
Giant prides itself for helping their neighbors through various programs of giving. Last year, they donated over $14 million in cash and products to neighborhood charities. Through their Family Foundation, they help the neighborhoods in which they are located. They focus on three key initiatives: fighting hunger, improving the lives of children and building healthy communities. Since Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation has proven their efforts in working toward protecting girls and the health of women, Giant continues to support their work. According to Giant, they know that it makes a big difference when everyone works together.
This October 27th, the organization will be joined by several of its like-minded partners on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to make their voices heard that the practice of FGM has no place in, not only the U.S. but the world. This year, the award ceremony will be held on the evening of October 26th, the Friday prior to the day of the walk.
GWPF is encouraging the walk participants to form teams and join in the fundraising efforts to support the restorative surgeries for FGM survivors, and other programs surrounding the healing process that is required in post-FGM years. As in previous years, the three teams that raise the highest amounts will be presented with first, second and third prizes. Participants are encouraged to invite family and friends to support and join their teams. Each year it becomes more competitive.
This year’s speakers on the 27th are a diverse group of women. The Keynote Speaker is none other than Dr. Azizah Y. al-Hibri, an American Philosopher and Fulbright legal scholar who specializes in Islamic law. The Founder and President of KARAMAH, Dr. al-Hibri has written extensively about Islam and Democracy. Additional speakers are Psychotherapist Joanna Vergoth, who has dedicated the last 15 years to advocacy against FGM, and counseling survivors of FGM; Mrs. Lola Oje, a Nigerian award-winning Architect, who spends her spare time counseling women and girls against sexual and gender-based violence in her native Nigeria; Mariam Bojang, a speaker from the 2015 Walk To End FGM and a survivor-activist against FGM.
GWPF has negotiated a special rate and a block of rooms for overnight accommodations at the Marriott Tysons Corner Hotel at 8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182. Tysons Corner is located in the County of Fairfax in Northern Virginia. The deadline to obtain the special negotiated rate is September 27, 2018. To make your reservation visit the reservation page at Book your group rate for Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation.
The Planning Committee is still in search of volunteers. Volunteers are needed for both days, Friday October 26th and Saturday October 27th. To volunteer, contact the planning committee at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call 703-818-3787. If you send an email put the word “Volunteer” in the subject line.
Watch out for weekly updates on this 2-day event every Thursday.
Comments and questions to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call (703) 818-3787
