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Did You Know…?  Egypt – the Cradle of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

This column of “Did You Know…” is intended to help inform and educate our readers on the practice of FGM.

Historically, Egypt has always been known as the ‘cradle of civilization’.  However this country, located in the northeastern part of Africa is also the ‘cradle of female genital mutilation’.

The practice of female genital mutilation/cutting originated more than five centuries ago in Egypt during the Pharaoh times.  Although some people believe that Islam and FGM are related, it is a fact that female genital mutilation has nothing to do with religion.  An Islamic scholar recently reported that the practice of FGM is forbidden by Islam.

In 2007 the practice of FGM was banned in Egypt, the first African nation to outlaw the practice.  Yet, a recent report revealed that a wave of FGM shops have sprouted up in parts of Egypt, with the practice as prevalent as before it was banned.   Despite the illegality, the practice in this country has skyrocketed; and families can now have their little girls cut for less than the equivalent of ten U.S. Dollars ($10.00).  In recent months, Egypt has been referred to as the FGM capital of the world.

Last year, a 13-year old girl died in Egypt after she had undergone FGM.  Her death spurred controversy worldwide after her father and the excisor were both arrested and prosecuted in Egypt.  This latest release out of Egypt only confirms that making the practice of FGM illegal in any country is not enough.  The excisors are daring and defiant of the law; actual enforcement of the law is paramount and not just making it an article in the law books.

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Join the Campaign and Sign Our Petition to U.S. Department of Education

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation launched a special campaign petition on Change.org in August of this year to the U.S. Department of Education.  The organization which advocates on behalf of women and girls against female genital mutilation has set a goal to collect at least 200,000 signatures; this is in its plight to get the U.S. Department of Education to include at least one lesson in its curriculum on female genital mutilation (FGM) in the elementary and middle schools.

The organization believes that educating the children from an early age, most especially the popular age range of seven through thirteen about the practice of FGM is crucial.  The sooner the children are aware of the practice, the more likely thousands of girls in the U.S. can be spared from undergoing female genital mutilation.  We need your signature to meet our goal.

To sign the petition, please click the link below and watch the video:

Join the Campaign and Sign Our Petition

By signing this petition, you are making your voice heard.  You are joining the thousands of concerned citizens, not only of the United States but of the world to say that the practice of female genital mutilation must be stopped.  You are saying that there is no longer a place in the world for atrocities and violence against woman.  It is a tradition that is older than five centuries but it is tradition that plays no positive role in a girl’s life; instead it can hinder her ability to bear children, and produces a lifetime of both physical and psychological pain.

If you have questions or comments about the campaign prior to signing the petition, please contact us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

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The Global Woman Center is Open for Appointments

In Virginia, we are located at 901 South Highland Street, Suite 319, Arlington, Virginia 22204 and in Washington we are at 3920 Alton Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.  The hours of operation at the Arlington location are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00am until 3:00pm for appointments and at the Washington, D.C. location, only Wednesday and Saturday 10:00am until 12:30pm.  All appointments and information are held confidential.

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Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation Secures 2016 Walk to End FGM Date

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation has wasted no time in setting the date for their 2016 Walk to End FGM.  The organization announced at their 2015 walk-A-thon last month that they have already secured October 15, 2016 with the National Park Service for their 2016 Walk-A-thon.

The National Park Service requires organizations to reserve their desired event dates on the National Mall in Washington at least a year in advance.  With October being the Domestic Violence month, Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation’s preferred month for their walk-A-thon is October.  “While we prefer to walk in the month of October, we also want to avoid a very cold day.”  A representative from the organization remarked.  “The middle of the month is warmer than the end of the month.”  She continued.  “We have been fortunate to have sunny weather two consecutive years for our walk-A-thon.”

The Planning Committee wants you to save and remember the date, Saturday, October 15, 2016 for the next Walk to End FGM.  The organization will begin to announce their speakers as early as March, as they receive confirmation from invited speakers.  Updates will continue through future editions of the newsletter on registrations, team formations, fundraising, sponsorships, etc.

All proceeds raised from the Walk to End FGM are donated to the Global Woman Center for survivors’ restorative surgeries.  Fundraising for surgeries will continue by the organization throughout the year.

If you are interested in helping to sponsor the first candidate for restorative surgery, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation for additional information at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.  You may also call 703.818.3787.  The surgery will enable FGM survivors to have natural childbirth, painless urination and menstrual periods, reduce infant and maternal mortalities, etc.

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Did You Know…?  Anti-FGM Activists out of Somalia

This column of “Did You Know…” is intended to help inform and educate our readers on the practice of FGM.  This week, we will take a look at Somalia, and how far that country has come toward ending the practice.

Somalia is known as the country located in the “Horn of Africa”.   It is bordered by Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden to the north.  The capital is Mogadishu.

According to statistics, ninety-five percent (95%) of girls in Somalia undergo FGM between the ages of 4 and 11.  Culturally, the expectation for girls to undergo female genital mutilation is closely associated with sex and marriage. It is believed that the men expect the girls to be virgins when they marry them.  There is also the myth that if a girl has not undergone female genital mutilation, she is considered unclean and will not remain a virgin up to the day of marriage.  The girls are cut and the remaining skin is stitched together and is only opened on the day of marriage.  That opening entails another cutting.

A couple of years ago, the officials in Somalia were looking into ending the practice of FGM.  Some of the girls at the time felt that even eliminating the stitching (Type IV – Infibulation) would have been an improvement to what they now undergo.  The Infibulation type leaves the girls with only a very small opening, which accounts for painful urination and menstrual cycles.

Out of that ninety-five percent of Somali girls, are some world renowned women today; former fashion models, Iman and Waris Dirie and British Activist and Teacher, Hibo Wardere are three of the survivors of FGM from Somalia. Following their high fashion careers, both Iman and Waris spoke out against the practice of FGM.  Waris has authored several books, including her personal story; and she has spent most of her adult life advocating and campaigning for an end to the practice of FGM.  Today, Hibo is one of the biggest activists against FGM in the world.  She is known throughout the U.K. as a Mediator, Trainer of FGM and an Anti-FGM campaigner.

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Join the Campaign and Sign Our Petition to U.S. Department of Education

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation launched a special campaign petition on Change.org in August of this year to the U.S. Department of Education.  The organization which advocates on behalf of women and girls against female genital mutilation has set a goal to collect at least 200,000 signatures; this is in its plight to get the U.S. Department of Education to include at least one lesson in its curriculum on female genital mutilation (FGM) in the elementary and middle schools.

The organization believes that educating the children from an early age, most especially the popular age range of seven through thirteen about the practice of FGM is crucial.  The sooner the children are aware of the practice, the more likely thousands of girls in the U.S. can be spared from undergoing female genital mutilation.  We need your signature to meet our goal.

To sign the petition, please click the link below and watch the video:

https://www.change.org/p/us-department-of-education-include-one-lesson-on-female-genital-mutilation-in-us-elementary-schools

By signing this petition, you are making your voice heard.  You are joining the thousands of concerned citizens, not only of the United States but of the world to say that the practice of female genital mutilation must be stopped.  You are saying that there is no longer a place in the world for atrocities and violence against woman.  It is a tradition that is older than five centuries but it is tradition that plays no positive role in a girl’s life; instead it can hinder her ability to bear children, and produces a lifetime of both physical and psychological pain.

If you have questions or comments about the campaign prior to signing the petition, please contact us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

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The Global Woman Center is Open for Appointments

In Virginia, we are located at 901 South Highland Street, Suite 319, Arlington, Virginia 22204 and in Washington we are at 3920 Alton Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.  The hours of operation at the Arlington location are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00am until 3:00pm for appointments and at the Washington, D.C. location, only Wednesday and Saturday 10:00am until 12:30pm.  All appointments and information are held confidential.

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We are Only 1 Day Away!  You May Still Register

The Walk to End FGM is tomorrow!  We are only 24 hours away and we are excited at the prospect of seeing you there tomorrow.  We welcome all of you traveling from various parts of the country and Canada to Washington, D.C. for the walk.  Remember, we will be accepting registrations online up to midnight tonight and tomorrow, we will still accept in-person registrations from 8:00am to 8:45am.  The program starts at 9:00am.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.

 

Tomorrow’s Forecast

The Accu-Weather forecast for October 31st:  High – 60 degrees and low – 50 degrees with sun and periodic clouds.

 

Wardrobe Advisory for October 31st

We advise you to dress according to the weather forecast for Walk-Day.  A sweat shirt or a sweater over which the T-shirt can go should keep you comfortable.  Jeans or sweat pants will go well with the t-shirt. Warm socks, sneakers and a hat are highly recommended.  Claim your T-Shirt and bag at Table 1 and 2.  The volunteers will assist you.  Bananas and water may be claimed at Table 4.

 

Virtual Participants

If you have health issues that prevent you from walking, you can still attend the walk and enjoy the program we have planned for everyone.  If you are not in Washington, D.C. but would like to participate, you can make a donation and we will send you everything an in-person participant receives.  Please send donation checks to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121

 

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (make a donation and get everything a walker gets)

The Program

We will assemble at 15th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW on the Washington National Mall at 8:00am.  T-shirts and complimentary bags will be distributed between 8:00am and 9:00am.  Pre-walk program will begin at 9:00am with announcements, speeches and recognition awards.  The 5K walk-A-thon will begin promptly at 11:00am.  A copy of the program will be available when you pick up your t-shirt and bag.

 

The 5K Route as Issued by the National Park Service:

  • The route will begin at Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. and will continue to the following memorials:
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • The Lincoln Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • Back to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue

 

Transportation to Constitution & 15th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC

We recommend taking Metrorail to the Walk to End FGM.  The closest Metro station is Federal Triangle Metro Stations on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines.  If you would like to drive and share the ride with other participants, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at (703) 818-3787 or email us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

 

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

 

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We are Only 4 Days Away!  It is not Late to Register

Here we are only 4 days away from the BIG day – the Walk to End FGM!  Are you ready? Remember, we will be accepting registrations up to the day of the walk.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.

News Channel 9 Did a Segment on FGM and the Walk to End FGM Monday

For those of you who missed this segment, click below to watch it.

fgm9news

 Virtual Participants

If you have health issues that prevent you from walking, you can still attend the walk and enjoy the program we have planned for everyone.  If you are not in Washington, D.C. but would like to participate, you can make a donation and we will send you everything an in-person participant receives.  Please send donation checks to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (make a donation and get everything a walker gets)
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015)

4-Day Weather Forecast

The Accu-Weather forecast for October 31st:  High – 61 degrees and low – 50 degrees and increasing clouds.  The forecast seems to change daily so we will continue to update you.

Wardrobe Advisory for October 31st

We advise you to dress according to the weather forecast for Walk-Day.  A sweat shirt or a sweater over which the T-shirt can go should keep you comfortable.  Jeans or sweat pants will go well with the t-shirt. Warm socks, sneakers and a hat are highly recommended.

The Program

We will assemble at 15th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW on the Washington National Mall at 8:00am.  T-shirts and complimentary bags will be distributed between 8:00am and 9:00am.  Pre-walk program will begin at 9:00am with announcements, speeches and recognition awards.  The 5K walk-A-thon will begin promptly at 11:00am.  A copy of the program will be available when you pick up your t-shirt and bag.

The 5K Route as Issued by the National Park Service:

  • The route will begin at Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. and will continue to the following memorials:
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • The Lincoln Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • Back to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue

Transportation to Constitution & 15th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC

We recommend taking Metrorail to the Walk to End FGM.  The closest Metro stations are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metro Stations on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines.  If you would like to drive and share the ride with other participants, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at (703) 818-3787 or email us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

Volunteers for the Walk to End FGM

For more details on volunteering, please send an email to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to the attention of Ms. Meskerem Damtew.  Volunteers are expected to arrive at 6:30am for set-up.

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

 

 

 

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We are Only 5 Days Away!  It is not too Late to Register…

Here we are only 5 days away from the BIG day – the Walk to End FGM!  Are you ready? Remember, we will be accepting registrations up to the day of the walk.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.

News Channel 9 Did a Segment on FGM and the Walk to End FGM Yesterday

For those of you who missed this segment, click below to watch it.

wusa9logo

Virtual Participants

If you have health issues that prevent you from walking, you can still attend the walk and enjoy the program we have planned for everyone.  If you are not in Washington, D.C. but would like to participate, you can make a donation and we will send you everything an in-person participant receives.  Please send donation checks to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (make a donation and get everything a walker gets)
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015)

5-Day Weather Forecast

The Accu-Weather forecast for October 31st:  High – 61 degrees and low – 50 degrees and increasing clouds.  The forecast seems to change daily so we will continue to update you.

Wardrobe Advisory for October 31st

We advise you to dress according to the weather forecast for Walk-Day.  A sweat shirt or a sweater over which the T-shirt can go should keep you comfortable.  Jeans or sweat pants will go well with the t-shirt. Warm socks, sneakers and a hat are highly recommended.

The Program

We will assemble at 15th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW on the Washington National Mall at 8:00am.  T-shirts and complimentary bags will be distributed between 8:00am and 9:00am.  Pre-walk program will begin at 9:00am with announcements, speeches and recognition awards.  The 5K walk-A-thon will begin promptly at 11:00am.  A copy of the program will be available when you pick up your t-shirt and bag.

The 5K Route as Issued by the National Park Service:

  • The route will begin at Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. and will continue to the following memorials:
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • The Lincoln Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • Back to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue

Transportation to Constitution & 15th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC

We recommend taking Metrorail to the Walk to End FGM.  The closest Metro stations are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metro Stations on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines.  If you would like to drive and share the ride with other participants, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at (703) 818-3787 or email us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

Volunteers for the Walk to End FGM

For more details on volunteering, please send an email to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to the attention of Ms. Meskerem Damtew.  Volunteers are expected to arrive at 6:30am for set-up.

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

 

 

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We are Only 8 Days Away!

We are now only 8 days away from the Walk to End FGM!  The excitement is building.  Have you registered yet?  We are taking registrations 24/7 up to the day of the walk so if you have not registered yet, it is not too late.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.  If you are unable to join us but would like to make a donation, please go to our website and make a donation.

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

If you are unable to join us in Washington, D.C. on October 31st, you can still participate by making a donation on the site or by sending us a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121 and you will become a “virtual walker”.

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (make a donation and get everything a walker gets)
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015)
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details 703.818.3787)

Here are a few housekeeping items to remember:

WUSA News Channel 9 in Washington to Discuss FGM with GWPF

If you are in the Washington, D.C. metro area on Monday, October 26th at 12Noon, tune in to WUSA Channel 9 with a special report from News Anchor, Andrea Roane when she interviews GWPF’s President, Angela Peabody and two FGM survivors about female genital mutilation (FGM).

The Program

We will assemble at 15th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW on the Washington National Mall at 8:00am.  T-shirts and complimentary bags will be distributed between 8:00am and 9:00am.  Pre-walk ceremony will begin at 9:00am with announcements, speeches and recognition awards.  The 5K walk-A-thon will begin promptly at 11:00am.  A copy of the program will be included in your complimentary bag.

The 5K Route as Issued by the National Park Service:

  • The route will begin at Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. and will continue to the following memorials:
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • The Lincoln Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • Back to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue

10-Day Weather Forecast Update

The Accu-Weather forecast for October 31st:  High – 67 degrees and low – 50 degrees with winds at 15 miles per hour and sunny.  We will continue to provide you with weather forecast updates until the day before the walk.

Wardrobe Advisory for October 31st

We advise you to dress according to the weather forecast for Walk-Day.  A sweat shirt or a sweater over which the T-shirt can go should keep you comfortable.  Jeans or sweat pants will go well with the t-shirt. Warm socks, sneakers and a hat are highly recommended.

Virtual Participant

If you are unable to join us in Washington, D.C. on October 31st, you can still participate by making a donation on the website, and you will become a “virtual participant”.

Transportation to Constitution & 15th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC

We recommend taking Metrorail to the Walk to End FGM.  The closest Metro stations are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metro Stations on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines.  We have received a few inquiries about carpooling from Northern Virginia.  If you plan on driving to Washington for the Walk to End FGM and would like to share the ride with other walkers, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at (703) 818-3787 or email us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

A Call for Volunteers for the Walk to End FGM

We are putting out a call for volunteers for the walk.  For details on volunteering, please send an email to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to the attention of Ms. Meskerem Damtew.  Volunteers are expected to arrive at 6:30am for set-up.

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

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We are Only 10 Days Away!

The walk is actually NEXT WEEK!  Have you registered yet?  We are taking registrations 24/7 up to the day of the walk so if you have not registered yet, it is not too late.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.  If you are unable to join us but would like to make a donation, please go to our website and make a donation.

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

If you are unable to join us in Washington, D.C. on October 31st, you can still participate by making a donation on the site or by sending us a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121 and you will become a “virtual walker”.

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (make a donation and get everything a walker gets)
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015)
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details 703.818.3787)

10-Day Weather Forecast Update

The Accu-Weather forecast for October 31st:  High – 66 degrees and low – 47 degrees with winds at 15 miles per hour and partly sunny.  We will continue to provide you with weather forecast updates until the day of the walk.

Wardrobe Advisory for October 31st

We advise you to dress according to the weather forecast for Walk-Day.  A sweat shirt or a sweater over which the T-shirt can go should keep you comfortable.  Jeans or sweat pants will go well with the t-shirt. Warm socks, sneakers and a hat are highly recommended.

Transportation to Constitution & 15th Street, Northwest, Washington, DC

We recommend taking Metrorail to the Walk to End FGM.  The closest Metro station is the Smithsonian Metro Station (Mall Exit) on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines.  There is no public parking facility on the National Mall; on-street parking is very limited.  We will keep you updated on any parking changes.

Carpool Inquiries

We have received a few inquiries about carpooling from Northern Virginia.  If you plan on driving to Washington for the Walk to End FGM and would like to share the ride with other walkers, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at (703) 818-3787 or email us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org. To those of you who have inquired about reserved buses from New York City, unfortunately we have not arranged for buses from the New York area.  Perhaps we will arrange that next year if there are enough registered participants from the New York area.

WUSA News Channel 9 in Washington to Discuss FGM with GWPF

If you will be in the Washington, D.C. area on Monday, October 26th at 12Noon, tune in to WUSA Channel 9 with a special report from News Anchor, Andrea Roane when she interviews GWPF’s President, Angela Peabody and two FGM survivors about female genital mutilation (FGM).

Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan Endorses Walk to End FGM

The Honorable Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland wrote, “Thank you for your efforts to raise awareness for and to help prevent this horrible trend.  It is my hope that this year’s Walk to End FGM will mark a milestone in both participation and donations raised so that you may continue this crucial work for years to come.”

A Call for Volunteers for the Walk to End FGM

We are putting out a call for volunteers for the walk.  For details on volunteering, please send an email to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to the attention of Ms. Meskerem Damtew.

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

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We are only 16 days away from the WALK to End FGM!

Have registered yet?   Are you ready to “Walk to End FGM?”

We are taking registrations 24/7 up to the walk so if you have not registered yet, it is not too late.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

If you are unable to join us in Washington, D.C. on October 31st, you can still participate by making a donation on the site or by sending us a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121 and you will become a “virtual walker”.

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (make a donation and get everything a walker gets)
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015) we need 20 volunteers so once the site has registered the 20th volunteer, it will cut it off.
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details 703.818.3787)

For Overnight Accommodations

If you need overnight accommodations the JW Marriot Hotel is the official hotel of the walkathon.

Click this link and make your hotel reservations

wasjw_logo_L

The deadline is tomorrow Friday, October 16th to receive the special negotiated rate.

16-Day Weather Forecast

According to the Accu-Weather forecast for October 31st, we are projected to have partial sunshine during the day with a 16% chance of precipitation in the evening.  The high is 71 degrees and the low, 44 degrees.

For a history of record high on October 31, 1950, the record high was 85 degrees.  Historically, the 31st has a normal high of 64 degrees.    

A Call for Volunteers for the Walk to End FGM

We are putting out a call for volunteers for the walk.  For details on volunteering, please send an email to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to the attention of Ms. Meskerem Damtew.

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

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Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. To Give Recognition Awards At Walk To End FGM

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation announced Thursday that they will give awards to ten women in recognition of their remarkable work and contribution against female genital mutilation and other forms of violence against women.

While women’s organizations around the world celebrated “Day of the Girl” on Sunday, the Executive Committee of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation sent out notifications to the selected recipients of their Recognition Award.  “There are so many women around the world who deserve to be recognized and unfortunately we can only give out ten a year.”  A member of the Executive Committee pointed out.  “It is the least our organization can do for these brave and courageous women who dedicate their time and lives to ensure that there is equality and safety for women and girls in the world.”

The Recognition Awards is a new item to the Walk to End FGM this year.  The organization will select ten recipients each year in recognition of their work.  In the future, Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. will involve the general public; they will ask the public to send in nominations to be considered for selection by the Executive Committee.  The organization will begin accepting nominations for 2016 effective June 1, 2016.  Nominations will be welcomed from all parts of the world.

This year’s ceremony at the Walk to End FGM is projected to be extraordinary.  There are several items on the program that were not on the 2014 program.  You do not want to miss this year’s walk-a-thon; there are the special speakers, the Recognition Awards, giving honor to the survivors and the introduction of a special song composed and dedicated to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E.

The JW Marriott announced this past Thursday that they have lowered the special discounted Walk to End FGM rate by $35 nightly, and they have decided to extend the deadline to Friday, October 16th as opposed to the original deadline of October 9th.  You still have time to make your hotel room reservations if you need overnight accommodations.  Visit https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=14238318 to reserve your room.

If you have not yet secured your registration for the Walk to End FGM on October 31st, it is not too late.  Visit the website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org and register to join this memorable event.  If you are unable to walk the 5K stretch, you may still register and join the crowd for the ceremony.  If you will not be in Washington, D.C. on the 31st, you can support the cause to end female genital mutilation by making a donation on the website.  For more information about the walk-a-thon and the ceremony, please contact the organization at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or 703.818.3787.

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Special Song Dedicated To Ending FGM Will Be Played At The Walk To End FGM  

Pop songstress and Juilliard trained multi-instrumentalist, Kristin Hoffmann composed and recorded her single, One World, and has dedicated it to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation.  The lyrics, “We’re all in this together right now.  When a woman cries out, we all cry out; when a mother cries out, we all cry out.  We’re all in this together right now” are indicative to why the organization is hosting the 5K walk-a-thon on the 31st of this month.

Ms. Hoffman wrote, “One of the main focuses for the energy and sentiment of One World was empowering women, families and men against FGM.  It doesn’t talk about FGM specifically, but this is one of the main focuses.”

Kristin studied with Sound Healing pioneer, Fabian Maman, and she has made music to accompany acupuncture sessions.  She has also composed 170 songs for health-challenged children as a writer and producer at a non-profit organization. Kristin has also performed at environmental awareness conventions around the world.

Unfortunately, Kristin is unable to perform this song in person at the walk-a-thon due to another performance on the West Coast, she has asked that we utilize the song during the ceremony.   Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. sends thanks and appreciation to Kristin for sending One World to be played at the Walk to End FGM.

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Did You Know…? Eighty-Eight Percent of Sierra Leonean Girls Are Genitally Cut

Bordered by Guinea to the North, Liberia to the Southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the West and Southwest, the Republic of Sierra Leone has a population of approximately 5.2 Million. This West African nation is rich in mineral resources, and has the world’s largest harbors.

According to statistical reports, 88% of girls in Sierra Leone undergo female genital mutilation.  The reason why FGM is so common in Sierra Leone is because it is practiced by a secret society called the Bondo Bush Society.  The Bondo Bush, an all-female secret society is similar or the same as Liberia’s Sande Bush.  In the Sierra Leonean Bondo Bush, the excisor is referred to as the Sowei, while in the Liberian Sande Bush, the excisor is called the Zoe.  Women that are members of the Bondo Society are regarded as having a higher standing than other women in Sierra Leone.  The cost of FGM, which is included in the initiation into the Bondo Society is quite expensive; therefore parents are proud when their daughters are initiated into the Bondo because it shows they are financially stable and able to afford this.

In Sierra Leone, FGM usually consists of removing the clitoris as a major part in preparing the young women for marriage and motherhood through this initiation ceremony.  A woman’s initiation is synonymous with women’s power in Sierra Leone, and the act of excision is a reminder that women are from which all human creation is derived.  The Bondo Society elders believe that excision improves sexual satisfaction as it removes focus from the clitoris.

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Would You Like to Be An Ambassador for Global Woman P.E.A.C.E.?

If you are interested in becoming an ambassador for GWPF, send us an email with your brief bio to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call us with questions 1.703.818.3787.

As part of GWPF’s campaign to educate the American public on the practice of FGM, the organization believes that having a representative in each state is a key factor in helping to raise awareness throughout the U.S.

The requirements to being an ambassador for GWPF are as follows:

  • Have basic general knowledge of the practice of female genital mutilation
  • Be able to speak to an audience about the practice
  • Be able to represent GWPF at an “End FGM Social” in your state
  • Come up with new ideas to raise awareness about the practice of FGM in your state
  • Help promote GWPF’s programs in your state
  • Already have a connection with a university in your state or can establish a connection
  • You do not have to be a survivor or at-risk girl to be an ambassador

 

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The Global Woman Center is Open for Appointments

In Virginia, we are located at 901 South Highland Street, Suite 319, Arlington, Virginia 22204 and in Washington DC we are at 3920 Alton Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.  The hours of operation at the Arlington location are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00am until 3:00pm for appointments and at the Washington, D.C. location, only Wednesday and Saturday 10:00am until 12:30pm.  All appointments and information are held confidential.

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We are only 24 days away from the WALK to End FGM!

Are you ready for the walkathon?  Are you ready to “Walk to End FGM?”

If you have not registered yet, it is not too late.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.

If you need overnight accommodations the JW Marriot Hotel is the official hotel of the walkathon.

Click this link and make your hotel reservations

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The deadline is Friday, October 9th to receive the special negotiated rate.

A Call for Volunteers for the Walk to End FGM

We are putting out a call for volunteers for the walk.  For details on volunteering, please send an email to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to the attention of Ms. Meskerem Damtew.

Instructions to Registering for the Walk to End FGM

If you are unable to join us in Washington, D.C. on October 31st, you can still participate by making a donation on the site or by sending us a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121 and you will become a “virtual walker”.

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Form a team and invite others to join & support your team
  • Join a team that has already been formed or support a team
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015) we need 20 volunteers so once the site has registered the 20th volunteer, it will cut it off.
  • Make a donation (if you are unable to attend register as a virtual walker)
  • Sponsor a team or an individual walker
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details 703.818.3787)

This is the second walk in the U.S. against FGM.  Register and be a part of the  campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.