Tag: #summer

GWPF Celebrates A Decade: A Look at the Last Ten Years

By A.M. Peabody

GWPF sends well wishes, health, safety, love, and warmth to our readers around the world during this critical time of COVID-19.  Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. 

A little more than decade ago, my sons urged me to start a nonprofit organization.  They had observed my passion against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other violent acts against women and girls.  Although I was using my journalistic skills to advocate against such issues, they thought I would be more serviceable to women and girls if I worked from a nonprofit establishment.  I used my lengthy commute time to conduct my own private survey; I asked everyone with whom I sat, whether it was in a commuter bus or Metrorail, “Have you heard of something called female genital mutilation?” I did get some strange looks at the time; moreover, they were interested in hearing what I had to say.  I realized that at the end of each day of my commute, I had informed at least two people about the practice of FGM.  But I did not want to go through establishing an organization, when all I wanted to do was assist women and girls against violence.  However each time I expressed my frustrations and anger over FGM, domestic violence, or sexual assault, my sons reminded me how more effective I would be if I worked through an organization.

I finally stopped fighting the calling and made the decision to establish an organization.  I had no idea what it entailed until I began the process.  I was fortunate to have an attorney nephew, who offered to assist with setting up the corporation and the other legalities without charge.  Harvin did not only set up the corporation, but he offered legal advice on selecting board members, and what risks not to take in my selections.  I called on Amie Jallah to serve on the board, since she was familiar with the nonprofit world, and I could trust a cousin whom I had known my entire life.  After much research, paperwork, and training from both Harvin, Amie, and my sons, Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF) was born in March 2010.

That was ten years ago, and as I reflect, I must admit that my sons were right.  Since the year 2010, we have watched advocacy against FGM take on new meaning; with the persistence of advocates, several states in the U.S. have had FGM criminalized.  GWPF was helpful in getting its home state, Virginia to have FGM criminalized.  Virginia was only the 25^th state in 2017 to pass that law, and to date, there are approximately 36 states with laws against FGM.  In the last ten years, we also witnessed some African countries ban the practice of FGM, such as Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and the Gambia.  GWPF took on the former President of Liberia on her refusal to have the practice of FGM banned in that country.  In 2014, GWPF ventured to where no other organization had gone before; we held the Walk To End FGM.  The following year, we began to recognize advocates and activists with the Global Woman Awards.  We became one of the founding member organizations of the US End FGM/C Network a couple of years later.  We petitioned the Department of Education to have FGM included in their curriculum.  While we were unsuccessful on the Federal level, we were successful in Virginia, thanks to Former Senator Richard Black.  We collaborated with the U.S. Department of Justice in presentations, roundtables, and workshops.  We launched a support group for FGM survivors and girls at risk of it.  We sponsored restorative surgeries of women.  We trained school nurses, communities, and law enforcement on FGM.  We helped protect girls from the danger of FGM, both here in the U.S. and abroad.  We partnered with other like-minded organizations, such as Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press, Inter-African Committee, the Milken Institute for Public Health at George Washington University, and Sahiyo.

As GWPF reflects on the last ten years, the world has made great strides in the campaign against FGM.  However there is still a vast territory to cover; as I write this piece, approximately 8000 girls have already been excised today around the world.  Hopefully the restrictions of COVID-19 will help prevent them from the practice.  The United Nations has earmarked the year 2030 to end the practice of FGM.  That leaves us with only ten years to accomplish that order.  Within the next ten years, will GWPF be celebrating, not only its 20^th anniversary, but the end of FGM as well?  Optimistically, how I wish, hope and pray that we will, but realistically, I believe we will have made far more strides but will still have additional work toward ending FGM.  What we advocates can do is continue our relentless work toward the goal, educating one person, or one community at a time.  It is a slower process, but it is a surer one toward the goal of ending it.

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In your charitable contributions and donations in 2020, please consider Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation by either through the DONATE BUTTON or by sending a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001-C St. Germain Drive #453 Centreville, Virginia 20121.  Your generous donations are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Please Save these Important Dates

• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, April 18^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, May 16^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, June 20^th
• Second Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, June 27^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, July 18^th
• Vacances Sans Excision – Saturday, August 15^th (No Support Group Workshop)
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, September 19^th
• Third Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, September 26^th
• Global Woman Awards – Friday, October 16^th
• Walk To End FGM – Saturday, October 17^th
• Support Group Thanksgiving Feast – Saturday, November 21^st
• Year-End Board Meeting – Saturday, December 5^th

We will update the preceding calendar as events develop during the YearThe Education Toolkit – Now Available and downloadable

Our Programs to Support

Survivor Resettlement Program

• Asylum Assistance
• Employment Assistance
• Permanent Residency Assistance
• Housing Application Assistance
• Health Insurance Assistance
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Application

Wholesome Organic Relief Program

• Professional Counseling
• Support Group Workshop
• Survivor-only Support Group
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) Support
• Restorative Surgery Sponsorship
• Physical Therapy

Kids Reach Shield Program

• Education & Information
• Understanding of the Practice
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Resources

Just4You Program

• Sanitary Items Distribution to Girls in Sierra Leone and Liberia
• Scholarships to Girls in Liberia and Sierra Leone

Here are some of the ways you can help and support our programs in 2020:

• Donations (including in-kind donations) globalwomanpeacefoundation.org
• Partnering (collaborating in one of our programs and/or events)
• Joining our Internship Program
• Volunteering
• Donate through employer payroll deduction (through Your Cause, United Way or the government employee giving program)

Important Contacts in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area to Keep Handy

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation               703-832-2642

National Child Abuse Hotline                              800-422-4453

Fairfax County Office for Women                       703-324-5730

Montgomery County Abused Persons Program   240-777-4673 (24 hours)

Prince Georges County Child Advocacy Center  301-909-2089

Baltimore City Child Abuse Center                     410-396-6147

Frederick County Child Advocacy Center           301-600-1758

Howard County Listening Place                          410-313-2630

Washington County Child Advocacy Center       240-420-4308

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police             202-727-9099

Arlington County Victim/Witness Program        703-228-7273

Loudon County Victim Witness Program             703-777-0417

Prince William County Victim/Witness              703-392-7083

National Hotline                                                      800-994-9662

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation accepted a special invitation from Freedom High School in Loudoun County to teach their senior class students about female genital mutilation (FGM).  It began when an assistant Sunday school volunteer teacher asked Angela Peabody, GWPF’s Executive Director about what she does when she isn’t teaching Sunday school.  The Assistant Sunday school teacher happens to be a senior at Freedom High School.  Peabody briefly explained to her about her organization and the work they do.  The student acknowledged that she had heard of FGM, and expressed interest, but they were interrupted when the children and parents arrived for Sunday school class.  Two days later, Peabody received an email from the high school senior with her teacher copied on it.  She asked if Peabody would be interested in coming to their school to lecture her class on FGM.  Peabody was surprised, yet elated that a high school student was actually interested in the topic.

After several emails back and forth, Peabody became familiar with the Social Sciences teacher, Rebecca Visna at Freedom High School.  Ms. Visna explained that she needed to obtain clearance from the Principal of the school before she could confirm Peabody’s visit to teach the class.  A couple of days later, Visna reconfirmed with Peabody that her visit to the school had been cleared, and her students were excitedly anticipating her visit.  Peabody admits, “I was a bit nervous because I did not know what to expect, since I had not taught a class on FGM under university level.”  She was pleasantly surprised by the welcome and the engagement the students exhibited during her visit.  She said later, “I could not have asked for a more attentive group of students.”

Ms. Visna had collected advance questions from the students the day prior to Peabody’s visit, therefore she was prepared with answers to the advance questions.  However the students had their hands up throughout the lecture and presentation.  At the end of the presentation, the questions continued to flow from the students.  “It seemed as though the students were hungry for more, and could not get enough of learning about FGM.”  Peabody later told some of her colleagues.”  She continued, “It is encouraging to see the sincere interest a group of high school seniors have about this heinous practice.  They want to see it stopped, and actually asked what they can do to help.”

Freedom High School, also known as Freedom-South Riding, is a top-rated public high school in the quiet Northern Virginia City of South Riding, located in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States.  It is approximately 25 miles west of Washington, D.C.  Although it might be described as being located in Chantilly, Virginia, the school is listed as part of the Loudoun County Public Schools.  The school was founded in 2005 with a current enrollment of 1,921 students, beginning from the 9^th grade through the 12^th grade.  They have a 13 to1 student-teacher ratio, and according to state test scores, 83% of the students are proficient in math and 95% in reading.  It was not surprising to Peabody to discover those statistics after her visit to the school.  With a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Social Studies, Ms. Visna is in her 4^th year at Freedom High, and her 12^th year of her teaching career. Last year, the law was passed in Virginia to include FGM in the Family Life Education curriculum, but formal implementations are still in the early stages.

Next Sunday, March 8^th is International Women’s Day.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation wishes all women and girls around the world a Happy International Women’s Day!  This day has been designated for the observance of women worldwide, especially those who work toward creating a better world in which all humankind may live.

International Women’s Day was originally referred to as International Working Women’s Day.  It was intended to be a celebration to show appreciation, respect and love towards women for their economic, political and social achievements.  As early as the year 1909, this day was celebrated in New York City.

More than a century since, the women in New York City have celebrated this day, and now women around the world will observe International Women’s Day in some form or fashion to celebrate what began long before any of them existed.  International Women’s Day was actually first celebrated on March 19, 1911.  By 1945, the day was celebrated in all socialist countries in Europe.  The United Nations decided to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8^th, which was during the International Women’s Year.

2020 Walk To End FGM Registration Opens April 1, 2020

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF) is pleased to announce that registration for the 7^th Annual Walk To End FGM will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, and it is not an April Fool either.  The 2020 Walk To End FGM is scheduled for Saturday, October 17^th on the Washington National Mall.  Started in 2014, Walk To End FGM is a 5K charity walk-A-thon against female genital mutilation (FGM).  FGM is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.  Most girls undergo FGM when they are between 5 and 15 years old.  Practiced for more than 5 centuries, FGM made its way to Europe, the U.K., Australia and North America due to the continuation of the practice.  The purpose of the Walk to End FGM is to raise awareness about the practice of FGM and to raise funds to support GWPF’s programs.

To Get Involved and Participate in the Walk To End FGM:

• Form a team and invite others to join your team and help raise funds
• Join a team that is already formed
• Register as an individual participant
• Register on April 1^st as a virtual participant and help raise funds (if you are unable to attend)
• Sponsor a team or an individual participant or sponsor the event
• Be a Partner Organization with Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation in the Walk to End FGM
• Register as a volunteer on April 1, 2020

To volunteer, contact us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call 703-832-2642.  Register on April 1, 2020 at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org and Walk to End FGM.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your donations and registration fees are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law.

Comments and questions to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call (703) 832-2642

In your charitable contributions and donations in 2020, please consider Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation by either through the DONATE BUTTON or by sending a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001-C St. Germain Drive #453 Centreville, Virginia 20121.  Your generous donations are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Upcoming – Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation’s 2020 Calendar

Please Save these Important Dates

• International Women’s Day – Sunday, March 8^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, March 21^st
• First Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, April 4^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, April 18^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, May 16^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, June 20^th
• Second Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, June 27^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, July 18^th
• Vacances Sans Excision – Saturday, August 15^th (No Support Group Workshop)
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, September 19^th
• Third Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, September 26^th
• Global Woman Awards – Friday, October 16^th
• Walk To End FGM – Saturday, October 17^th
• Support Group Thanksgiving Feast – Saturday, November 21^st
• Year-End Board Meeting – Saturday, December 5^th

We will update the preceding calendar as events develop during the Year

The Education Toolkit – Now Available and Downloadable

Our Programs to Support

Survivor Resettlement Program

• Asylum Assistance
• Employment Assistance
• Permanent Residency Assistance
• Housing Application Assistance
• Health Insurance and Living Assistance
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Application
• Adult Literacy Preparation
• Grocery & Gasoline Assistance

Wholesome Organic Relief Program

• Professional Counseling
• Support Group Workshop
• Survivor-only Support Group
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) Support
• Restorative Surgery Sponsorship
• Physical Therapy

Kids Reach Shield Program

• Education & Information
• Understanding of the Practice
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Resources

Just4You Program

• Sanitary Items Distribution
• Scholarships to Girls in Africa

Here are some of the ways you can help and support our programs in 2020:

• Donations (including in-kind donations) globalwomanpeacefoundation.org
• Partnering (collaborating in one of our programs and/or events)
• Joining our Internship Program
• Volunteering
• Donate through employer payroll deduction (through Your Cause, United Way or the government employee giving program)

Important Contacts in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area to Keep Handy

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation               703-832-2642

National Child Abuse Hotline                              800-422-4453

Fairfax County Office for Women                       703-324-5730

Montgomery County Abused Persons Program   240-777-4673 (24 hours)

Prince Georges County Child Advocacy Center  301-909-2089

Baltimore City Child Abuse Center                     410-396-6147

Frederick County Child Advocacy Center           301-600-1758

Howard County Listening Place                          410-313-2630

Washington County Child Advocacy Center       240-420-4308

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police            202-727-9099

Arlington County Victim/Witness Program        703-228-7273

Loudon County Victim Witness Program             703-777-0417

Prince William County Victim/Witness                703-392-7083

National Hotline                                                        800-994-9662

In the wake of the observance of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, GWPF’s Board Member, Wallicia Gill correlates her work with both FGM and Sex Trafficking.

By Dr. Wallicia Gill

Many, when hearing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), or Human Trafficking, think of these problems occurring in foreign lands.  I count myself among the “many” un-informed about these issues.  My work with Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF) has been intellectually rewarding, and certainly opened my eyes about the practice of FGM.  Both of these crimes are present in our communities.  For example, in the Washington, D.C. area alone, there are an estimated 51,000 victims of FGM (Ariel Buchmann—a former Board Member of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation and Former Digital Producer at WUSA 9, 2017) and over 1700 cases of Human Trafficking, according to the District of Columbia Human Trafficking Task Force.  Accurate numbers for each of these crimes are difficult to confidently establish because of reluctance of victims to report.

This article will explore some of the commonalities in Female Genital Mutilation and Human Trafficking, aside from the obvious differences of the acts,(excising, infibulating, circumcising—FGM); forcing women to sell their bodies for sex (Human Trafficking).  The commonality is controlling women  and young girls, with drugs, or force; repugnant, illegal, and a violation of human rights laws.

Another commonality is that women of color are most often targets for these practices.  In the United States, 31 states have criminalized FGM. Yet, much work remains to be done in the remaining 19 states to criminalize this outrage against humanity, and violation of human rights.  Is this true because FGM is a gender and largely women of color issue and deemed not a problem in these 19 states?

Polaris (polarisproject.org), a national Human Trafficking hotline that collects statistics, report that the three top ethnic/racial groups of victims are: Latino, 2,348; Asian 1,809; African, African American, Black, 1,072 – women of color.  Twelve states have passed minimal laws to support victims of trafficking.  The three worst human trafficking states are California, Texas, and Florida.  All states have laws on the books; however, state ratings are based on a 7-tier system that evaluates the effectiveness of the trafficking laws.  Information by state can be obtained by visiting polarisproject.org.

Advocacy is certainly significant and important in this fight.  Advocacy includes: identifying and reporting perpetrators; identifying and rescuing victims; providing services and support to survivors; and promoting community awareness and vigilance. (Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force)

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation has worked closely with law enforcement, including the FBI to offer training, and information on FGM.  The work with law enforcement, and networking with these officials have supported GWPF in rescuing potential victims. GWPF offers a monthly survivor program where featured speakers and activities on nutrition, legal support, and information on reconstructive surgery are offered.   Vigilance and education are also important components of advocacy . . . GWPF worked with Virginia State Senator, Richard Black to pass legislation to criminalize FGM (Class 2 Felony), including “vacation cutting.” GWPF’s Walk to End FGM and our Global Woman Awards Program each October promote and draw attention to our work. Most recently, July 2019, Virginia passed legislation that requires schools to include FGM in the Family Life Education Curriculum because of advocacy work at the state level.

Likewise organizations such as The Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force recently offered an educational program on Human Trafficking Awareness in a Multi-Cultural Setting. Speakers provided information to the community on trafficking by gangs, and the rise of the crime in massage establishments. The information focused on the impact on women of color, Latino, and Asian (Massage Businesses that are hotbeds of trafficking).  The internet has become a powerful resource to promote the business of Human trafficking, one of the factors making the crime difficult to police in the Washington, D.C. (DMV) area.  A Hackathon is being offered that focuses on educating the community on ways and techniques to combat human trafficking when internet use is suspected.   This Free Event is scheduled for March 28-29 at George Mason University—Arlington Campus.

Commonalities are present in the fight against FGM, and Human Trafficking, both violent crimes against women, and are human rights violations.  Combined advocacy efforts from GWPF and Human Trafficking Communities have the potential to offer rich and varied ideas on strategies to combat these heinous crimes.

Observance of International Zero Tolerance Day of FGM

This Thursday, February 6^th is International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM).  The UN first officially commemorated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM on February 6, 2003. In an effort to make the world aware of female genital mutilation and to promote an end to it, in December of 2012, the United Nations General Assembly actually adopted a special resolution to observe the day.  Since then, the United Nations has requested that the day be used to enhance awareness-raising campaigns, and to take concrete action against the practice of FGM.  This is the day that the world tells the perpetrators of FGM that there is absolutely no tolerance for the practice of it.  The United Nations regards FGM as child abuse and a form of human rights violation.

GWPF asks that you wear an item of purple this Thursday, February 6^th to make your voice heard that you will not tolerate FGM.  Fly a purple flag on your car; wear a purple bow or flower in your hair or wear a purple jacket.

We call out to everyone reading this edition to remember all of the girls and women whose lives were taken at the blades of excisors for the past five thousand plus years.  This includes the 12-year old Egyptian girl who recently lost her life to FGM.  We recognize all of the women and girls who have survived the years of post-FGM, and the courage many of them exhibit by speaking out against what they endured many years before.

Comments and questions to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call (703) 832-2642

Will you be our Valentine? Shop at smile.amazon.com and AmazonSmile donates to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at no cost to you!

In your charitable contributions and donations in 2020, please consider Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation by either through the DONATE BUTTON or by sending a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001-C St. Germain Drive #453 Centreville, Virginia 20121.  Your generous donations are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Please Save these Important Dates

• International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM – Thursday, February 6^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, February 15^th
• International Women’s Day – Sunday, March 8^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, March 21^st
• First Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, April 4^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, April 18^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, May 16^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, June 20^th
• Second Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, June 27^th
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, July 18^th
• Vacances Sans Excision – Saturday, August 15^th (No Support Group Workshop)
• Support Group Workshop – Saturday, September 19^th
• Third Quarter Board Meeting – Saturday, September 26^th
• Global Woman Awards – Friday, October 16^th
• Walk To End FGM – Saturday, October 17^th
• Support Group Thanksgiving Feast – Saturday, November 21^st
• Year-End Board Meeting – Saturday, December 5^th

We will update the preceding calendar as events develop during the Year

This section is for special announcements.  If you have an announcement you would like to run in this section, please follow these guidelines.

The Education Toolkit – Now Available and Downloadable 

The guidelines to submit an announcement to appear in this newsletter:

• The length of announcement must be no more than a paragraph of 6 lines.
• Your announcement is free of any charges.
• Your announcement should be something that pertains to women, girls or students, such as events, walk-a-thons, conferences, etc.
• If there is an accompanying image, it must be no less than 72 dpi, preferably in jpeg.
• Your announcement must be received no later than the Thursday 5:00pm prior to the following Tuesday publication.
• Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation reserves the right to deny a submission if it is not within our guidelines.

Do you enjoy playing with words?  This is a fun way to see how well you can unscramble the following words.  We will reveal the unscrambled words in next week’s edition of the newsletter.  If you enjoyed this, write and give us your feedback to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

Can you unscramble the following five words?

This Month’s Scrambled Words

NAMUH GNIKCIFFART (2 WORDS)

NOITALSIGEL

YLIMAF EFIL NOITACUDE (3 WORDS)

YCACOVDA

ELPRUP METI (2 WORDS)

Last Month’s Scrambled Words                      Last Month’s Unscrambled Words

RUOREPSORP RAEY                                     PROSPEROUS YEAR

YLHTNOM RETTELSWEN                            MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

TSRIF YADSEUT                                            FIRST TUESDAY

YRAUNAJ                                                        JANUARY

YPPAH WEN RAEY                                        HAPPY NEW YEAR

We give you five scrambled words each week.  We hope you enjoy playing.

Here are some of the ways you can help and support our programs in 2020:

• Donations (including in-kind donations) globalwomanpeacefoundation.org
• Partnering (collaborating in one of our programs and/or events)
• Joining our Internship Program
• Volunteering
• Donate through employer payroll deduction (through Your Cause, United Way or the government employee giving program)

Our Programs to Support

Survivor Resettlement Program

• Asylum Assistance
• Employment Assistance
• Permanent Residency Assistance
• Housing Application Assistance
• Health Insurance and Living Assistance
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Application
• Adult Literacy Preparation
• Grocery & Gasoline Assistance

Wholesome Organic Relief Program

• Professional Counseling
• Support Group Workshop
• Survivor-only Support Group
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) Support
• Restorative Surgery Sponsorship
• Physical Therapy

Kids Reach Shield Program

• Education & Information
• Understanding of the Practice
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Resources

Just4You Program

• Sanitary Items Distribution
• Scholarships to Girls in Africa

Important Contacts in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area to Keep Handy

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation               703-832-2642

National Child Abuse Hotline                              800-422-4453

Fairfax County Office for Women                       703-324-5730

Montgomery County Abused Persons Program   240-777-4673 (24 hours)

Prince Georges County Child Advocacy Center  301-909-2089

Baltimore City Child Abuse Center                      410-396-6147

Frederick County Child Advocacy Center           301-600-1758

Howard County Listening Place                           410-313-2630

Washington County Child Advocacy Center       240-420-4308

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police           202-727-9099

Arlington County Victim/Witness Program        703-228-7273

Loudon County Victim Witness Program            703-777-0417

Prince William County Victim/Witness               703-392-7083

National Hotline                                                       800-994-9662

Welcome to the first edition of the monthly Global Woman Newsletter this year.  Global Woman Newsletter wishes you a Happy New Year, and looks forward to keeping you informed on a monthly basis this New Year.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF) wishes you a Happy New Year and welcomes our readers and supporters to 2020!  It is our hope that you had a wonderful holiday season, and we are looking forward to a prosperous year ahead.  The organization is excited to begin a new year and a new decade, which is also the 10^th anniversary of the founding of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation.  With enthusiastic friends and supporters, it is a delight to enter the 10^th year of serving women and girls.  We thank you for making it possible for us to have achieved some of our goals.  We could not have accomplished what we have in the last decade without your support.  GWPF has great plans for this year, so continue to read our newsletter the first Tuesday of each month, to stay updated as the news unfolds during the course of the year.  We look forward to working with you in 2020, together, helping to make it a productive and successful year.  Here are some of the January 2020 activities we have in the life of GWPF.

We will be making some changes to this newsletter in the coming months for the benefit of our readers.  Instead of having one lengthy article, we will have brief columns of various voices and topics.  Our readers will have the opportunity to hear directly from survivors of FGM, the community, and advocates.  If there is something you would like to see included in our monthly newsletter, please feel free to inform us.

Later this month, we plan to launch our official fundraising and registration page for the 2020 Walk To End FGM.  Yes, this event is not scheduled to take place until October 17th; however with an early launch, we will have 10 months to prepare participants, speakers, guests and awardees for their travels.  Please read the February edition of Global Woman Newsletter for details about the registration launch.

The 2020 Support Group Workshop will return on Saturday, January 18^th.  We will be sending out an announcement and individual invitations will go out as early as next week.  If you are a survivor of FGM or you believe that you are at risk of it being done to you, please contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to have your name added to the invitation list.

GWPF welcomes your continued support in 2020.

Comments and questions to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call (703) 832-2642