A few days ago, in response to an article about an escalating danger to Afghan women's shelters, I wrote the following letter which was published in the New York Times:
To the Editor:
Re “Law and Custom Press Afghan Women’s Shelters” (front page, Feb. 11):
Afghan women’s shelters are a crucial refuge for women escaping brutal violence — and these shelters are under siege.
Proposed legal changes would place shelters under government authority and make a woman’s access contingent on discriminatory social mores, including virginity and marital status.
Today, an Afghan woman facing violence can turn — with no questions asked — to one of the few shelters run by women’s organizations. If this proposal passes, she will not even have that option.
These sanctuaries exist now because of the brave efforts of women’s rights activists. The state panel that seeks to regulate women’s access to shelters is part of a government riddled with women’s human rights abusers.
Nongovernmental shelters, like those supported by MADRE, represent the one hope of women desperate to save their own lives. This hope cannot be taken away.
Yifat Susskind
Executive Director
MADRE: Demanding Rights, Resources
and Results for Women Worldwide
New York, Feb. 11, 2011
In Celebration of International Women’s Day
Amnesty International's NYC Women's Human Rights Action Team
Presents
“Pink Saris” A film directed by Kim Longinotto
Tuesday, March 8 2011
6:30pm Reception; 7:00pm Film
Revolution Books Inc
146 W. 26th St (between 6th and 7th Ave.)
Special Guest Speaker Gouri Sadhwani, Deputy Executive Director for the Organizing, Membership & Campaigns at Amnesty International USA. She leads AIUSA's work on human rights campaigns; membership; and grassroots organizing.
$10 Suggested Donation; For more information, please contact nycwhrat@yahoo.com or visit: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=154177597969745
Posted by: Alejandra Salgado | February 23, 2011 at 11:16 AM