United Nations International Women's Day 2013
Kindly Hosted by Mr Virendra Sharma MP
House of Commons, Wilson Room, Portcullis House
(Portcullis House, above Westminster Tube Station)
6:00 pm 13th March, 2013
You are cordially invited to celebrate the UN International Women's Day (IWD) 2013 organised by the Universal Peace Federation and its friends and supporting organisations. We are pleased to welcome Lady Fiona Hodgson CBE, who will have just returned from attending the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) conference in New York. She will give us some highlights on this year's CSW and also talk about the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations Initiative launched by the Foreign Secretary last May and which will be a focus for the G8 during the UK Presidency.
There will be testimonies given by women from challenging human rights areas. This will include eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Charlotte Simon, of Mothers of Congo, will speak about the ongoing tragedy in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where around 10 million people have died in the last few decades, she will focus on the devastating state of women victims.
Baroness Oona King, who has visited the Great Lakes region of Africa regularly, showing deep commitment for the problems there and meeting women in the most horrific situations, will share her unique experiences, to raise awareness of the tragedy there.
Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece OBE, first Parliamentarian from a Turkish background. With background experience of establishing the first domestic violence project for Turkish and Kurdish women, 20 years ago. She has worked throughout her professional life to campaign against violence against women, and speaks on gender and equalities for the Lib Dems in the Lords.
Seema Malhotra MP, PPS to Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper MP (Shadow Minister for women and Equalities), who will touch on some of the strides women have made in recent years, in the area of equality.
Other contributions will be from the Mayor of Amersham, Cllr. Mimi Harker OBE, and the Executive Director of Women for Women, Brita Fernandez-Schmidt.
Women have made great strides in equality yet there is still a great deal to be achieved on many fronts and the IWD provides an annual global opportunity to reignite, inspire and channel women's equality for the future (more info). All men who appreciate and encourage the achievements of women are also very welcome. Statements, reports etc from previous UPF held IWD events are here 2010, 2011, ADMWE-2012 and 2012.
Kindly RVSP to reserve your place. We look forward to meeting you.
Yours sincerely,
Margaret Keverian Ali Director UPF - UK 07723024750
Joyce Suda Director UPF - UK 02084673035
Robin Marsh Sec. Gen. UPF - UK 07956210768
Office: 02072620985 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.uk.upf.org
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Previous Reports:
2012 Dec 5th, European Parliament The Prevention of Sexual Violence Especially in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
2013 Jan 23rd, House of Lords Genocide Awareness and Holocaust Commemoration 2013