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Bulletins and Announcements:
December 2009
World AIDS Day: In recognition of World AIDS Day 2009 (December 1, 2009) the World YWCA came out with a special statement about women, HIV and rights violations. According to the statement, AIDS related illnesses are the leading cause of death and disease for women of reproductive age globally. While governments are mandated to ensure safe motherhood for all women, the sexual and reproductive health of rights of women living with HIV are often ignored and many pregnant HIV-infected women experience human rights violations. Around the world, an estimated 17.5 million women are currently living with HIV and the number of infections continues to out grow the numbers on treatment. For every two people starting treatment, another five become infected with the HIV virus. In addition, there is increasing documentation of pregnant HIV positive women being persuaded into sterilization or simply denied care because of their HIV status. As civil society continues to push for Universal Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by the end of 2010, it is critical that governments understand the importance of human rights of young women living with HIV.
Health Care Reform: On December 2, 2009, the National YWCA will rally in Washington, DC and visit Congressional offices to support health care reform and protect women’s access to health care. The YWCA is determined to “Stop Stupak-Pitts” and ensure that women’s rights are not compromised in new health insurance reform. Advocates are needed to speak out against the Stupak-Pitts Amendment and prevent this language from entering any senate bill or health care reform bill signed by the President. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.ywca.org.
October 2009
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activities
From October 18th -24th, YWCAs across the country are holding a Week Without Violence and joining together to say “ENOUGH!” to violence against women and girls, including participation in a Congressional briefing to be held on Capitol Hill about domestic violence issues during the second week of October.
Our YWCA recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with activities that support victims of abuse in Westchester County.
On the 1st of October, our YWCA participated in Westchester’s first Take Back the Night event, which included a rally, march and speak out against domestic and dating violence, and opportunities for victims to talk to counselors. Take Back the Night was formed by a coalition of local non-profit organizations including the Alliance for Just Solutions, a social justice project of the YWCA of White Plains and United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
On Tuesday October 13 from 8:30am -12noon, Victims Assistance Services will host a special presentation at the YWCA titled The Link Between Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence and Animal Abuse. Guests will explore how pet and domestic violence are closely related and the impact this has on domestic abuse victims.
The YWCA is a powerful voice that stands strong against violence towards girls and women, both in our local community and on national and global levels.
September 2009
Welcome Back Letter from our CEO
It is with great pleasure that I welcome back our supportive members and friends to a new Fall season at the YWCA.
This year, we celebrated our 80th year of improving the lives of women, children and families in Westchester. With our Spring gala, “In the Company of Women”, 450 dynamic women from across the county joined us at the Surf Club in New Rochelle to recognize our anniversary and the work that we do to eliminate racism and empower women. An inspirational keynote speech given by Ambassador Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and former GEMS coordinator, reminded us of the necessity of staying connected to our community and causes that we are passionate about.
President Obama has invited the YWCA, to be a leader in advocating community service and volunteering, which our YWCA participated in by running a food drive to gather food for our Women’s Residence. A country-wide volunteering initiative has been under way this summer, culminating in a day of service on September 11, 2009. The YWCA hosted a special Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on Friday, September 11 to show our appreciation for those who have generously volunteered for our programs and events. This year, we will continue to encourage volunteering and offer opportunities for people to give their time to a good cause.
Please read more in our September 2009 News and Views.
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