August/September 2006

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the August/September edition of MADRE Speaks Online. This is proving to be a very full and challenging summer for us as we work to strengthen our ongoing programs for women and families around the world and respond to emergencies and humanitarian crises in the Middle East and Darfur.

In the midst of all this, we are pleased to bring you happy news as well: our new partnership with KOFAVIV in Haiti. The women of KOFAVIV are an inspiring model of seeking justice in bleak circumstances. We are proud to count them among our sisters and colleagues. You can learn more below.

As you may have noticed, we are using a new format for this newsletter. We hope that this design of MADRE Speaks Online is easier to navigate. We are always experimenting with ways to make the information we send you more relevant and accessible. Please, let us know what you think by writing to us at madrespeaks@madre.org.

Sincerely,

Vivian Stromberg
Executive Director

PROGRAM UPDATES
MADRE welcomes KOFAVIV
Our new sister organization, KOFAVIV, is working to bring justice, emotional support, and economic independence for hundreds of survivors of rape and gender-based violence in Haiti.

News from our recent Kenya delegation
MADRE staff and delegates traveled to Umoja, Kenya, where they held workshops for local women on women�s political participation, human rights, and HIV/AIDS, and offered expert training for local teachers.

New Ultrasound Machine for our sisters at CADAMUC
The replacement of CADAMUC's broken down equipment will make it possible for the clinic to provide prenatal care for teen mothers and hundreds of other patients--all made possible by MADRE members.

MADRE'S LATEST
War on Civilians: A MADRE Guide to the Middle East Crisis
This Q & A, provides a historical view of the current conflict in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, and answers some of the complex questions that many of us have.

Remembering Maya Miller and Norma Becker
We at MADRE fondly remember two of our most inspiring friends and mentors who have recently passed away.

Violence against Women Can Be Stopped
This fall Rebecca Lolosoli, a leader from Umoja, Kenya, and Vivian Stromberg, will be addressing university students around the US about how Umoja's women are banning violence in their village.

TAKE A STAND
Join MADRE in New York this September
The Voices to Stop Genocide rally will urge governments and international decision-makers gathered for the General Assembly of the United Nations to send a UN peacekeeping force to Darfur.

Raising Funds for Palestinian Children
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues. Children are still bombarded with rocket fire and ground and air attacks. Please help us provide healing for the trauma inflicted by military assault.

MADRE IN THE NEWS
Yifat Susskind speaks to KPFA and Yahoo News
MADRE's Communications Director comments on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.