----- Original Message -----

From: Shavala

To: sheffieldfems@...

Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 1:18 PM

Subject: [sheffieldfems] Silence Equals Consent: Sign this Petition to End Violence Against Women!

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS!!!

Sign the Petition at:

www.theIRC.org/endviolenceagainstwomen

Dear Women's Rights Activists,

The International Rescue Committee is requesting your help to carry out a global campaign to end violence against women.  As you know thousands of women are beaten and raped every day across the world, their voices are seldom heard.  We know that you are dedicated to the advancement women's rights, which is why we are asking you to work with us to put a stop to violence against women.

We're calling all our supporters to write to the presidency of the European Union, which for the first half of 2008 will be held by Prime Minister Janez Jansa of Slovenia, urging Europe to take the lead in global efforts to end violence against women. Our goal is to send a wake up call to the European Union through every citizen in Europe, but we can't do it alone.

The IRC has already sent out the following petition to all of our constituents. So far we have more the 1,000 signatures, and we want to get more than 10,000 to make a powerful impact.  We need your help.  Please take a moment of your time to sign this petition and actively participate in this movement by sending it through your organization's mailing lists and to your co-workers, friends, and family.

If you would like more information about our campaign or if you would like to collaborate further on this vital issue, please contact Cecile Petereit at infobrussels@theirc.org, or Shavala Magri at ircbe@theirc.org. Our office line is +32 (0)2 511 57 00.

Thank you for your efforts to give a voice to victims of violence. Sign at:

www.theIRC.org/endviolenceagainstwomen