2015: A year of strengthening connections and collaborations
Dining for Women’s new executive director outlines the major focuses for the organization in 2015. Details
Education is key focus for majority of programs
Although our programs may have more than one impact area, there is always one overarching focus. A look at information on DFW featured programs from 2006 through the first half of 2015 reveals that to be education. Here’s an infographic with a few other key stats about our programs. Details
PTSD: For refugees, deep but invisible scars
When ordinary people are suddenly and inexplicably surrounded by war, life as they know it can cease to exist. They become the collateral damage. They are teachers, cab drivers, lawyers, bakers, mothers, fathers, children – all running away from devastation and toward the unknown. Details
Travel Tales: Five Gifts of Travel
Travel Program Director Patricia Andersson unwraps the gifts that travel brings us in honor of the holiday season. Details
New ways of thinking about Food for Thought
New content will be coming to our blog in 2015 with a fresh look at Food for Thought and issues we will be talking about. Details
Proven Platter: Semolina Cake
This month is all about small plates, a common style of dining in Jordan. It’s called mezze. Details
Oneonta (NY) chapter featured
The Daily Star in Oneonta, NY, wrote a lengthy piece on giving circles in the area, profiling Dining for Women’s local chapter among them.
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A conversation with Women’s Microfinance Initiative
Robyn Neitert, founder and president of Women’s Microfinance Initiative joined us for a Google Hangout to talk about why WMI succeeds where other programs may not. WMI is our featured program for December 2014. Details
Surviving rape in Cambodia
We invited some of our programs that deal directly with violence against women to share some stories. The stories show the impact these programs are having fighting violence against women, addressing their root causes, and providing support and a way back for its victims. This is the story of a young Cambodian teen-ager, whose name has been changed, who was helped through this tragic experience by Lotus Outreach’s aftercare and reintegration program — a Dining for Women sustained program.
Of 4 sisters, 2 walk a different path
We invited some of our programs that deal directly with violence against women to share some stories. The stories show the impact these programs are having fighting violence against women, addressing their root causes, and providing support and a way back for its victims. This is the story of a young Kenyan girl who was spared the traditional female genital mutilation and sent instead to study at the Kakenya Center for Excellence. Details
Violence changed this child’s life, but won’t define it
We invited some of our programs that deal directly with violence against women to share some stories. The stories show the impact these programs are having fighting violence against women, addressing their root causes, and providing support and a way back for its victims. This is the story of a young Kenyan girl who knew the horrors of domestic violence at an extremely early age. Her mother was murdered by her father, who then abandoned Naanyu and her five siblings. Taken in by family, she is studying at the Kakenya Center for Excellence where she has learned that her life will not be the same as for others in her village. FGM will not be performed on her. Details
Violence against women 2014
Gender inequality and violence against women walk hand in hand through the world. Dining for Women has supported more than a dozen programs that specifically work to stop violence against women, to help its victims re-enter society and reclaim their lives or to empower girls to have the confidence and the skills to say NO to violent practices like FGM and indentured servitude. Details
Stop the violence
The 16 days between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Nov. 25) and Human Rights Day (Dec. 10) represents a coordinated effort to promote activism and awareness. Violence against women exists in every country and at every income level. So there are many voices talking about the issue this week.
Dining for Women has put together a digital magazine that is curating and aggregating these voices. On Twitter, #16days and #violenceagainstwomen are being used to coordinate the conversation, but there are others. On Facebook, these tags and DFWs #DFW16days are being used as a way to bring all your comments together.
And there are news articles, scholarly articles and posts from the UNWomen, programs and nonprofits.
You can read this magazine on the web just by following this link or by downloading the free Flipboard app for whatever flavor of mobile device you use. If you see a page that just has a hashtag on it, like #16days, that’s a custom search that will bring up a current list of all tweets using that tag.
The magazine will be updated automatically with new content from across the web. You can Follow the magazine to have it added to your Flipboard bookshelf and share it with others. Share your insights, observations and thoughts for increasing awareness: post on Facebook or Twitter with the #DFW16days.
Photo: The Empire State Building in New York City lights up orange to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The United Nations was also lit up in orange.
Starfish graduates the Class of 2014
In 2012, DFW supported Starfish One by One by funding an education and internship program to empower girls in Guatemala. The class graduated in November 2014 and are moving on to start businesses or continue their educations. Read more. Details
Stop the Starvation Cycle
Nonprofits are trapped in a “starvation cycle” – a concept identified by some of the largest oversight and watchdog organizations in the nonprofit world like Charity Navigator and Guidestar. It’s destabilizing good organizations that do important work and can eventually threaten their sustainability. Details
A 13th Month Q&A
Dining for Women co-founders Marsha Wallace and Barb Collins answered questions from members about the 13th month. Watch the Google Hangout.
A Rwandan Thanksgiving with Gardens for Health
By Jessie Cronan
Executive Director, Gardens for Health
More than 500 people gathered at the Gardens for Health farm in Rwanda on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, for a very unique Thanksgiving celebration. Families enrolled in our program joined local officials, neighbors, and visitors, for a day of dancing, singing, and – of course – eating. Details
Chapter fundraisers are a great way to support 13th Month
By Wendy Frattolin
DFW Member and Volunteer Director
Many of our chapters hold special events or activities to raise funds for the 13th Month Campaign. In addition to raising money to support DFW’s operations, local fundraising events can also be a great way to build relationships within your chapter members, spread the word about your local chapter, or encourage new members to join. Details
The Proven Platter: Ugandan Luwombo
This month’s Proven Platter recipe is authentic Ugandan – chicken steamed in banana leaves (with a simple substitution if you can’t find the leaves).
A conversation with Gardens for Health
Jessie Cronan, executive director of Gardens for Health, joined Dr. Veena Khandke, interim program director of DFW, for a conversation about how her program is fighing malnutrition in Rwanda with education and farming techniques. Details
Q&A with Bumi Sehat
Bumi Sehat addresses some questions
Our Google Hangout with Erin Ryan of Bumi Sehat elicited some follow up questions. Interim Program Director Veena Khandke posed them to Erin and Bumi Sehat. Here are their responses. Details
Peru 2014: Meeting the Lima chapter members
By Nancy Jacobsen
Those of us who arrived in Lima before the official first day of the DFW 2014 Peru trip, were invited to join the Lima chapter for their October meeting, We had no idea what to expect. We were overwhelmed by the joyous welcome of our hostess Elle Bagnarol and the chapter members. Details
Peru 2014: The mysteries of the Colla
By Kay Manley
We departed Puno on the morning of October 28 to drive through the mesmerizing Altiplano to Cuzco. A visit to Sillustani revealed pre-Incan mysteries and culture as we learned about this burial ground of the nobility of the Colla culture. Details
The DFW effect
A shared happiness fueled by a commitment to a unified goal. Co-founder Marsha Wallace writes about the DFW effect. Details
Peru 2014: Lake Titicacca
By Karen Zocchi
We said good-bye to our generous hosts and set off on a walk to the town square of Taquile. The sun was bright, Lake Titicaca a brilliant blue, and the path was amazing. Details
Peru 2014: The floating islands
By Lisa Eurich
First off, I really enjoyed the very short but sweet stay we had at Llachon. The food was delicious (especially the fried cheese for lunch) and the families were very hospitable. I would definitely recommend a homestay at Calixtos hospedaje. Our mamacitas gave us little bouqets of geranium flowers and munyo. Details
Peru 2014: Kindness is an international language
By Kay Manley
Was there great curiosity as we arrived in Llachon for our first homestay? Absolutely yes! The people in Llachon speak Quechua as their first language with Spanish as the second. But the real language was that of human kindness which needs no translation. Details
Peru 2014: Exploring Pucallpa
By Karen Zocchi
Our loads considerably lightened after distributing baby clothes and supplies, maternity gowns and medical supplies, we spent some time in the town of Pucallpa. We took a boat ride in the lake and saw many vultures, tuki tuki birds and had a wonderful lunch at a floating restaurant with our friends that are beginning to feel like old friends – not strangers that we met five days ago!
We motored by the bathing spot for the vultures. After cleaning in the lake, they stand on the bank and spread their wings to dry. Very impressive! (some of us thought menacing would be a more appropriate adjective!)
There are many small green plants floating on the lake. They were so thick that the tuki tuki bird appeared to walk on water. When the tuki tuki found a promising plant, he would flip it over and eat the insects off the bottom.
We learned an interesting old tale. It was feared that dolphins stole women by impregnating them. No women were allowed to swim in the lake during the time they were fertile!
Tonight we head back to Lima and a few hours later we head to Puno and our home stays.
As we finish off the first part of our trip, I’d like to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who donated and helped us collect supplies. They were very gratefully received!
Peru 2014: Day 3 at the INMED clinic
Day 3: DFW travelers visited Campo Verde, a clinic run by INMED. They brought supplies and shared in the joy of a baby shower. Details
Travel Tales: Remembering the Butterflies
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It’s a day selected to coincide with a date very important to the founders of the Maiposa DR Foundation. Read why. Details
Peru 2014: Two clinic visits near Pucallpa
Our travelers spent a day visiting two women’s clinics near Pucallpa. Read More. Details
Peru 2014: American members visit Peruvian chapter
Fifteen US-based DFW members embarked on a journey to Peru. Their first stop was an very special opportunity to break bread and join with DFW sisters in the Lima, Peru, chapter for a meeting, to share and learn about each other and about our featured program for October – Bumi Sehat. Chapter Leader Eli Bagnarol sends this post on the experience. Details
Peru: We’re here
By Karen Zocchi
Oct. 20, Day 2
Fifteen women.
Thirty large suitcases and duffel bags.
More than 15 backpacks and additional bags.
One very determined tour leader and one very patient airline employee who worked magic math to get everything on the same plane. A short, smooth ride and then…
Loud music, people clapping, putting paper leis around our necks, welcoming us to Pucallpa and inviting us to dance. Right now. In the airport.
All the planning, collecting, buying, packing and schlepping giant suitcases to another continent seemed a distant memory.
Thus begins our adventure with InMed. Tomorrow we will meet the people who are served and supported by InMed. We can’t wait!
Featured programs announced for first half of 2015
Dining for Women is pleased to announce its grant program for the first six months of 2015, which will provide more than $331,000 to grassroots program from Jordan to Haiti. The programs will directly benefit more than 13,500 women and girls, and countless more indirectly.
The programs work toward improved health, increased educational opportunities, training of healthcare workers to return to rural villages and medical care. Details
DFW founders honored as “Everyday Freedom Heroes”
Marsha Wallace and Barb Collins are awarded the Everyday Freedom Hero award by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Details
Central Region Conference 2014
Leaders, members and friends of Dining for Women met the weekend of Oct 10-12, 2014 in the Central Region to get to know each other better, to learn more about Dining for Women and to share experiences and information. Details
The Proven Platter: Pineapple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake
This month’s Proven Platter recipe is a mash-up of traditional Rwandan ingredients – cornmeal and pineapple – that creates a decidedly non-traditional dessert. Details
International Day of the Girl 2014
Educating girls may be the key to changing the world, but it’s not as simple as providing books, pencils and school uniforms. Girls’ education involves safety and security, health and wellness, reproductive education, and even educating parents to value and support their daughter’s education. To celebrate the 2014 Day of the Girl (Oct. 11), Dining for Women sat down with three of our programs to talk about their holistic approaches — what they do, how it’s working and what cultural shifts they are seeing in their parts of the world. Details
DFW gets a shout out on radio interview
Dining for Women was mentioned on a public radio show featuring a discussion of A Path Appears. Listen for it. Details
New Executive Director named
Beth Ellen Holimon brings 20 years of leadership experience
Beth Ellen Holimon, a resident of San Diego, CA, has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, organization development and executive consulting, most recently as president of Holimon Planning and Coaching, a nationwide nonprofit and board consulting firm. Details
A conversation with Bumi Sehat
Program Director Dr. Veena Khandke sat down with Bumi Sehat’s Director of International Medical Volunteers Erin Ryan for a conversation about the October 2014 featured program. Watch now. Details
2015 Funding Model puts more money to work
Dining for Women has approved some changes in its funding model that will enable us to put up to another $200K to work in the world each year. Details
Community magazine profiles Grand Rapids (MI) chapter, leader
The Cascade Life community magazine profiled Jill Peirce, Central Region co-leader and Grand Rapids chapter leader, and her chapter. The linked file is a PDF version of this print-only publication. Go to page 17 for the story.
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Zionsville (OH) chapter profiled in local publication
Spend an evening with the Liz Qua and her chapter in Zionsville, OH. That is the feel you get in this piece that takes the reader through the meeting from welcome to farewell.
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Cookbook author, DFW member profiled
The Chestnut Hill Local reprinted a profile of Margaret Guthrie of Mt. Airy, PA, a 77-year-old author of eight published cookbooks. Margaret is a member of the Mt. Airy chapter, a prolific author and a dedicated community volunteer. Great story, great subject.
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The Coloradan visits Ft. Collins meeting
An article in The Coloradan gives a reporter’s personal perspective of a DFW dinner. The video clip shows the group reading the dinner affirmation – a nice moment. And the article is written first person by the reporter.
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Dining for Women and A Path Appears
Read our Storify on A Path Appears and our Hangout with Nicholas Kristof. Add to the conversation by posting on Facebook or Twitter #DFWKristof. Details
A conversation with Nicholas Kristof
Marsha Wallace hosted a conversation with “A Path Appears” co-author Nicholas Kristof about the new book, the gains made in reducing extreme poverty and women’s equality — and the distance yet to go. The authors mention Dining for Women in several spots throughout the book. “Sheryl and I are such big fans of what you guys do,” Kristof said during the Hangout. View the on-demand video of this insightful conversation. Details
Strategic serendipity: Luck the DFW way
Is it luck, good fortune or just being in the right place at the right time. Whatever, DFW is the beneficiary of a lot of it — finding the right people when we need them, being in the right mind-space when we need to be. It’s luck the Dining for Women way — strategic serendipity.
Travel Tales: Our visits with sustained programs
Dining for Women travelers have visited a number of the programs receiving sustained funding. Get an up-close-and-personal view.
Miss a meeting, miss a lot! Go virtual
There are a lot of reasons to check out Dining for Women virtually. You might be out of town on business and miss your regular chapter meeting. You might not have a local chapter but still want to be part of the organization. Or you may just want to see what we’re all about. Find out more about how to get connected with DFW virtually. Details
Afghanistan presents many challenges, and equal opportunities
Many Dining for Women members and constituents raised questions about what would happen to the women supported by the Bond Street Theatre program when they are released from prison or once the US leaves Afghanistan. We posed these questions to Bond St.’s artistic director and founder, Joanna Sherman. Her answers are thoughtful and thought-provoking. Details
The Proven Platter: Chicken and Green Bean Salad (Lawar)
The October 2014 Proven Platter recipe is Chicken and Green Bean Salad (Lawar) – one of Bali’s most famous dishes. It’s also a major effort so be prepared for a lot of work. But it’s worth the effort! Details
Mid-Atlantic regional leader announces retirement
Debbie Britt has been leading the Mid-Atlantic region since 2010. In November, she’ll step down after four very successful years. Details
Kamlari transformation an illustration of our purpose and passion
Former kamlari slaves have had their lives transformed thanks to the efforts of the Nepal Youth Foundation and the support of Dining for Women. They now are transforming the lives of other. An inspiring self-perpetuating cycle that we are proud to be part of.
Details
Travel Tales: Is this the best way to spend your money? It depends
One of our members questions why we offer costly travel programs when that same money could go so far to support our programs. Patricia Andersson, DFW’s Travel Program Director, explores the responsibilities of privilege and the value of our trips. Details
DFW chapter leader participates with Foundation Rwanda support groups
Foundation Rwanda was our featured program in September 2013. This summer, chapter leader Reiko Johnson had an opportunity to visit Rwanda and meet some of the women during a peer support group session. Details
The Proven Platter: A Traditional Ugandan Mash, Deconstructed
This month’s Proven Platter recipe is a mash-up of sweet potatoes, beans, and peanuts that Ugandans call ‘Bufuke’.”
Moving beyond kamlari in Nepal
The Nepal Youth Foundation was our featured program in January 2012. Dining for Women funded the Indentured Daughters Program, which, with the official abolition of kamlari, has become the Empowering Freed Kamlaris program. We recently saw an inspiring television report on their success and asked for an inside look. This update on the organization’s efforts and the photos and success stories show the tremendous impact we can all have. Details
“Teach a Woman to Fish” is a fascinating look at global policy making
Marsha Wallace is a voracious reader and she loves the new book “Teach a Woman to Fish.” Read her thoughts on some key topics author Ritu Sharma focuses on. Details
Leadership changes at headquarters, Southeast region
Two leadership changes have been announced by Dining for Women. Dr. Veena Khandke will take over as interim Program Director and Helen Borland will step into the co-leader’s role in the Southeast Region, replacing Alison Lively who is stepping down. Details
The Proven Platter: An Afghan summer barbeque
This month’s Proven Platter recipe is a Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebab. Recruit friends to bring along the rest of the recipes for a complete meal. Details
Travel Tales: Come Along for the Ride!
Ever wondered how to read about some of the trips the Travel Program has taken? This post will show you the easiest way to access the travel blogs, plus give you a taste of our recent trip to India. Details
Program Selection: Inspiration revealed through perspiration
How does Dining for Women select its featured programs? It’s a strenuous and stringent process that requires a remarkable commitment by the volunteers who take it on. Take a walk through the process with Dr. Maggie Aziz, program director. Details
The Proven Platter: Tomato and White Bean Stew (Niger)
This month’s Proven Platter recipe is a Tomato and White Bean Stew, called Togola in Niger. Try it with bread baked in a Dutch oven! Details
Dining for Women and Somaly Mam
Dining for Women is troubled and saddened by the recent allegations swirling around Somaly Mam and her subsequent resignation. The internal and private investigation by her foundation comes after a Newsweek article brought to light gaps and inconsistencies in her story, as well as concerns about her leadership. Details
Nigerian kidnapping focuses world attention on a massive global issue
The shocking kidnapping of 270 Nigerian schoolgirls has turned the world’s attention to human trafficking. Every day, in every country, people’s lives and futures are stolen from them. There is no easy answer, no quick fix. But we can take advantage of the opportunity to educate others on the widespread horror of modern-day slavery and to inspire them to join in efforts to change cultures for women around the world.
Travel Tales: Bringing the travel program full circle
Life is a series of special connections and we never know where threads will lead you. Travel Program Director Patricia Andersson ties up the threads in this look at how the travel program and our October 2014 featured program Bumi Sehat are connected.
Great Day (Louisville, KY) interview with Marsha Wallace
Marsha Wallace visited Louisville to meet with local chapters, to present at a University of Louisville-sponsored conference and stopped by WHAS11’s Great Day program. Joined by Louisville member Christy Haas, Marsha talked about the important role women play in the world and the power they have to change their communities when they are given a hand up. Take a listen. Details
The Proven Platter: Mango and Coconut Tart (Tanzania)
Each month, recipe curator Linda McElroy will take a recipe from the featured program’s country and put it through its paces in her own kitchen. She will test it, tweak it and fine-tune it and you will benefit from her insights. This month it is a Mango and Coconut Tart, adapted from a traditional Tanzanian recipe. Mmmmmmm. Details
Video: Vietnam-Cambodia 2014
A video review of the February-March 2014 trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Details
DFW awards $321K in program grants for 2nd half of 2014
Six new programs that support safe childbirth, re-entry assistance for imprisoned women, microfinance and business training, nutrition and help for grandmothers raising orphaned children have been selected for funding in the second half of 2014.
WomenNow interviews Marsha Wallace
Dining for Women co-founder Marsha Wallace appeared on the California program WomenNow during a trip to several West Coast chapters Details
What is the essence of Dining for Women?
Certain keywords help define ourselves and our values. DFW has four that we think describe the essence of who we are, what we value and how we work toward achieving our goals. Tell us if you agree and how you see those words in action. Details
Thanh’s Story
Our travelers visiting Cambodia-Vietnam in February 2014 met several women who are beneficiaries of the work of Children of Vietnam and its Empowering Foundations program. Dang Thi Thanh’s story is one of them. Details
Venice (FL) covers 4 members’ trip to Vietnam
The Herald Tribune in Sarasota, FL, has a story about four members of DFW who just returned from the trip to Vietnam.
CA gets ready for co-founder’s visit
An article in the Santa Cruz (CA) Sentinel gives overview of Dining for Women purpose and activities as the organization gets ready to welcome Marsha Wallace for a March 2013 tour that will include television and radio programs as well as many chapter meetings!
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An educated member is a better donor
Marsha Wallace, co-founder of DFW, talks about the organization, its impact and what sets us apart from other organizations in a podcast with Greenville speaker and coach, Deb Sofield. Details
Safety and security far from the reality of women caught in civil war
Women and children in conflict zones around the world are far more likely to be killed, raped, injured and torn from their homes than actual combatants. The Women Peace and Security Act offers protection for women on the ground and a seat at the negotiating table. But it is languishing in Congress. What can DFW do to help?
A special dinner at Children of Vietnam
Each of three small groups were guests at a beautiful, bountiful luncheon which had been prepared by single mothers – recipients of DFW micro-loans to Children of Vietnam’s Empowering Foundations for Women & Children (EFWC).
How appropriate that the last line of the DFW Dinner Affirmation reads, “May we all be able to feast together some day.”
(And then, of course, there were the dishes to do!!!)
— Marilyn Murphy
Visiting Children of Vietnam
DFW member Ashley Gibb at Children of Vietnam
By Cynthia Sawtell
San Anselmo (CA)
Feb. 22 — Our day started off rainy and cool. We spent most of the morning in the wonderful Ethnographic museum learning about the 53 ethnic minorities which together make up 14 percent of the population. Later, we visited an ancient Confucian university with its lovely gardens and shrine. The rest of the day was deeply meaningful. Details
DFW leader on human trafficking
Karri Hemming, founder of the DFW chapter in Racine, WI, is active in the community’s efforts to create a safe haven for victims of human trafficking – a growing problem in the area. Hemming is executive director of the community’s Womens Resource Center.
Read ArticleWomen’s empowerment activist from Vietnam visits DFW chapter
Mary Caroline Mitchell and Rachel Broughton flank Dr. Ha Ngo, who visited their DFW chapter meeting.
By Mary Caroline Mitchell
Springfield, IL-3, Chapter Leader
Dr. Ha Ngo, Ph.D., is the director of a women’s empowerment program in Vietnam. Visiting the US as part of a program sponsored by the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, we were fortunate to have her join us for our February chapter meeting. The State Department program fosters citizen diplomacy and brought Dr. Ngo, the deputy director, Center for Education, Promotion and Empowerment of Women located in Hanoi, Vietnam, to Springfield. Details
The sights and sounds of Hanoi
By Karen Hasara
Springfield, Illinois
Feb. 21 — Our first full day in Hanoi and what a day it was! Our first venture was a walking tour of the old city and our first lesson was learning how to venture down the sidewalk together and to cross a street and survive! We learned that we had to carefully venture out, never hesitating, never running, and not trying to go back. Details
Visiting a school offering advanced English education
The Jungle Temple at Ta Prohm
By Cynthia Sawtell
San Anselmo, CA
FEB 19 — At 9AM sharp our group gathered together to finally meet each other and embark on our first day of adventure in Cambodia. We had an entire very warm day of touring the temples at Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, the jungle temple. Details
Life on Tonle Sap Lake
DFW travelers receive blessing at a Buddhist monastery
By Thora Pabst
Greeley, CO
FEB 20 — Our group, perhaps a little worse for the wear, left bright and early for Tonle Sap Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Asia. This area supplies the majority of fish brought to the market. Life on the water can be challenging in so many ways. Homes are generally on stilts to receive the benefit of breezes and protection from rising waters during the rainy season. Modern amenities are virtually non-existent. Though their situations seems cobbled together, the residents appeared undeterred in their pursuit of daily life. Details
Decade of Dining takes second in national cookbook contest
Our Decade of Dining Cookbook is the product of 10 years of collaboration with programs around the world and members around the country. And now it’s a national award winner. Details
Every day is International Women’s Day for DFW
International Women’s Day is celebrated every day at DFW. Details
Cambodia-Vietnam 2014: Be’s Story
Travelers meet a struggling mom and a gifted child and find a way to connect and to help. Details
A radio roundtable in San Fran
DFW West Regional Leader Patty Karabatsos, chapter leaders Susan Negrin and Cari Class, and DFW Communications Director Laura Haight in a roundtable chat with San Fran radio personality Smitha Deepak.
Is there hope for the International Violence Against Women Act
By MARSHA WALLACE
DFW Co-Founder
DFW recognizes that our mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of women living in extreme poverty cannot be separate from our commitment to promote gender equality.
This is reflected in our recently revised vision statement: “We envision a world in which millions of lives have been transformed and extreme poverty has been reduced because Dining for Women has connected people in creative, powerful ways that assure gender equality. “
One of the most prevalent symptoms of gender inequality is gender-based violence. As Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn explained in the introduction to their book, Half the Sky, more women have been killed just because they are women than all the men killed in all the world wars of the 20th century combined.
Harmful practices like sex-selective abortion, female infanticide, suicide, honor killings, bride burnings, and rape are all components of gender-based violence. Estimates are that up to one in three women will be a victim of gender violence at some point, and in some countries, as many as 70 percent of women are victims. Gender-based violence, one of the most egregious of human rights violations, is a public health crisis and a barrier to some of the world’s greatest challenges: eradication of HIV and AIDS, extreme poverty and political stability in some of the world’s most conflict- ridden countries. Details
Questions about our programs? Here’s how to get answers
By Jamye Cooper
DFW Executive Director
Our education team works hard each month to provide key information to enrich our members’ understanding of our featured program. But occasionally members or leaders have questions that aren’t addressed in our materials.
When that occurs, people may be contacting the program director or staff directly. Some of our funded programs report that they may be answering the same question from more than one DFW member or chapter. These can be time consuming calls for the program. But beyond that, if one program has a question, there’s a good chance others might as well.
You’ve got photos? We want them
By Laura Haight
DFW Communications Director
There are some amazing things happening in dining rooms, kitchens, living rooms and great rooms across the country. Some of them are newsworthy – perhaps to a DFW audience or sometimes for a more general interest audience.
The most common content is photos – from anniversaries, fundraisers or meetings with special speakers. Social media gives us ways to share a lot of photos that don’t find a home on our website with a large audience every day. While photos tell a story, they do need a little help in the form of captions and descriptions. It’s important for us to know who’s in the photo, what they’re doing, where they are from and why it’s significant. Large group photos of your chapter do not need to identify each person; but photos of five or fewer should include IDs with first and last name, location, title and affiliation, from left to right.