Walk to End Violence Against Women and Girls 2010

Dear Friends,

Join us as we walk to end violence against women on March 7th! We walk to support the Trust Fund, to raise the profile of the issue of violence against women, to highlight effective strategies, and to urge that resources be invested to reduce gender-based violence. Walk with us to ensure that women around the world are safe and free.

Six out of every ten women worldwide are victims of violence in their lifetimes. Violence is the top cause of mortality and morbidity for women and girls ages six to forty-four years. Gender-based violence hinders economic growth in both developed and developing nations. Clearly, violence against women is endemic across the globe.

Fortunately, so is UNIFEM. Through the Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, which it manages, UNIFEM has distributed more than $50 million to 304 initiatives in 120 countries since 1997. Trust Fund projects support the implementation of national laws, budgets, and action plans that address gender-based violence.

The only requirements to participate in the walk are that each participant contributes a minimum registration fee of $10 if you are a current UNIFEM/USNC member or $20 if you are a non-member to support the Trust Fund. However, we encourage you to strive to raise $50 or more through pledges and sponsorships. If you are unable to walk, please consider making a donation to address below. Donations to support the Trust Fund are 100% tax-deductible.

Register by March 1st, 2010 to receive a complimentary t-shirt. Late registration will be available at the door. We will hold opening ceremonies at Sports Basement and walk through Crissy Field.

Sponsors include: San Francisco Darfur Coalition, Spark, San Francisco Women's Political Committee, International Development Exchange, Amnesty International San Francisco

To learn more, visit:
http://www.unifem.org/gender_issues/violence_against_women/