(as a disclaimer, I admit I am writing this letter from the US, my perspective reflects that fact, and address the situation here)

March 8th, the National Center for Human Rights Education coordinating with many other local grassroots organizations hosted Women's Voices, Women's Journeys - International Perspectives on Immigration and Women's Human Rights.

There were many powerful women who spoke, sang and shared, most of them from many places around the globe. Four of them, respectively from Rwanda, Afghanistan (did I spell that correctly?), Iraq and Bosnia. It was incredible to be in an auditorium of so many powerful women. They spoke of war, exile, militarization, repression, rape, family, motherhood, and told their stories with honesty, and amazing courage. I was move most of all by their courage.

One woman criticized the UNHCR for not responding to refugees in a more humane and less corrupt way. Another spoke of being fired from her workplace here in Atlanta due to where she is from. All spoke straight from their souls with a power that unites us as women of struggle. At one point, we sang………. "We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it’s won."

What a timely song! I felt moved and inspired to move ahead knowing that the way to truth is a path of struggle, and the only journey in life that is truly worth living!

What an amazing group of women! For more information on some of the issues that were raised, www.nnirr.org, www.itapnet.org, www.afsc.org and the website of the National Center for Human Rights Education

Tonite was also another evening in which it was mentioned that there needs to be a stronger call in the anti-war movement. Obviously, many of us are involved in our communities, overworked, burnt out, and just tired. But now is the time, while this thing is still only about 6 months old. We can each educate those we know, learn more about international politics, speak out against the war, and hopefully soon, also be in the streets, voicing our disdain for this new recent wave of hyper-militarization and flag-waving hysteria.

I want to invite you all to do what you can to stand in solidarity with our most oppressed brothers and sisters in these dire times. Learn more about Islam. Host a potluck and give the $$ to an immigrant based organization. Speak to those people in your community who are being targeted. Simple things can be done to resist this senseless war mongering.

I must remind you that those who are most affected by war are women and children. Do what you can to stop the madness!

Arbolita