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Dear Sisters in Indonesia, Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines,
The board and staff of the Global Fund for Women would like to express our collective sadness at the loss of life and devastation, over this past week, that has resulted from the earthquake that affected Sumatra, the tsunami that struck Samoa and Tonga, and the storms that have flooded the Philippines.
We have learned of this tragic course of events through the media
and our friends on the ground, and are writing to express our
solidarity with you during this difficult time. We do not know to what
extent you have been affected, but we can only hope that you, your
relatives, friends, and colleagues are safe. Please send us an e-mail,
if you can, to let us know how you are.
As you know, the Global Fund for Women's mission as a grantmaking
organization is to strengthen women's organizing and women's groups in
long-term efforts to advance the human rights of women and girls. The
Global Fund is not a relief organization and does not have the capacity
to provide direct aid in emergency situations. However, we do encourage
current grantees in the region, who have been affected by the current
natural disasters and their aftermath, to use the funds for whatever
activities they believe are most critical at this time. In the coming
months, we will be accepting grant applications to address the
gender-specific needs in rebuilding and reorganizing communities
affected by the destruction.
At your convenience, we would like your advice on how best to support
women and girls in the affected areas. Please send us your thoughts on
the situation of women and girl survivors, and guide us on what you
feel should be Global Fund's priorities in its long-term response to
such disasters across the region. Do let us know if there is any other
way we can be of assistance.
In Solidarity,
The Asia/Oceania Team
on behalf of the board and staff of the Global Fund for Women
Read More: 
Caught in the Storm: The Impact of Natural Disasters by Global Fund
Activist in Residence, Lin Chew and President Kavita Ramdas. This 2004 report explores
the disproportionate vulnerability of women in disaster situations and
offers recommendations for changing the effects of disasters on women's
lives. Read the report (PDF 4.2 MB) 
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