| Dear Friends,
 Warm New Year's greetings from the Global Fund for Women! I have just returned to work rested from time with family in Pakistan, but also revitalized with a renewed commitment to the work of the Global Fun. That energy is the result of a visit to our extraordinary grantee, the Rural Women's Welfare Organization.
Located four and a half hours from the nearest big city, Karachi, RWWO activists face huge challenges in this remote and still traditional rural community. The organization has spent the last 15 years working in a region with one of the highest rates of female illiteracy and violence against women in all of Pakistan. My daughter and I were able to meet with courageous local women who have dared to challenge traditional practices that reduce women to the status of private property. Karo kari, Urdu for honor killings, is routine – last year alone some estimated 100 women were victims of murder perpetuated by male relatives. Women are killed in retaliation for feuds between families or because they are the victims of rape and are considered to have brought shame on the family. They are murdered because they are vulnerable and no one speaks out on their behalf. The Hindu and Muslim women who are proud members of RWWO are changing this reality one life at a time.
 The director of the organization Imam Zadi , smiled as she introduced us to activists as old as 70, and as young as 14. My own daughter, Mira, felt inspired enough to write about our visit for a school assignment. You can read her essay, and more of my reflections on our blog.
In solidarity,
Kavita N. Ramdas
President and CEO
$1.5 Million Granted in January
We are pleased to announce our first grants of 2007. After evaluating hundreds of proposals, we have awarded $1.5 million to 129 women's human rights organizations in 63 countries. These include 66 renewal grants that demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the work of existing grantees who are serving critical roles in their communities. Please visit our blog this month as we highlight the work of some of our new and renewing grantees.
Celebrate International Women's Day
 Host a gathering on March 8th in your community to raise awareness and funds for women’s human rights worldwide.
Whether you host a potluck, film screening or performance, you can share with friends, family and co-workers how to promote women’s equality across the globe.
Go for the Goal: help raise $50,000 to benefit the Global Fund!
We'll even help get you started. For information or help planning your celebration contact Jenifer at 415-202-7640, jenifer@globalfundforwomen.org
World Social Forum
Join the Global Fund in Nairobi as our colleagues blog directly from the World Social Forum. Staff members Muadi Mukenge, Caitlin Stanton, Sande Smith, as well as several donors will keep us posted from what has become the world's largest annual grassroots gathering. Visit our blog January 20 – 25th for the latest news from Kenya.
The Shape of Water
 In an intimate encounter with five very different women in Brazil, India, Jerusalem, and Senegal, The Shape of Water offers a close look at the far-reaching and vibrant alternatives crafted by women in response to environmental degradation, archaic traditions, lack of economic independence and war. This film by Kum-Kum Bhavnani, is narrated by Susan Sarandon and co-written by Edwidge Danticat.
Show Your Heart Every Month
Appreciate our work? Want to join the Global Fund for Women's efforts to advance women's human rights around the world? You can take action that is quick, easy and will make the most of your gift! Our Corazón Network of monthly donors are at the heart of what we do, providing dependable, year-round support and allowing us to conserve our natural and financial resources. As little as $10 a month will help us achieve our mission of making effective and responsive grants.
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