|
Dear Friends, We want to express our solidarity with you during this difficult time as you, your friends, and family continue to recover from the devastating earthquake that has cost innocent lives and disrupted daily life in many parts of Pakistan. On behalf of the entire staff and Board of the Global Fund for Women, we express our deepest sympathy for those families that have lost loved ones in the earthquake, and are concerned for those of you who are working on challenging issues. This incident has added a tremendous burden on your friends, family and colleagues. Through the press, radio, fellow grantees, advisors and our friends in Pakistan, we have learned of the disturbing consequences to the daily lives of people in Pakistan as a result of the earthquake. As you know, our main objective as a women's fund is to strengthen women's organizing efforts and groups at all times. In this time of disruption in your country, we wish to recognize your courageous work as you continue to recover from this natural disaster. The Global Fund understands that your organizations are under immediate pressure to respond to local crises in your communities. Please know that while we are unable to act as a relief funder and provide emergency support. In expressing our solidarity the Global Fund is here to support women's groups in your long-term work to strengthen women's human rights in your communities and promote sustainable redevelopment within a gender and human rights framework among women-led organizations affected by the earthquake. We want to emphasize to those of you with open grants that you should feel free to reallocate any funds that you have remaining as you see most necessary in this critical time. Additionally, if you spend your grant before the one-year grant period is over, you may reapply for funding, submitting a renewal proposal with a final report to help us close your previous grant. We also encourage women's rights groups in the region that are not current grantees to consider applying. We understand that this is a very important time for people in Pakistan to act to ensure that family, friends, and women you work with are rebuilding their lives. We hope you will share with us your hopes for the future of your organization and community. All communications can be sent by e-mail to by post or fax to our address below: Global Fund for Women (415) 202-7640 (phone) In solidarity, Kavita Ramdas |
{gfw:menu3-container} |