1000 Women CAN Change the World

As We Give Thanks This Year – Let’s Reflect on Others

2009-11-24T14:17:38-08:00

This past year has been challenging for a lot of us – but as we approach Thanksgiving and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, now is the time for us to reflect on all that we have to be grateful in our lives...

➢ The Beauty of fall leaves as float through the air…

➢ The Joy of a child’s smiling face…

➢ The Love of family and friends…

➢ The Peace of mind knowing that you are doing your persona best…

➢ Anything else that warms your heart – makes you feel good about life and your being part of it.

It’s our own abundant attitude that makes a difference in how we view life and its effect on us. When we think in terms of what we in deed have in our lives rather than what we lack – we open ourselves to having more.

An attitude of gratitude is our path to a more abundant life.

So as we sit down to our Thanksgiving feast, let’s give thanks for all the blessings that we have in our lives – but let’s remember to also give thanks each and every day for all the little things that make our lives more joyful, peaceful and loving.

We all have so much to be truly grateful for!

As we count our personal blessings, perhaps we can keep in mind those who may be less fortunate than we are. One such group includes at-risk women who are survivors or victims of abuse and domestic violence.

The mission of “1000 Women” is to inspire and empower women with useful, practical knowledge and skills. We have created a series of audio information modules (podcasts or downloadable digital audio) and materials, including:

➢ ABCs of Life – Abundant attitude, Boundless belief & Consistent commitment

➢ The Dance of an Abusive Relationship

➢ Living and Leading with Courage

➢ Designing Your Own Destiny and

➢ Many more to make a difference in the lives of at-risk women.

As part of our mission we are having a soft launch of our unique web portal at www.1000WomenCanChangeTheWorld.org/AAADVP.html .

This website page is designed to provide a “Quick Escape” for anyone goes to the page to access the uplifting content. For the safety of the user, this webpage is also designed so that no browser history is created.

We need your help so that this life-enhancing information can reach and impact the lives of as many at-risk women as possible.

Please Donate Now to 1000 Women.

Also, if you are in the Washington, DC area plan to --

Come Celebrate Mother of Pearl – “Wearable Art” – and Make a Difference! If you are in the Washington, DC area and you would like to have fun – model exquisite, eco-friendly Mother of Pearl designer jewelry –imbibe & enjoy nibbles … all while supporting the cause to empower at-risk women, especially victims/survivors of domestic violence… Join us at our Open House Fundraiser– Sunday, January 17, 2010 Details here.

Let’s raise awareness of Domestic Violence!

2009-10-17T10:54:17-07:00

October is the month set aside to emphasize the importance of being more aware of domestic violence and all that it entails – BUT let’s seek to increase awareness while seeking to decrease the incidence of domestic violence.

Domestic violence In an abusive relationship often involves a number of tactics in addition to physical violence in order to maintain power and control, including emotional and verbal abuse in the form of put-downs, public humiliation, name-calling, mind games and manipulation often leaving the deepest scars; isolation with the victim not being able to see her friends or family members or continue to work because of absenteeism or decreased productivity; and/or threats and Intimidation, including threats of violence, suicide or taking away the children.

Too many people still believe that domestic violence is a private matter between a couple, rather than a criminal offense that merits a strong and swift response. All too often victims are so terrorized that they fear for their lives if they call the police. Silence is the batterer's best friend. We need to work to end the silence and change the attitude toward domestic crime.

Neighbors should contact the police when they hear violent fights in their neighborhoods… not turn a deal ear. Teachers need to be alert to signs that students have witnessed violence at home. Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to become violent themselves. The cycle of violence is crying out to be broken.

Medical professionals who see the victims of violence need to inquire further… not just accept the statement of fearful victims that their bruises or cuts are the result of household accidents or falls. Members of the clergy need to become more involved as well to let her know that other options are available for her and her children.

Early intervention is critical because the levels of violence in these relationships tend to escalate, and many police departments cite domestic violence as their number one problem. We need tough laws that are effectively prosecuted, as well as more education in combination with cooperative approach among law enforcement and social service agencies.

Efforts to break the silence can make a difference. Learn more in the Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook at http://www.da.usda.gov/shmd/aware.htm. Let’s strive to break the cycle of domestic violence.

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Come Celebrate Mother of Pearl – “Wearable Art” – and Make a Difference! If you are in the Washington, DC area and you want to have fun – model exquisite, eco-friendly Mother of Pearl designer jewelry –imbibe & enjoy nibbles … all while supporting the cause to empower at-risk women, especially victims/survivors of domestic violence… Join us at our Open House Fundraiser– Sunday, November 1^st Learn more here.

Introducing Marie Chantal Nimugire a survivor from Rwanda, in her own words:

2009-08-20T09:05:53-07:00

I am from Rwanda exactly in south province at Ntenyo [my parent’s home] there are the first professional weavers in Rwanda, I stay in Kigali city. I remember our house is bordered by sisal plants which my Mummy used in weaving baskets. The women weavers are especially genocide survivors, widows and young ladies, single mothers, women living with AIDS, the women who their men are in prison because of genocide, the women meet and work together.

We have a big plot there sometimes I think [of] what I can do there and today God has given to me a vision: To build there a weaving center where women will meet to weave, to train other women and girls and a shop for their products. I will do that in memory of my Mummy and in promoting weaver career[s].

I have survived with my grandmother, auntie and orphans. We are about twenty, I have a great responsibility to assist them but it is so hard because also I have to take care about my family. My lovely husband David KARASIRA (genocide survivor from BUGESERA) is a volunteer evangelist and driver but he hasn’t a job .Today I work in microfinance institution my salary is 329 USD, the house of my husband is demolished in genocide we have to rent a house and feed a family .At home I try with my little revenue to assist two young girls orphans and one young boy .My life post genocide is in struggle but in all I hope the good days in future. I have decided to never close my arms, this project will benefit myself, my family and impact the vulnerable women weavers.

Paula, visit me in

Rwanda

, you will know more about

Rwanda

, our beautiful country of thousand hills and this people, the story of genocide and how some women – Rwandese are courageous in look[ing] for solutions of their problems, especially poverty. We will meet women weavers and we will talk about to build a center, having this center we will have a great opportunity to have the products of quality, cheap and we will surely impact the life of those vulnerable women weavers. The handcrafts they make are really beautiful; I try to send some pictures of them. Yes, we can do that and this is the time. At the beginning of this year some authorities wanted to take our land, and we have claim[ed] it, they have stopped their plan so put there the such action [that] will be my great pleasure and the achievement of one of my objective[s].

This is an idea of what we can do for the women baskets project….

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As the child of a single mother, Chantal grew up and lived first with her grandparent and then with her aunt. As a result, she developed care, compassion and advocacy for other children, especially those of single mothers.

The 100-day genocide of 1994 brutally claimed the lives of numerous family members, including her mother. She herself was the victim of both emotional and physical abuse, but survived through her faith in God. She was sixteen, deeply scarred to the extent of attempting suicide. She sought and found answers in God.

Since then, Chantal has become a visionary with objectives and determination to live a life that advocates for the rights of other vulnerable children, young girls and women. She has obtained degree with distinction in management and is married, blessed with three wonderful children of her own.

She has indicatied that her goals are to…

Ø Write and publish her personal story

Ø Advocate for vulnerable women (single mothers, genocide survivors, widow), children, young girls and other genocide survivors

Ø Fight violence against women

Ø Promote women’s development by creating small projects, training and education

Ø Promote peace and fight the genocide ideology

Ø Encourage women and young girls to gain hope and actively participate in peace-building programs.

1000 Women is poised to work with Chantal and others in

Rwanda

to assist her in achieving her goals. email to let us know if you are interested in working on this project with us.

Celebrating Our Own True Freedom

2009-08-20T08:39:35-07:00

As we in the USA celebrate the 4^th of July as Independence Day – when the American colonials declared their independence from Britain more than 200 years ago – Let’s take a look at what true freedom can mean in our lives today.

Now is the time for us to declare our own personal independence! To free ourselves from whatever it is that is holding us back from being all that we truly want to be… To break the ties that bind us to old habits that keep us from reaching our potential.

Let’s break free to rejoice in all that is right, good and positive in our lives – let’s cultivate an attitude of gratitude – being thankful for all little things that bring a smile to our lips, give a warm feeling or a feeling of relief.

If we look, we can always find these bits of joy to focus on – feeling good through gratitude is our first step to true freedom.

Let’s let go off those thoughts and worries that drag us down – acknowledge them – take constructive action for a solution – then let them go! Worry saps our energy – accomplishes nothing. If it’s not within your power to change it, let it go!

Let’s steer our thoughts and ideas to those things that we can change – that we can affect directly. Focus on solutions that you yourself can change. Letting go of all the rest is our next step to true freedom.

Let’s focus on our strengths – our “can dos.” When we take a close look, we really can do lot more than we often give our selves credit for. Let’s take an inventory of our skills and accomplishments – quite a list – huh?

Let’s pat ourselves on the back and see how we can apply what we know to where we are now. How do these skills and strengths provide solutions to move us forward? How can we repurpose our skills? Expanding our horizons is our next step to true freedom.

Let’s take a good hard look at what is really important to us. If money were no object, what would we be doing with our lives? What can we do now to move ourselves closer to where we would truly like to be?

Let’s take at least some small – major it you can do it – action toward our true passion in life. Moving toward our true passion is our next step to true freedom.

By taking these steps, we can all move that much closer to finding true freedom in our lives today.

Let’s celebrate our own true freedom today!

Celebrating Our Own True Freedom

2009-07-03T09:14:39-07:00

If we look, we can always find these bits of joy to focus on – feeling good through gratitude is our first step to true freedom.

Let’s take at least some small – major it you can do it – action toward our true passion in life. Moving toward our true passion is our next step to true freedom.

By taking these steps, we can all move that much closer to finding true freedom in our lives today.

Let’s celebrate our own true freedom today!

Getting More by Giving Back

2009-06-22T09:17:11-07:00

do you feel when you have done a favor for someone expecting nothing in return? Feels pretty good… doesn’t it?

Think about how great is will feel when you do a “little something” for many women with very little effort on your part…

This “little something” is sharing your knowledge or expertise about something t hat you…

Ø Do really well – often better and with more ease than others – such as making ends meet during these difficult times or balancing your work, home and family

Ø Excel in professionally – such as persuading others to see your point of view or motivating others to produce more

Ø Are proficient in – such as handling barrage of email effectively and efficiently or working with Excel spreadsheets so that it all balances out

Ø Find brings you great satisfaction – such as tapping into your inner self to find the strength to conquer whatever comes your way

Ø Do that you think will enhance the lives of other women.

“1000 Women” is looking for Mentors – women just like you who have “been there and done that” – learned the hard way. We are asking that you share this experience to smooth the way for other women so that they don’t have to struggle quite so much.

To be a Mentor is really quite simple – all you need to do is to make a 30–45 minute digital audio recording relating your thoughts and ideas – basically laying out the “how to” – the main keys to doing what you do so well.

Don’t fret… making the recording is as simple as talking on the telephone (in the US) or into your computer (outside the US) – we provide you with the simple guidelines – both in a written outline and an audio recording (actually serves as an example).

“1000 Women” is now ready to launch its program for “at-risk” women – providing Audio Information Modules (AIM) to organizations that assist at-risk women – especially those who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

We need your help in providing – rich, practical, useful content for our modules…

We all have information to share – how we have coped, succeeded or excelled!

Here is a sample AIM that I created – “ABCs of Life – Attitude, Belief & Commitment” at Download ABCs_of_Life_PC_WST_1-09

Please email us here so that we have the rich content to enhance so many lives.

We all have information to share – how we have coped, succeeded or excelled!

Learn more here.

Lovely Ideas for Wonderful Women

2009-05-22T07:59:37-07:00

The Universe often provides us with what we need when we need it the most–
This I believe!

My connections with women in South Africa have come to amaze me… so many from unexpected sources. The most recent was an email via LinkedIn from Lehla Eldridge offering to send me a copy of her book… The Lovely Book for Wonderful Women – sounded “lovely” to me so I gave her my address.

Imagine my surprise when I received a small package in the mail covered with lovely, colorful stamps from South Africa. Up until that point, I had not realized that Lehla was there. I’ve actually applied to work with more than one organization in SA and would love to relocate there… but I digress.

The book inside may have been small in size but its impact was tremendous – so colorful both in its whimsical illustrations and heart-warming messages! It made my heart sing at a time when it needed it the most.

In this time of economic and other stress – we all need to take a bit of time out of our to day to enjoy who we are – The Lovely Book is the perfect tonic to brighten our day – to open our hearts to feel good about who we are – to remind us how the little things in our lives can bring us joy.

Wondering how Lehla came to the write this delightful book… it came to her in a flash as her three little ones were tugging on her weary body – she went to work a big colorful canvas with positive words – then transformed it into this amazing book. In her own words…

“There are lots of demands on women, and I think that women put a lot of demands on themselves. So this book is for all the wonderful women out there who need a breather and want to stop and laugh and remember what makes them happy.”

To uplift your spirit – visit Lehla’s whimsical website at http://www.lovelybooks.co.za – when you buy her book and mention “1000 Women” 10% is donated to empowering our life-enhancing initiative at http://1000womencanchangetheworld.org –

Pamper yourself while doing good!

Fighting Sexual Violence & Abuse…

2009-04-10T10:20:39-07:00

On April 8, President Obama proclaimed April 2009 as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (NSAAM). The first observance of SAAM occurred in 2001, and now, each April the National Sexual Violence Resource Center(NSVRC) promotes national unity and collective activism among advocacy groups on issues of sexual violence throughout the month, with focuses ranging from prevention to survivor recovery.

The 2009 campaign focuses on Workplace Sexual Violence with its theme of Prevent Sexual Violence… in our workplace and its slogan, Respect Works.

NSVRC reports that, “while working or on duty, U.S. employees experienced 36,500 rapes and sexual assaults from 1993 to 1999. This excludes the more than 12,000 annual reported acts of sexual harassment at work.”

As women who seek to empower other women, we become increasingly aware of how pervasive sexual violence is in our culture… not just in emerging countries but here in the US as well, and these are only the ones being reported.

Awareness of sexual violence and abuse is a critical first step to addressing and preventing this often covert problem…

Ø At least one in every three women, or up to on billion women, have been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in their lifetimes (1999 Private Research Study)

Ø Up to 47% of women report that their first sexual intercourse was forced (2002 WHO)

Ø Up to 70% of female murder victims are killed by their male partners (2002 WHO)

Ø In the USA a woman is battered, usually by her husband/partner, every 15 seconds (UN Study)

Ø All physical/sexual abuse includes a psychological component

Ø Women at-risk include those psychologically abused as well physically damaged

Ø Psychological damage can incapacitate almost as much, often
more than physical abuse

Ø Physical abuse compounded with psychological abuse can be
totally debilitating – symptoms often manifest in themselves by decreasing self-worth and value.

As we become more aware, we then need to find ways to take action, even if only “baby steps,” to preventing abuse. Our “1000 Women” is partnering with organizations that that work victims/survivors of sexual violence and abuse, starting in Annapolis, MD.

We can make a difference!

Celebrating Women’s History

2009-03-17T09:11:58-07:00

As Women’s History Month, March is when we reflect on the role of women in history, an often unsung history. While we fully recognize the struggle of women over the decades and while we stand on their accomplishments, we still have a long way to go.

Women throughout the world also celebrate International Women's Day which has been observed since in the early 1900's, another time of great expansion and turbulence in the world.

Today’s challenges may differ greatly on the surface, but the underlying lack of true equality continues to prevail, especially in developing countries, in hand with poverty and abuse.

This new millennium is ushering in significant change in both women's and society's concepts about women's equality. Many of the younger generation may feel that the battles have been already been won for women yet many older women know much lies ahead to bring the women of the world into true equality.

We have witnessed an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life - with more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights and in numerous other arenas.

Our goal is to move forward to visualize the day when…

Ø Women’s pay is commensurate with their male counterparts make up

Ø Women are present in equal numbers in business or political leadership positions and

Ø Globally women's education and health is on par with men – especially in developing countries

Ø Violence against women is in past.

We are making great strides in the right direction. We do have female prime ministers and other leaders, school girls are being welcomed into more universities in greater numbers, women can both work and have a family and more women have real choices.

Let’s turn March into a celebration of the positives. In doing so we can turn our attention to how we can share our good fortune with those who are less fortunate.

One of the ways to do that is to offer your support to 1000 Women Can Change the World.

Beyond monetary assistance, we are looking for women mentors who has expertise to share with other women throughout the world, who have fundraising experience and/or nonprofit volunteer experience, or who would like to be part of our movement to make the world a better place for women.

You can make a difference in the world… as together we create the next chapter of women’s history.

Ushering in this New Era of Hope…

2009-01-26T12:40:07-08:00

Each and every one of us CAN make a difference.

As President Obama stated so eloquently in his Inaugural Address (Emphasis added)…

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord….

Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom….

… they embody the spirit of service: a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves…. And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

During this past week, we have entered into an era of hope, vision and hard work that shows that we can indeed make a difference in the world.

All movement – even positive movement – requires some time for adjustment – a shifting of patterns – especially thought patterns.

But as we all reflect on the uplifting excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the inauguration of our 44^th president, how can we not be caught up in this vision of hope?

Yes, it will take hard work and perseverance… but that is precisely what has made the USA so remarkable throughout the centuries…

Our innovativeness, plus our willingness to roll up our sleeves and work as hard and as diligently as need to make “it” happen.

Let’s join the new President in taking the first steps to usher in this new era of hope –

Let’s reach out to help women who are less fortunate than we are by supporting 1000 Women CAN Change the World.

Every one of us can help – each in our own unique way – some can…

Ø      Be Visionaries who invest $1000 of more in the future

Ø      Donate whatever amount works in rather stressful time – every single dollar helps

Ø      Share their expertise by creating information modules (We provide the training materials and tools

Ø      Donate time and expertise to help us obtain funding and grants

Ø      Let us know about other programs that we can work with to benefit women

The ways to help are limitless –

Being innovative, open, creative and inclusive – We CAN make a difference in the world!