Annual Report10

AdvocatingAdvocating forfor peace,peace, justicejustice && equalityequality Acknowledgements

The Nobel Women’s Initiative would like to thank the following supporters, whose generous contributions in 2010 allowed Nobel Women’s Initiative to be a voice for women, peace and justice around the world.

Nancy and Emily Word Kathleen McIntire Lauren Embrey Cynda Collins Arsenault Gloria Joseph

The Global Fund for Women

Humanity United

MDG3 Fund of the Dutch Ministry of Development Cooperation

Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

UNIFEM Latin America and Caribbean Region

University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work

Many generous individuals

All of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates of the Nobel Women’s Initiative: Shirin Ebadi Mairead Maguire Wangari Maathai (and the Green Belt Movement) Rigoberta Menchú Tum (and Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation) Betty Williams Jody Williams Honorary Member Aung San Suu Kyi This world’s not going to change unless “we are willing to change ourselves. - Rigoberta Menchú Tum”

2010 ANNUAL REPORT 1

Message from the Nobel Women As Nobel Laureates it is our profound belief that action based on idealism has the power to transform the world. This is a vision we share with women’s rights and human rights activists everywhere.

In this incredibly satisfying work, there were many high points this past year. In Atenco, Mexico, we responded to the call from local activists to get involved in the case of ordinary people who had suffered the abusive power of the state—including dozens of women who were sexually assaulted by police. We brought local activists together with high-level officials—including a Supreme Court justice—so they could press their case, and also met with representatives of all the major politi- cal parties. Through the media, we also brought more attention to the plight of these people struggling for justice. Less than a year after we got involved, the Supreme Court of Mexico ruled in favor of 12 political prisoners and ordered their immediate release. This is a big victory, but we will not stop until the government delivers justice to the women who were sexually assaulted. Another key moment for us this past year was realizing the first-ever International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma, together with our partner, the Women’s League of Burma. This event was the result of the Initiative’s delegation, at the invitation of the Women’s League of Burma, to border areas of Thailand-Burma in 2008. The Tribunal gave a platform to 12 brave women who described in harrowing detail crimes ranging from forced labour and trafficking to gang rape at the hands of the brutal military regime. The judges— including Laureates Jody Williams and Shirin Ebadi—concluded that the regime had committed extensive war crimes and crimes against humanity. They called upon the United Nations to refer the case of Burma to the International Criminal Court (ICC). In fact, the day after the Tribunal, judges and the women who had testified met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to discuss the case. 2 Nobel Women’s Initiative Thousands of people around the world have watched the Tribunal on the internet, and there is evidence that the testimonies at this event strengthened the international case to take Burma to the ICC to bring the perpetrators of violence to justice. Our film, This is My Witness, which documents two women who testified at the Tribunal, has been widely used as an advocacy tool in this effort and also to improve public awareness of the situation of women in Burma. We cannot talk about Burma without noting another of the year’s highlights, the release of our sister Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. Though delighted with this development—and her decision to join us as an honorary member—we are also mindful that over 2200 other political prisoners remain unlawfully behind bars. We will continue to work for their release. Looking back at the past year’s activities, we draw our hope and optimism from the women of Burma, as well as the women of Mexico, Iran, Sudan, Israel, Palestine, Guatemala, Honduras and other places where the struggle for justice, equality and peace continues. In the face of formidable obstacles, these women are coming together, speaking out and taking action. Sincerely,

2010 ANNUAL REPORT 3

Message from the Executive Director

We have a new tagline for our organization— Advocating for peace, justice and equality.

I think it captures perfectly who we are and what we do. The tagline also conveys the notion that the Nobel Women’s Initiative has reached a new maturity. Yes, we are still united for peace, justice and equality. But more than that, we are committed to action and have an estab- lished track record of effectively bringing together women who are working every day to make this world more equal, just and peaceful. We had wonderful cause for celebration in 2010 when sister Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was finally released from detention. But as she was quick to point out, the struggle does not end with the release of one activist who has been unlawfully detained. Thousands of women remain imprisoned—unlawfully, brutally, in jails in Burma, Iran and many other countries around the globe. We are part of a global women’s movement and human rights movement, working for justice and human rights for all. Collaborations this year included our work with Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice to organize the International Gender Justice Dialogue in Mexico, a precedent-setting global gathering of women determined to map out a new strategy for international justice for women. During a week-long delegation to Israel and Palestine in October, we forged new relationships which sow the seeds for future advocacy to support women’s peace activists in this troubled region. 4 Nobel Women’s Initiative During 2010, Laureates also traveled to Uganda to work with other partners in support of the International Criminal Court and its role in ending impunity in crimes committed against women; we worked with grassroots groups in Mexico to free political prisoners and seek justice for women survivors of police abuse; we organized an unprecedented people’s tribunal on crimes committed against the women of Burma; we contributed to powerful global campaigns for human rights in Iran; we supported women in Sudan as they prepared for the historic divi- sion of North and South Sudan; and we joined groups around the world pushing for women’s inclusion in confronting climate change. There is so much work ahead, and our commitment is as strong as ever! I would like to thank our partners for their creativity and dedication to peace in the face of conflict and adversity around the world. I want to thank the Laureates for their leadership, energy and unwavering belief that change is possible. Last but not least, I want to thank our dedi- cated staff and network of interns and volunteers who share the same goals and relish new challenges. It is a pleasure to be working with you!

Liz Bernstein Executive Director Nobel Women’s Initiative 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 5 How we work The Nobel Women’s Initiative uses the prestige of the Nobel Peace Prize and the courageous women Peace Laureates to magnify the power and visibility of women working in countries around the world for peace, justice and equality. Our advocacy is organized around three main pillars:  Women forging peace;  Women achieving justice; and  Women advancing equality and human rights.

2010 at a Glance February 15 March 2 Jody Williams and International Tribunal on Crimes 12 brave women who Mairead Maguire Against Women of Burma suffered torture and join in a protest and With the Women’s brutality at the hands blockade of a nuclear League of Burma, the of the violent military arms manufacturer in Nobel Women’s Initiative regime of Burma. A panel the United Kingdom. organizes and hosts this of judges, including Shirin The action helps call event in New York City. Ebadi and Jody Williams, attention to the illegal Hundreds of people in call the acts crimes manufacture of arms New York and nearly against humanity and by the Aldermaston 9000 people around recommend international Weapons Establishment. the world listen to the action against the searing testimony of military regime. 6 Nobel Women’s Initiative Women Forging Peace

We advocate building long-term peace supporting women who are engaged in nonviolence and other alternatives to ending war and militarism, and support the inclusion of women in peace negotiations and other peace building efforts.” Learning from partners for peace in Israel & Palestine

In the fall of 2010 Jody Williams American Rabbi, an Arab-American and Mairead Maguire led a delega- Muslim woman, writers, philan- tion of ten women to Israel and thropists, and peace activists. Palestine to learn first-hand about They travelled extensively in the challenges to peace and how region, making stops in Jerusalem, women are working to overcome Haifa, Nazareth, Ramallah, Hebron, those barriers. Upon arrival in Ni’lin and Bil’in. Israel, Mairead was detained by The group met with hundreds Israeli officials and denied entry of Palestinian and Israeli women to the country due to her involve- peacebuilders, as well as the ment with the Free Gaza flotillas. Israeli military, members of the The other delegates included an Knesset, lawyers, settlers, staff

2010 at a Glance March 1-3 March 4 April 19-22 Mairead Maguire is Jody Williams and Shirin The first-ever a juror at the Russell Ebadi participate in a International Gender Tribunal on Palestine, special Thank You Tibet! Justice Dialogue takes held in Spain. The Program in New York, place, convened by the Tribunal calls atten- to mark 50 years in Nobel Women’s Initiative tion to human rights exile for His Holiness with the Women’s violations of Palestinian the Dalai Lama, and Initiatives for Gender people by Israel, and the to honour His Holiness Justice. The event, in international commu- and the Tibetan people Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, nity’s complicity. for their commitment brings together a veritable to nonviolence. “brain trust” of more 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Peacebuilders 7 International Women’s Commission—a group of international, Palestinian and Israeli women who are pressing for the full participation of women in the peace-making process and ultimately a just peace for all sides. Isha L’Isha - an organization of Israeli and Palestinian women who are calling for greater participation of women in the peace process. They want 30 percent of direct participation by women in all levels of negotiations and a plan for reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis to be part of a final agreement. Al-Tufula Center - women are building grassroots institutions for a democratic civil society. These include community centers, libraries and nurseries in typically under-served Palestinian villages. from the United Nations and that hinder peaceful solutions. community leaders from both “We learned that there are partners sides of the conflict. for peace,” said Williams. “Against The women of the delegation had the backdrop of violence and daily the opportunity to talk with creative humiliations, there are women and committed activists who are working on the ground in both working for a sustainable peace Israel and the Occupied Palestinian using a wide range of nonviolent Territories who use nonviolent techniques: legal advocacy, educa- protest and dialogue as a means to tion, bearing witness, dialogue, building a more just and equitable legislation, and peaceful protest. situation. For real peace to happen, All were united in their desire to these women must be part of the break ethnic and physical barriers official peace process.”

June than 50 participants Mairead Maguire sails on Human rights activist from varied back- the Irish cargo ship MV and lawyer, Nobel grounds and disciplines, Rachel Corrie, as part of Laureate Shirin Ebadi including rights advo- the ‘freedom flotilla” of publishes an editorial in cates, gender experts, Gaza. Mairead and the The Guardian and the and legal practitioners. other activists on board Progressive. She calls They discuss how are detained after Israeli attention to the courage to advance gender naval commandos board and contribution of justice and strengthen the ship. She continues women in Iran. “Mark my accountability for her appeal for the interna- words,” she writes. “It gender-based crimes. tional community to honour will be women who will international law and bring democracy to Iran.” end the siege of Gaza. 8 Nobel Women’s Initiative

A high point for me was hearing all these Palestinian women saying ‘Don’t be diverted. We can have peace, a strong democracy’”, said Janaan Hashim, a delegation member and lawyer from Chicago. “Women will be a major part in [making peace] happen.

As a result of the delegation, activists, politicians, judges the Initiative is preparing a new and human rights” experts from project to support women’s Europe, Africa, and the Middle peace efforts in the region. East. The tribunal examined Work has started to produce human rights violations in a documentary film and report Palestine and the international about “partners for peace” in community’s complicit involve- Israel and Palestine, to use as ment in this ongoing conflict. advocacy tools with media, Over two days in Barcelona, policy-makers, organizations and Spain, the jury heard evidence the wider public. of the connections between the crimes against Palestinians, being Holding the international perpetrated by Israeli security community responsible forces on the ground, and the In March Mairead Maguire played role of international sponsors, a critical role in the proceed- particularly the European Union. ings of the Russell Tribunal, as The Russell Tribunal found that a member of a panel of jurists, Israel has not been alone in its

2010 at a Glance

June 12 marks the Prior to the anniversary, The six Laureates call one-year anniversary of Iranian authorities arrest on the Canadian Prime the election in Iran that a prominent human Minister and the United returned Ahmadinejad rights defender— Nations Security Council to the presidency. Narges Mohammadi. to make climate change Laureates Shirin Ebadi She is vice president of and climate justice a and others call for an the Defenders of Human central focus of G8/G20 investigation of human Rights Centre, which talks taking place in rights abuses and the was founded by Shirin Canada. Jody Williams, release of journalists Ebadi. Laureates call for in an opinion piece in and political prisoners. Narges’ release. The Globe and Mail, 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 9 oppression of the Palestinian Two Laureates were noticeable people. European countries have by virtue of their absence. The enabled these actions by giving 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Israel economic, military and Chinese dissident Liu Ziaobo, is diplomatic support. serving an 11-year sentence on charges of subversion against Calling for an end the government. The leader of to nuclear weapons Burma’s pro-democracy move- ment Aung San Suu Kyi remained In August Jody Williams, under house arrest at the time. Shirin Ebadi and Mairead Maguire joined other Peace Laureates in Urging US President Obama calling for a nuclear-free world, ban landmines at the three-day Hiroshima World to Summit of Peace Laureates Fifteen Nobel Peace Laureates, in Japan. including the six members of the Nobel Women’s Initiative and The Laureates, including the honorary member Aung San Suu Dalai Lama and former South Kyi, called on President Obama African president Frederik Willem and the United States to ratify de Klerk, released a declaration the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. saying that “the use of nuclear The Laureates appealed to weapons against any people must Mr. Obama as a fellow Nobel be regarded as a crime against Peace Prize Laureate, and humanity and should henceforth urged the US to join the 156 be prohibited”. other signatories to the Treaty.

August urges Canadians to On June 30, the The six Laureates write a show leadership again, Mexican Supreme letter to Canada’s Prime as they did in the past Court hands down a Minister concerning the when the Mine Ban verdict in favour of the behavior of Canadian Treaty was negotiated. activists of Atenco who mining companies that Wangari Maathai also have been supported operate in indigenous publishes an opinion by Jody Williams and communities in Central piece, this one in the the other Nobel Peace America. They point out Toronto Star, calling for Laureates. The verdict the human rights violations Canada to make climate leads to the release of (and alleged killings) and justice front and centre 12 political prisoners. environmental damage at the global meeting. caused by the Marlin gold mine in Guatemala. 10 Nobel Women’s Initiative The letter pointed out that the US The seventh woman Peace has been acting in accord with Laureate added her voice to the basic principles of the Treaty, and cause. Shortly after she was has not used landmines for nearly released from house arrest in twenty years. (The last time the Burma, Nobel Peace Laureate US used antipersonnel mines was Aung San Suu Kyi joined her in the 1990-91 Gulf War.) The US fellows in calling on President has not produced mines since Obama to join the treaty. The 1997, and the Americans have issue is of particular importance destroyed 3 million stockpiled in Burma, where landmines are mines. Finally, the Americans a continuing threat to civilians, have acted generously to under- especially children. write the cost of global mine clearance and victim assistance. “…We know that you feel deeply the suffering of the innocents affected by war and its after- math, and should have no trouble recognizing that the devastat- ing impact of landmines is a terror,” the Laureates wrote to the American President in the November letter.

2010 at a Glance September They call for Canadian On September 16, the who testified about the companies to respect and Nobel Women’s Initiative violence of the military uphold indigenous rights. and the Paley Center regime in Burma. The for Media host a panel Initiative produced this At an event on August 6 discussion and film film, in collaboration to mark the 65th anni- screening in New York with the Women’s versary of the atomic City, “Burma and the League of Burma. bombing of Hiroshima Media: Amplifying Voices and Nagasaki, Mairead Shirin Ebadi and for Democracy.” More Maguire calls for global Mairead Maguire take than 200 people view the nuclear disarmament part in a panel discus- film This is My Witness, and the creation of a sion on September which documents the nuclear-free Middle East. 17 in New York. The journey of two women International Campaign 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 11 Women Achieving Justice

We support work to achieve justice for women, including accountability for crimes committed against women and an end to widespread impunity.

Women telling their stories to the world: ” International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma

The compelling live evidence of Laureates Jody Williams and twelve brave women convinced Shirin Ebadi were two members the International Tribunal on of a four-judge panel that heard Crimes Against Women of Burma testimony from women who had —held in New York on March 2nd— been brutalized by the military. that the military regime of Burma They told their stories to bring was guilty of the most egregious attention to the fates of millions human rights crimes. The crimes of women in Burma whose voices included rape as a weapon of have been silenced, in the hope war, enslavement and forced that this would move the inter- labour, and intentional attacks national community to bring on civilian populations. the Burmese military leaders to face justice in front of the International Criminal Court.

September 28- for Human Rights in October 5 Iran and Human Rights A peace delegation led working day to day Watch partner with the by Jody Williams and across the divide for Nobel Women’s Initiative Mairead Maguire travels peace and reconcilia- to organize the event. to Israel and Palestine. tion despite the failing The objective is to shift The group meets with peace process. the focus of interest in hundreds of activists Iran from nuclear arms from both sides of the to the human rights conflict. The delega- crisis, in advance of tion shines light on the Ahmadinejad’s visit to commitment of Israeli New York for the UN and Palestinian women General Assembly. 12 Nobel Women’s Initiative The Nobel Women’s Initiative their families. They described planned the event with our rape and sexual violence, torture partners, the Women’s League and forced labour, terror and of Burma. The two groups first intimidation, and murder. worked together during a fact- Laureates Shirin Ebadi and findingpeace delegation to Jody Williams heard the case Thailand-Burma border areas in with fellow judges Heisoo Shin, 2008. Some of the women lead- professor and human rights activ- ers we met during that trip asked ist from Seoul, Republic of Korea, us to work with them to bring the and Vitit Muntarbhorn, profes- stories of women who had expe- sor of law at the University of rienced violence and abuse at the Bangkok, Thailand and a former hands of Burmese military to an UN Special Rapporteur on Burma. international audience. Internationally respected scholar The testimonies of the women and women’s rights advocate were riveting. They spoke bravely Charlotte Bunch from the Center and openly about the crimes for Women’s Global Leadership committed against them and moderated the event.

Women should no longer be invisible when crimes are committed against them with impunity…The history of violence and oppression of women in Burma is long and sordid—and must come to an end. Jody Williams ” 2010 at a Glance November On November 13, prisoners, along with their participation in the Aung San Suu Kyi is the thousands of other three-day World Summit released from detention. people suffering from in Hiroshima by calling The people of Burma rape and other crimes for a nuclear-free world. along with the entire against humanity The Laureates release world celebrate her at the hands of the a declaration: “ ...[T]he release. Still, human military regime. use of nuclear weapons rights activists and against any people Nobel Peace Laureates the Nobel Women’s must be regarded as a including Jody Williams, Initiative express their crime against humanity Shirin Ebadi and concern about Burma’s and should henceforth Mairead Maguire end 2,200 political be prohibited”. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 13 We live in a globalized world, which means that Burma cannot do whatever it wants to its people within its own walls… The international community cannot stand by and let other countries use their sovereignty to commit atrocities against their own people. Shirin Ebadi

The judges found that the ”country delegations at the UN. undemocratic military junta They brought the judges’ find- of Burma was responsible— ings and recommendations to the individually and as a state—for Secretary General and urged him crimes and violations committed to launch a Commission of Inquiry against women as part of a larger into War Crimes and Crimes attack on democracy and human Against Humanity in Burma. rights, peace and security of civilian The Tribunal received global populations. The judges also found media coverage in over 30 print that the regime was guilty for its fail- articles and numerous radio, ure to act to prevent the crimes and video, and blog articles. As of to protect the victims, constituting this writing, nearly 9,000 people war crimes, crimes against human- around the world (including ity, and violations of human rights. inside Burma) have watched the The day after the Tribunal the Tribunal online in English and Laureates and Thin Thin Aung Burmese via webcast. In the from the Women’s League of first week alone the webcast Burma met with UN Secretary received over 500 views in the General Ban Ki-moon, and key Burmese language.

December Fifteen Nobel Peace awarded the Nobel Peace Initiative and the Green Laureates—including Prize in 1997 for her work Belt Movement host a Aung San Suu Kyi and the to bringing about the side event about women’s other women of the Nobel Mine Ban Treaty. “Obama leadership on climate Women’s Initiative—send has the opportunity to justice with former a letter to US President do the right thing.” president of Ireland, Mary Barack Obama asking Robinson. Robinson says, Climate Change him to join the 1997 “Any fair and equitable Negotiations at COP 16 in Mine Ban Treaty. “Most approach to climate Cancun, Mexico, result in a US allies have already change solutions must consensus on the creation banned antipersonnel involve women alongside of a centralized global landmines,” says men in every stage of fund for climate change. Williams, who was climate policy-making.” The Nobel Women’s 14 Nobel Women’s Initiative My story is so common as to become normal. “ Testifier Pat Mitchell, president and” Amplifying voices for CEO of the Paley Center, was democracy in Burma moderator for the discussion The Nobel Women’s Initiative that followed. The panel included found a larger audience for the journalists, documentary filmmak- messages coming out of the ers, and Laureate Jody Williams. Tribunal by hosting a special event They discussed how, despite and film premiere with the Paley ongoing abuse and violence in Center for Media in New York Burma, global and social media City, September 16. “Burma and are strengthening Burma’s the Media: Amplifying Voices for democracy movement, inside Democracy” was held in advance Burma and worldwide. More than of the elections scheduled for 200 people attended the event, November 7, 2010, in Burma. and many more watched via a Laureates Shirin Ebadi and video broadcast. Mairead Maguire introduced our The documentary film This is short documentary This is My My Witness is available for other Witness. The film—produced by groups who wish to learn more the Nobel Women’s Initiative and about the brutal treatment of the Women’s League of Burma— women by the military junta tells the stories of two women of Burma. (http://vimeo.com/ who testified at the International nobelwomen/timw) Tribunal on Crimes Against In the months since the Paley Women of Burma about the Center event, the film has been abuse they suffered at the hands an effective advocacy tool and of the Burmese military regime. has been shown at outreach The film is a powerful telling of events in Bangkok, Toronto, how the experience of bearing Ottawa and other locations. witness was meaningful for the Copies of the film were sent to two women, and has shaped their United Nations delegations that own activism on behalf of other are considering support for the women in Burma. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 15 UN Commission of Inquiry on parties and continued to hold Burma. Some have told us that Aung San Suu Kyi and others the film helped them decide to in jail or under house arrest. join the call for a Commission of Inquiry. Urging accountability for gender-based crimes: Decrying undemocratic the Gender Justice Dialogue elections Burma in The Nobel Women’s Initiative After the November 7 elections tackled the ongoing challenge in Burma, the Laureates of of ending impunity for perpetra- the Nobel Women’s Initiative tors of crimes against women in released a statement, aimed at a joint project with the Women’s the United Nations and the inter- Initiatives for Gender Justice. national community, calling the The International Gender Justice process neither free nor fair. The Dialogue took place in Mexico elections were the first to be held from April 19 to 21, and repre- in twenty years, yet the regime sented the first time such a did not allow the participation of global gathering of women has opposition and democracy focused on effective strategies for gender justice.

From our statement: We call on the UN Secretary General and all states to condemn the undemo- cratic constitution of Burma and the flawed elections. We call on the government of Burma to respect the human rights of the people of Burma, to unconditionally release all political prisoners and to immediately cease hostilities against ethnic nationalities. Furthermore, we urge the government to begin an inclusive dialogue with the full participation of all opposition and ethnic groups towards genuine and lasting national reconciliation. We continue to call on the United Nations to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma. The people of Burma are ready for change—real change. Now is the time for the international community to support them in making that change. 16 Nobel Women’s Initiative

It has probably become more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier in armed conflict. Major-General Patrick Cammaert, former commander” of UN peacekeeping forces in the eastern Congo

The event brought together Jody Williams underscored the a “brain trust” of more than challenge of impunity for perpe- 50 participants, including rights trators of gender-based crimes advocates, gender experts, and in her opening words: “Even if legal practitioners, to discuss we have laws and proclamations how to advance gender justice on gender justice and inequality, and strengthen accountability for it is only a beginning. It doesn’t gender-based crimes. The discus- necessarily translate into justice sion at the conference formed or equality for the majority the basis of advocacy work of women.” during the International Criminal Participants drew up a list of Court Review Conference held in concrete ways to overcome the Uganda later in the year. gender bias that is widespread There was consensus on the even in justice institutions. need to strengthen accountability The measures would include: through mechanisms such as hiring full-time gender advisors, peace processes, the ICC, courts providing reparations for victims, and other tribunals, and the creating a searchable database of UN Security Council. jurisprudence on sexual violence The group came from diverse and gender-based crimes, and, backgrounds. People with especially, assuring that there firsthand experience of armed are protocols and requirements conflicts—in Sudan, Iraq, for at least 30% female repre- the Democratic Republic of sentation in peace processes the Congo, Palestine, Israel, and negotiations. Uganda and Central African Republic—attended. Activists from Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Fiji and Burma also participated. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 17 Supporting key mechanism countries that have signed the a Rome Statute (which established for gender justice: the the Court) to provide greater International Criminal Court financial and political support Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi to the Court. and Wangari Maathai led a On the eve of the conference, powerhouse Nobel Women’s Wangari Maathai published an Initiative delegation to the opinion editorial in The East first review conference of the African about African leadership International Criminal Court in and the International Criminal Kampala, Uganda, from May 31 Court. The opinion piece, to June 4. The Laureates, along combined with two press confer- with other activists including ences—one in Nairobi and one in Suzanne Jambo from Sudan, Kampala—and a press briefing by contributed to the examina- the Laureates, resulted in unprec- tion of the Court’s record, and edented media coverage in Africa brought high level and public around issues of gender justice attention to the role that the ICC in the lead up to and during the can play in ending impunity for review conference. gender-based crimes. At one of these press conferences, The Court has made great strides Suzanne Jambo stressed the in justice for women, recogniz- importance of the International ing rapes, forced sterilization Criminal Court as an avenue for and other vicious crimes against justice for women. “You cannot women as war crimes, crimes build peace without justice,” she against humanity and even said. “The women of Sudan and genocide. The Court has been other conflict situations need less successful in the area of strong sexual violence laws … accountability for perpetrators and they need those laws to of the crimes, in the view of be enforced. In the absence many supporters. The Laureates of such laws, the ICC is their and activists also called upon only recourse.

 The ICC represents the desires and values of Africans who value the rule of law and an end to impunity … People want those who commit crimes against humanity to be held accountable … (and) their leaders to uphold the principle of the responsibility to protect… Wangari Maathai ” 18 Nobel Women’s Initiative Women Advancing Equality and Human Rights

We support human rights defenders, including those working for women’s equality and climate justice.

” Nobel Peace Laureates Calling for in Mexico justice demonstrated their support for This year the Initiative witnessed the people of Atenco through- a major step toward justice in out 2010. At the invitation of Mexico, in a case in which we had local human rights activists, been working with local and inter- Jody Williams travelled to the national activists to defend the region twice before the case went rights of women and civil society. to the Supreme Court. She met The case began in May 2006, with activists, high-level govern- when Mexican police responded ment officials, legislators, and a with violence to popular protests in Supreme Court judge to advocate the town of San Salvador Atenco. for the release of the 12 political Of the hundreds whom the police prisoners and for justice for detained, police beat, raped and the women who were raped by assaulted at least 47 women. security forces. While most of the protestors In June, one week before the were released from custody soon Court’s ruling, 11 Nobel Peace after the events, 12 of the men Laureates—including Archbishop considered to be leaders of orga- Desmond Tutu, his Holiness the nized resistance to government Dalai Lama, and all six Laureates confiscation of private land were of the Nobel Women’s Initiative— tried and found guilty of offenses sent an open letter to Mexican related to the protests. They were President Felipe Calderón. They given shocking prison sentences called for the release of the ranging from 31 to 112 years. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 19 12 political prisoners and justice Facing responsibility for the women who were raped a for and tortured during the attack. climate change: G8 and Leading up to the verdict G20 Meetings in Canada Jody Williams released a video In June, the six Laureates of the message in both English and Nobel Women’s Initiative called Spanish, calling for justice for upon Canadian Prime Minister the people of Atenco. Stephen Harper and members On June 30th, the Mexican of the United Nations Security Supreme Court handed down a Council to ensure that climate verdict in favour of the activists change would be a central focus of Atenco. It called for the imme- of the G8 and G20 meetings that diate release of the 12 political were held in Canada. prisoners. The Court concluded The Laureates wrote to Canada’s that false or insufficient evidence Prime Minister Stephen Harper was utilized in the case against reminding him that “environ- the protesters. In a victory for civil mental degradation and global society, the judge said that the warming and their impacts are charges appeared to be an effort, economic and security issues by security forces and police, to as well as environmental ones” criminalize social protest. The and must be part of the discus- judge maintained that social sions at the meetings. “Failure to protest is not a crime in Mexico. address climate change will put The Nobel Women’s Initiative the global economy at further continues to express its solidarity risk, and plunge millions who are with the women of Atenco and to already living on the economic work for an end to impunity in the margins into deeper poverty,” region, including the support of they warned. women in northern Mexico where In the lead up to the meetings so much violence against women Jody Williams wrote an opinion is concentrated. The women of editorial in The Globe and Mail, Atenco are still waiting for justice. challenging Canadians to show the same degree of leadership 20 Nobel Women’s Initiative on climate change that the human rights defenders in Iran. world saw with the negotia- In November she wrote again tion of the Mine Ban Treaty and urging Pillay to step up actions to other international humanitarian stop the abuses and executions and environmental endeavors. by the Iranian government. Wangari Maathai, in an opinion The Laureates repeatedly pressed editorial in the Toronto Star, for the release of political pris- urged that “world leaders must oners such as women’s rights commit to funding climate action activist Narges Mohammadi, and pledging to reduce their own human rights lawyer Nasrin emissions now. Climate change Sotoudeh, journalist and activ- should not be ‘a side issue’ in the ist Jila Baniyaghoub, and others high-level meetings in Canada. It through active letter writing should be central.” campaigns and media outreach, On June 14, Prime Minister including opinion editorials. Harper announced that climate In September Shirin Ebadi and change would be on the table for Mairead Maguire participated both the G8 and G20. in a panel discussion in New York City. The Nobel Women’s Pressing for human rights in Initiative and two other groups Iran: women at the forefront —the International Campaign Throughout 2010 we continued to for Human Rights in Iran and urge the international community to Human Rights Watch—spon- focus on the deteriorating human sored the panel in advance of rights situation in Iran. Over the the United Nations General year, the Iranian government inten- Assembly and the expected visit sified its campaign of intimidation of Iran’s President Mahmoud against women human rights activ- Ahmadinejad. The Laureates and ists by increasing unlawful arrests, others argued that the interna- summons, interrogation, harsh tional community should shift sentences, search and confiscation its focus from nuclear arms to of property, and travel bans. the human rights crisis in Iran. If human rights are restored, then In June, Shirin Ebadi wrote an open the Iranian people will be in a letter to UN High Commissioner position to mitigate the threat of for Human Rights Navi Pillay, nuclear arms. decrying illegal detentions of 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 21

Wangari Maathai: “Because of their role as providers for their families, women [in developing countries] are keenly aware of the food shortages and forest degradation around them… Women are also helping to develop some of the solutions that can save our world from the impacts of global warming… These negotiations in Cancun should be an opportunity to empower women… women need the basic democratic rights to participate as equals.” 22 Nobel Women’s Initiative Supporting women’s leadership brought by a warming climate. climate change negotiations Negotiations at COP 16 resulted in at a consensus on the creation of a Women’s leadership on centralized global fund for climate climate justice was the focus change, The Green Climate Fund, of a side event we held at the which contains a specific focus on United Nations Climate Change what climate change means for Conference (COP-16) in Cancun women, especially poor women in in December. The Initiative part- developing nations. nered with the Mary Robinson Three months before the Foundation for Climate Justice conference, in September, and the Green Belt Movement Wangari Maathai and former to draw attention to the important Irish President Mary Robinson role women play in advancing published an opinion piece in the sustainable development and Huffington Post. In the piece, the to strengthen the international women argue that as a global network of women working for community, we will only move action on climate change. forward on climate change if Panelists framed the COP-16 women are included in the deci- negotiations in terms of real sions. Later, on the eve of the outcomes for women and their conference Wangari Maathai, communities, and provided first- in an opinion piece in The hand insights into the practical Progressive, called on heads needs of global communities of state to make every effort most affected by climate change. possible to provide for the training The Nobel Women have been and education needed to adopt calling on nations to recognize sustainable technologies and that women suffer the changes participate in the green economy.

Wangari Maathai and Mary Robinson, opinion piece in the Huffington Post …The absence of women, particularly those from the global South, from national and international discussions and decision-making on climate change and development must change. The battle to protect the environment is not solely about technological innovation—it is also about empowering women and their communities to hold their governments accountable for results… 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 23 Connected and Plugged In We connect with fellow activists and engage our community in conversation through our website, traditional media and social media channels. We provide news about the issues our partners care about, and inspire people to take real action on critical issues.

Connecting Online Our community consists of activists and supporters who This year we brought our share the desire to bring about supporters with us ‘virtually’ to peace, human rights, equality, New York for the International and justice, and the commitment Tribunal on Crimes Against to redress injustice and violence Women of Burma, to Mexico towards women. This year we for the International Gender kept them informed up-to-the- Justice Dialogue, to Uganda for minute on our travels—through the review conference of the video clips and photos, Facebook International Criminal Court, to the and Twitter posts, as well as blog streets of Toronto for the G8 and entries. We know how much our G20 meetings, and to Israel and community cares and we aim to Palestine to meet activists who give them access to places and work across divides for a sustain- voices that would be inaccessible able peace on a daily basis. to them without immediate and We were also able to spotlight the relevant online media. extraordinary activists who inspire On Facebook, our community us every day through our 16 Days grew to 2,500 activists, and on of Activism blog, introducing Twitter we connected with over our followers to 16 remarkable 1,500 followers, who chan- women who work around the neled our messages to tens of world for peace with justice thousands more. and equality. We counted thousands of views When Aung San Suu Kyi was of the videos we posted to released we provided a central YouTube. These included Wangari location, our “Free At Last” blog, Maathai speaking about climate for people to hear her speeches change, Shirin Ebadi discuss- and read her words as her voice ing human rights abuses in Iran, captured the world once again. and Burmese women telling 24 Nobel Women’s Initiative their stories to the world. In fact, a YouTube video clip from the Burma Tribunal was viewed worldwide more than 2,200 times. Interest in the Tribunal was so great that the webcast of the Tribunal was viewed nearly 9,000 times by people from all over the world. In the coming year, with the launch of a revamped web site and more social media features, we will build our community of those committed to women’s rights around the world, and bring them even more stories of women taking action to bring about change. Plugged into the Media Media engagement forms a central component of our advo- cacy strategy. Spreading our messages widely strengthens our impact and influences key decision-makers around the world. This year we kept media contacts in the loop and informed them about our advocacy efforts and participation in events related to achieving peace, justice and equality for women. The hard work paid off—targeted, timely and action-focused messages are getting through to the people who can take action. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 25 26 Nobel Women’s Initiative Here are some examples of our Jody Williams and the other success in placing women’s Laureates received a great deal voices at the front and center: of media coverage for their An opinion piece by Wangari letter calling for the freedom of Maathai was carried in the 12 political prisoners of Atenco, influential Christian Science Mexico—both before and Monitor, in January. In “African after the men were released: leaders are finally solving “Jody Williams apoya petición African problems,” Maathai de asilo de América del Valle,” pointed out the vital role of La Jornada, 26 June 2010 women in Sudan talks. and “Mexico court frees jailed peace Atenco activists,” BBC Latin The New York Times published America, 30 June 2010. “Nobel winners push for Myanmar regime to face court,” Shrin Ebadi wrote a feature in March, an article cover- piece for The Progressive in ing the International Tribunal August. In “Resistance has a on Crimes Against Women of women’s face,” Ebadi brought Burma organized by the Nobel attention to women human Women’s Initiative. rights activists in Iran. In May, just prior to our During our peace delegation delegation to Uganda, WMC to Israel and Palestine in Africa ran an opinion edito- September/October, delegate rial by Wangari Maathai called Amy Eilberg wrote “Not my “International Criminal Court usual view of Israel,” which the belongs to us Africans,” in Star Tribune (of Minnesota) ran which she called on African in October. leaders to support the Court in bringing an end to impunity. The National Post in Canada published an article in June called “Nobel laureates urge Harper to put climate on G20 agenda.” A few weeks later, Canada did add climate change to the agenda of the G8 and G20. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 27 Sixteen Days of Activism

The international event 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence has been going strong for 20 years. Women’s rights groups and advocates worldwide join together to honour the women who are courageously work- ing to promote peace, justice and equality in their communities and society.

The 16 Days of Activism begin each year November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women, and end on December 10, International Human Rights Day. Joining other groups around the world, this year we marked the occasion with a daily blog filled with inspiring stories, photos and videos spotlighting the extraordinary work of 16 women activists.

Meet some of these courageous activists:

and Mexican government was hostile to Inés Fernández Ortega their efforts, the two women refused to Valentina Rosendo Cantú be intimidated. Instead, they took their Inés Fernández Ortega and charges to the Inter-American Court of Valentina Rosendo Cantú, Human Rights. from the state of Guerrero, Mexico, are part of the Last summer the court decided in their Me’phaa nation. They have shown cour- favor. It ruled that the Mexican govern- age and strength in their long struggle ment had abused the women’s rights for justice after having been brutally and denied them access to justice. raped and tortured by a local militia. Crimes of intimidation against indig- The women were only 25 and 17 at enous people in Mexico are not the time of the attack eight years ago. uncommon. The courage of Inés and Despite their horrific experience, they Valentina inspires other people who have overcome fear and gathered the have been wronged to demand justice. strength to seek justice. When the 28 Nobel Women’s Initiative

Shirin Batshon-Khoury Maria Solis Garcia Shirin Batshon-Khoury, a dynamic Guatemala feminist and young lawyer, has made it her life work law professor Maria to improve the status of Palestinian Solis Garcia is one of the women in Israel. She works for the creators of La Cuerda, Kayan Feminist Organization, a group Guatemala’s only publication dedicated started in Haifa in 1998. to women’s issues and human rights. “It is a feminist publication, produced by “Palestinian women in Israel suffer and for feminists and the entire public,” from double discrimination,” Shirin Maria says. The monthly publication has says. “First, because they are part of the a circulation of more than 25,000 people Palestinian minority, and second, in throughout the country. their own communities because of their gender.” Political action is the main focus of La Cuerda. Maria and her colleagues are Shirin and her colleagues are encourag- keen observers of Guatemalan politics. ing Palestinian women to come together They voice their concerns directly to and find solutions to common problems. government officials and to members of The approach is achieving results. For Guatemala’s parliament. The women use instance, women from small towns every means available, from publishing and villages got together to discuss the articles and editorials to participating in inadequate public transportation system panel discussions on radio, to ensure and how it affected them. Shirin’s group their voices are heard. studied the situation and presented a full report to the Minister of Transportation. Maria’s advocacy covers a broad Consequently, a public bus route was range of issues central to women’s provided, and the bus gives women the lives. La Cuerda covers stories about freedom to travel, meet, and organize. sexual harassment, gender and health, labour laws, and economic and social This action inspired many more women human rights. to work together. They have started projects to improve public sanitation and The struggle for human rights in to build local libraries. Through efforts Guatemala links Maria and La Cuerda like these, Shirin and the Kayan Feminist to the global struggle. She has worked Organization are helping Palestinian with other organizations, including women in Israel to find their voice and the International Criminal Court, and improve their lives. was Guatemala’s only delegate to the Women’s Caucus for Gender Justice (now known as Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice). 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 29

democracy, women must be involved in Ma Pu Sein some part of the movement…” Since It was an act of great her escape from Burma, Ma Pu Sein has personal courage when been reunited with her daughters but Ma Pu Sein, originally she is still looking for her son. of Burma, traveled to New York City to testify before the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma. She spoke about the Sharon Dolev horror of forced labor and abuse by the The road to peace is filled military junta of Burma. with determined activists who stay focused on Ma Pu Sein had endured four years of their goals. One of those misery when she was forced to work activists is Israeli Sharon Dolev. Sharon as a labourer on roads. It was strenu- has worked as an advocate for peace ous, backbreaking work, but even more and the environment for many years. terrible, at night the women workers She is a campaigner with Greenpeace were victims of violence, rape and terror Mediterranean Disarmament in Israel by the military junta. Finally Ma Pu and head of the Regional Peace Sein became desperate. She fled and Movement, a group that was formed to escaped Burma, but paid a terrible price. support the Arab Peace Initiative. She left her children, two daughters and a son, behind. “There is no doubt that nuclear weapons pose the biggest threat to mankind,” Ma Pu Sein had always felt inferior Sharon believes. because of her gender, because she was a woman. In agreeing to testify before Yet, of all the threats to our peace the Tribunal, she was determined “to and security, Sharon believes nuclear speak on behalf of other people who weapons should be the easiest threat suffered like me.” She is one of the to abolish because all that is required is women featured in the Nobel Women a greater understanding. Her aim is to Initiative’s filmThis is My Witness. involve people in the essential discourse about peace and disarmament. Participating in the Tribunal brought this survivor joy and pain. She has become It is challenging, painstaking work. At resolved that the work of putting an end times you have to engage people, one by to impunity must continue so that one one, in discussion about the anti-nuclear day “we will protect the lives of young movement and why non-proliferation is women in my country Burma, like we do not a reasonable solution. Yet peace and our children… For our country to have disarmament will not happen without this universal discourse, Sharon believes. 30 Nobel Women’s Initiative

“There is no place for nuclear weapons Nayereh sees herself as a bridge in the Middle East, which is prone to between Iran and the West. “Being in conflict to begin with. There is an imme- this transnational space … helps me diate need for finding a way of regional to educate international public opinion, discussion and agreement between the especially in the United States, about countries in the Middle East.” some of the simplistic attitudes that people have about Middle Eastern women and Muslim women in general Nayereh Tohidi and Iranian women in particular.” For thirty-five years, Dominant media on both sides have Nayereh Tohidi has been perpetuating simplistic stereo- been a dedicated types, and her task is to challenge those activist and scholar, work- outworn notions. “I feel that it is my ing to achieve equal human responsibility as a scholar and also as rights for women and a better an advocate of peace and dialogue … understanding between cultures. so you can humanize people—and prevent demonization and militarization.” Growing up female in Iran, Nayereh Tohidi had to fight continually to assert The status of women in Iran is her own personal rights— the right to paradoxical and contradictory. There is study at university, the right to make a growing vibrant feminist movement, social decisions, and the right to work at while at the same time a body of very a job. Her brothers never had to struggle backward laws restricts women’s rights for such rights, she observed. But the and freedoms. Women in Iran are work- effort strengthened Nayereh’s resolve ing tirelessly to change oppressive laws and made her passionate about achiev- and norms and defend human rights. ing justice and equality for women.

Now based in the United States, she is chair of the Department for Gender Studies and Women’s Studies at California State University, where her research and teaching focuses on Islam, the sociology of gender, and ethnicity and democracy in post-Soviet Central Eurasia and the Middle East. She was involved in both the “Stop Stoning Forever Campaign” and the “One Million Signatures Campaign” for women’s rights in Iran. 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 31 Human Resources: Committed Staff and Interns Our organization has a small permanent staff, with headquarters in Ottawa. This year we also had a staff member based in Nairobi, doing media outreach and other activities in support of the work in Sudan and support for Wangari Maathai.

The staff is a strong team with activists. We do this through the broad skills and experience in mentoring of interns from several women’s rights and advocacy universities in Ottawa, and also work. They have extensive work with young women who international professional back- have recently finished their studies grounds and are fluent in several and are looking for ‘real life’ work languages. This dedicated and experience. All of our interns get committed group makes for a the chance to acquire practical flexible, creative and effective skills, learning the ropes of effec- work force. tive advocacy. In return, we get While carrying out an ambitious help from young, energetic activ- work programme, we are also ists who keep us informed about determined to help prepare the a new generation’s concerns next generation of women’s rights and values. 32 Nobel Women’s Initiative Financial Summary Watson Folkins Corey LLP completed the 2010 Nobel Women’s Initiative independent audit. The following excerpts are taken from their report. A complete copy of the audited financial statements is available from the office upon request.

2010 2009 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash $ 175,471 $ 247,947 Amounts Receivable 3,250 9,148 Contributions Receivable 0 0 Prepaid Expenses & Deposits 21,135 12,628 $ 199,856 $ 269,723

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable & Accrued Liabilities $ 43,306 $ 44,687 DEFERRED CONTRIBUTIONS 136,131 192,687 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS BEGINNING 32,349 25,246 Excess of Revenues over Expenditures (11,930) 7,103 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS ENDING 20,419 32,349 $ 199,856 $ 269,723 REVENUE Donations $ 502,767 $ 294,671 Grants 723,019 976,743 Foundations 101,979 0 University of Houston 63,310 149,760 Interest & Other Income 804 3,706 $ 1,391,879 $ 1,424,880 EXPENDITURES Program Support $ 191,451 $ 175,122 Communications 327,377 288,572 Program Development 577,613 442,797 Summits & Travel 307,368 511,286 $ 1,403,809 $ 1,417,777

NET REVENUE (EXPENDITURES) $ (11,930) $ 7,103 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 33 NWI 2010 REVENUES

Donations University of Houston 36% 5% Foundations 7%

Grants 52%

NWI 2010 EXPENDITURES

Communications Program Development 23% 41%

Program Support 14%

Summits & Travel 22% 34 Nobel Women’s Initiative

Board Members Avon Mattison Lesley Hoyles Pathways to Peace, Coordinator, Events Shirin Ebadi United States and Operations Mairead Maguire Ottawa, Canada Wangari Maathai Nayereh Tohidi Rigoberta Menchú Tum California State Kimberley MacKenzie Betty Williams University Northridge, Program Associate, Jody Williams, Chair United States Advocacy and Communications Lisa Veneklasen Ottawa, Canada Finance Committee Just Associates (JASS), Joanna Kerr, United States Kelly Fish Oxfam Canada Africa Advocacy Nancy Ingram, Staff and Support Co-ordinator Nairobi, Kenya Mines Action Canada Liz Bernstein Executive Director Brianna Garrison Working Group Ottawa, Canada Graduate Assistant University of Houston, Brené Brown Janhabi Nandy United States University of Houston Manager, Policy Graduate College and Advocacy of Social Work, Ottawa, Canada Interns United States Kieran Bergmann Rachel Vincent Aja Butler-George Shahla Haeri Manager, Media and Humera Jabir Boston University, Communications Pegah Jamshidi United States Ottawa, Canada Ellen Morgan Elizabeth Whyte

The Nobel Women’s Initiative would especially like to thank the dedicated individuals who enabled the organization to operate smoothly and creatively in 2010, including fundraiser and strategist Lynne Twist, accountants Roger Coady and Julie Jenkins, designers Jeri McMaster, Erin Thorndycraft, and Sandra Green, writer Martha Plaine, web site advisor Andrew Chisolm, network and server technologist Alastair Warwick, and web gurus Josh Bensimon and Taras Mankovski at Positive Sum.

Concept and Design: Green Communication Design inc: www.greencom.ca 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 35

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