Celebrate struggles, achievements

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: Jane Roberts’ book brought attention to deeper issues such as population, development and human rights.

International Women’s Week at EOU runs March 3-7.

The annual week-long festivities have become a vibrant celebration on the Eastern Oregon University campus that recognizes women’s struggles and achievements in the international community.

From Mali to Mexico, Japan to the United States, women around the world have stories to share and lessons to teach. This year’s schedule is packed full of grassroots projects, panel discussions, performances and countless other activities centered around the theme Speak Out, Speak Up, Make A Scene!

The campus and community are invited to join the Women’s Center staff and volunteers in celebrating the tremendous contributions that women all over the world make to their communities.

Events Highlight:

Monday, March 3

7-8:30 p.m., Bagley Hall, Huber Auditorium (EOU), Keynote Address: “34 Million Friends of the Women of the World by Jane Roberts

Tuesday, March 4

Noon to 1:30 p.m., Hoke Union Building, Main Lounge (EOU), Women in Leadership Panel featuring leaders from both the EOU campus and the community, who will discuss their roles and their advice for up and coming generations of women leaders.

6-8 p.m., Zabel Hall, Room 142 (EOU), film: “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.” Bring the whole family to this inspiring tale of courage and adventure.

Wednesday, March 5

Noon to 1:30 p.m., Hoke Union Building, Main Lounge (EOU), Personal Politics Panel. Join us as EOU faculty discuss, debate and analyze the upcoming presidential election and the politics of race and gender.

6-8 p.m., Zabel Hall, Room 142 (EOU), film: “Volver.” Mature audiences are welcome to join us to watch and discuss this film about women’s relationships to one another and their struggle to persevere.

Thursday, March 6

9-11 a.m., Badgley Hall, Room 117 (EOU), keynote address: Be the Change by Renee Roman Nose

3:30-5 p.m., Zabel Hall, Room 142 (EOU), keynote address: Unity Through Diversity: Unite Today for a Better Tomorrow by Renee Roman Nose

6-8 p.m., Zabel Hall, Room 142 (EOU), film: “Bordertown.” Mature audiences are welcome to join us to watch and discuss this film about the real life murders of hundreds of women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Friday, March 7

3 to 5 p.m., Hoke Union Building, Main Lounge (EOU), Women of Courage and Vision Awards ceremony sponsored by the EOU President’s Commission on the Status of Women.

5 to 7 p.m., Union Building, Main Lounge (EOU), La Voix des Femmes Art reception and closing exhibit sponsored by EOU art program

Keynote speaker promotes women’s rights

The keynote event will take place Monday.

34 Million Friends of UNFPA cofounder Jane Roberts will give an address at 7 p.m. in Huber Auditorium in the science building at Eastern Oregon University.

Roberts’ presentation is titled “34 Million Friends of the Women of the World.” It will highlight the 34 Million Friends project and her groundbreaking work to restore funding for women’s health and safety programs worldwide.

The project began in 2002. That’s when the U.S. government approved and then eliminated $34 million in foreign aid funding from the United Nations Fund on Population Activities (UNFPA). That organization had been established by the UN to provide resources for the most vulnerable women in the world by helping them to plan their families, give birth safely and protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

The UNFPA also promotes the rights of women. They do so by encouraging equal access to food, education and health care and works worldwide to eliminate

gender-based violence including female genital cutting and rape used as a weapon of war.

However without U.S. support, these, and many other, programs would be significantly hindered.

In response, Jane and her colleague, Lois Abraham, created 34 Million Friends of UNFPA with the goal of finding 34 million American “friends” to donate at least $1 to restore American funding contributions to one of the world’s most at risk populations — poor women.

Jane’s hard work and determination has helped to raise more than $3.8 million to date.

She was recognized in 2003 as one of Ms. Magazine’s Women of the Year. In 2004 she was named one of the 21 leaders of the 21st Century by Women’s eNews, and in 2005 Jane and Lois were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the 1000 Peace Women Project.

Later that year Jane’s book, “34 Million Friends of the Women of the World,” was published. The book brought attention to the deeper issues of population and development and the human rights of women and girls throughout the world.

Admission is free. But each attendee is asked bring $1 to donate to the cause.

For more information about Roberts or 34 Million Friends of UNFPA, visit her website at http://www.34millionfriends.org/ .