I wanted to share excerpts from some of the many moving letters of support that activists wrote to our 16 Leaders (the action for Day 4). The number of letters that came in from across the world was astounding, and it is clear that the work of the leaders we recognized has made a huge impact beyond the walls of our office. Thanks to everyone who participated in the 16 Days and told our leaders what their work means to all of us. Some snapshots:
“I was so impressed and heartened to read about your courageous work in Sudan. Please continue your vital role in the knowledge that women around the world support you and are inspired by your skill, vision and humanity.” -MR
“I have recently been informed by the Save Darfur campaign about the work you have been doing in helping to heal victims of sexual violence and torture in Darfur and would just like to applaud your efforts. I want you to know that you have the support of literally millions of people behind you as you go about on this extremely difficult work. When times get really tough, you can think about the ordinary people like me who admire and appreciate everything that you are doing. The world could use many more people like you, dedicating their lives to helping others. Thank you for everything that you have done.” -MH
“I am a physician in a busy LA county emergency department. I am participating in the 16 days of advocacy to eliminate violence against women. This kind of abuse is so common in our communities here in California and the United States in general. But it seems to be active at an entirely different level in other countries. I have been aware of the violence and rape directed against innocent mothers and daughters in the villages of Africa. Particularly places like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Having worked in East and West Africa, I have personal experience treating women in the aftermath of this kind of violence. I am writing to encourage you to participate in this movement and to demonstrate, as a leader in our community, your commitment to this issue. Please consider standing up for the human rights of our sisters, mothers, and daughters in other countries as an example on this important issue. An issue which reflects how far we have to go as an international community.” –RM, MD
“I am writing to thank you for the incredible work you have done on behalf of the women of Darfur. Amid all the horrible news one hears from the region, yours is a bright light piercing the darkness of torture and sexual violence. You no doubt downplay your own contributions, but they are heroic to me. May my prayers and those of many others here in the United States help strengthen and encourage you in your continuing efforts to help and heal.” -AP
“I am writing to tell you that I am deeply grateful for your work on behalf of issues concerning gender violence and the empowerment of women, whether it be overseas or here at home. The news we see and read is indeed deeply troubling. Darfuri women are raped near their villages and in refugee camps. The Taliban continues its battles to prevent girls from earning an education. Here at home, too many mothers struggle to support and care for their children because of poverty, domestic abuse, or other challenges. However, I do see reason for hope in the children I serve every day as a public librarian. I meet children from all walks of life, and I see that all of them have the potential to be thriving, productive members of society. Empowering women and protecting them from violence also empowers such children. Mothers who have the tools and resources to support and educate their children can give their children healthier, happier environments in which to thrive and succeed. I thank you for all that you do to protect and empower women, whether they are mothers or not. As an American citizen, I feel it is our country’s duty to promote human rights and liberty, both at home and around the world. I truly appreciate all you do to help the United States live up to its reputation as a beacon for oppressed people around the world. The children of the people you serve will have better lives because of your work.” -ML
“I’m a minor living in a prosperous part of the United States … and it often feels like nothing I can do will make a difference. Even here, there is abuse and rape… and although I have not yet been personally affected by it, I get really scared to watch the news at night, wondering what else will have happened while I live sheltered. But you are working to change that. You are saving people. Reading about you on Save Darfur’s website, it was like someone walked up to me and handed me a Superman cape and said, “Look! You can fly now!” Okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit. But I feel like even though I don’t have much of a voice now, I should keep trying for other people who have even less of a say…I’m wearing the White Ribbon and on Monday I’ll be bringing in extra for my friends, so I can spread awareness. I know it’s not going to be as easy as that… but I’m going to keep trying. Thank you… so much.” -NL
“Your action to help Darfuri women is extremely selfless and motivational. Sometimes it’s easy for jobs like yours to become underappreciated, and sometimes even the workers no longer feel the value their job holds. I want to tell you that I appreciate your work. The women who live in Darfur in fear of rape, although they may not realize who is helping them, appreciate the work you’re doing as well. Please let me add my humble thanks to theirs.” -AAE
“I cannot fathom the tremendous suffering that you encounter every day, in your efforts to heal those who have survived the barbarous acts of spiritual cannibalism, physical torture, and debasement of their womanhood and manhood, by beings who are abominations of humanity. If I could, it would be my most fervent wish to have the medical training to fight by your side. But, alas, I don’t. Yet, I do stand with you in spirit and student activism, as a member of an anti-genocide organization called STAND at Arizona State University. What you are doing makes me realize our efforts are not for naught.” -KM
“I want to encourage you today as you work to help female victims of violence. Please know that you are making a difference in many lives. You are a living example of selfless service and leadership, and it is very much needed and appreciated in the world today. The world thanks you as it does all those who take responsibility and give of themselves, working to end fear and suffering. Keep up the good work!” -A
“I am a member of the Save Darfur Coalition and I am participating in the 16 Day Campaign to help females struggling in Darfur. I wanted to say how much it means to me that you fight for the rights of women and protection them as well. It is a great thing that not only I appreciate, but God does as well.” -TC
“Thank you for the work that you are doing to help the victims of torture and sexual violence in the Darfur region of the Sudan. In a culture that undervalues women, it gives me hope that one man has stood up to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. I wish you continued success!” -AW“I wanted to express my gratitude to you for helping raise awareness of the current situation in Darfur. I’m writing this letter because, as I’m pretty sure you know by now, you were selected as one of Save Darfur’s “16 Days of Activism” leaders against gender violence. I think what you do every time you speak out for Darfur is vital. I’ve even been asked once or twice, I think, what/where Darfur is, and it makes me really sad to think that some don’t even know about the violence and the intolerance that occur there every day. Raising awareness will definitely help bring about an end to the conflict. It has already helped the current situation; the government is starting to take firm action now. Anyway, thank you again for all your work in raising awareness of the situation in Darfur. I hope you will continue in the future.” -MV
“I commend you for all of your actions and efforts. We need more people like you in this world and I want you to know how much I appreciate your work. Being a woman who has traveled to Africa recently, I am pained by the prejudice and injustice going on in our world right now. I urge our representatives in Congress and our peacekeeping forces to take immediate action to quell the violence in Darfur and prevent it from arising again in the future. I hope you will take my request seriously and act accordingly. Thank you for your dedication and effort.” -CC
“I am writing to you from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I pray every day for peace, keep working.” -M
“Thank you for all of your efforts and your obvious love. The things you are doing are very much appreciated and you are a good role model for the rest of us. You have richly blessed all of us through your work.” -ML
“I sit at home, I work, I cook, I enjoy the pleasures and comforts of life. Despite losing my job as a teacher this year, I am happy, and have much to be grateful for. I have watched “Darfur Now,” I taught the basics of the conflict to my 9th grade students in world geography, I sign petitions, I share information with friends… BUT YOU – You are the ones who sacrifice a great deal of time of your own lives, to assist these innocent people who have been suffering and inevitably will continue to suffer as long as the world’s influential nations and organizations continue to look the other way and drag their feet. No matter one’s religion, or moral doctrine, I simply do not understand how any human being can sit back and hear about the conditions for these people without doing anything to help. I am grateful for your work, as are the many people who will one day experience the positive outcome you are working to bring. Thank you again, for all of your work. You all are kind people, with a great understanding of what it means to be a positive part of our global society. Your efforts are in my thoughts every day.” -JP
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
Tags: 16 Days, Activism, Violence Against Women
