WEDO History
You are current browsing page 2 of WEDO History
The Latest WEDO History News
Remembering Wangari- In Her Own Words
“The road is long and the battles many… For me it is a journey and I continue to pursue it wherever fate leads me…I learned to rise from the ashes of disappointment and look to the road yet ahead.” – Wangari Maathai
After the passing of our dear friend and mentor, Wangari Maathai, WEDO has spent the past two days reflecting on our fortunate experiences with this incredible woman. In doing so we have un-earthed a piece written by Wangari following the passing of WEDO co-founder Bella Abzug. In it Wangari shares her story, the life of a woman who overcame any obstacle she encountered with a boundless sense of hope. Her strength led her to accomplish unparalleled success in the work of human and women’s rights, not only in her home country of Kenya but around the world. In the attached article from our 1998 newsletter, Wangari explains the hardships endured throughout her journey and how she managed to rise above the corruption and politics, which so fervently worked to silence her voice.
Honoring a Visionary Leader: WEDO Remembers Wangari Maathai
Today, WEDO mourns the loss but celebrates the life of our great friend, visionary, sister and ally, Professor Wangari Maathai, who passed away last night in Nairobi at the age of 71.
“WEDO is greatly saddened by the passing away of Wangari Maathai, and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. We’ve known her as a co-founder of WEDO, but also as a friend and a teacher to all those who came to WEDO after her. Her actions and courage will live on in all of our hearts to be passed on to future generations who will carry on her work.” – Monique Essed Fernandes, Chair, WEDO Board of Directors
Below, please click to view a slideshow of some of the photos we have of Wangari in our WEDO library. The enduring theme in almost every photo: solidarity, activism, sisterhood, and laughter.
In Our Library: 1998 Women Transform the Mainstream
Clean and accessible water is not only the foundation for successful communities and a healthy and peaceful planet; it is also a fundamental human right. And yet, today approximately one in eight people lack access to a safe water supply.[1] The use of polluted water means poor sanitation as well as food and drink contamination, all of which lead to disease. On September 18th, join WEDO in calling attention to the water crisis and celebrate World Water Monitoring Day, an international outreach program that “builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.”
In an effort to create dialogue around water quality, WEDO welcomes you to take a look back at our 1998 publication, “Women Transform the Mainstream: 18 Case Studies of Women Challenging Industry, Demanding Clean Water and Calling for Gender Equality in Sustainable Development.”
September 14th “An Evening with Charlotte Bunch”- Hosted by WEDO
[ September 14, 2011; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ]
This year – our 20th anniversary year! – we are honoring the legacy of women’s leadership and activism, celebrating those who helped make WEDO what it is today and who continue to work alongside us every day toward improving women’s lives around the globe. Encouraging the next generation of women leaders, we’re reaching out especially to young professionals and newcomers to the women’s movement; our upcoming event is one we hope will educate and inspire!
On Wednesday, September 14th, we invite you to join us again for our second ‘open house’ in celebration of our 20th Anniversary, WEDO20+.
This …
Women’s Equality Day: Celebrating the Next Generation of Women Leaders
On August 26th, the U.S. celebrates Women’s Equality Day. Officially designated by the United States Congress in 1971 at the proposal of Congresswoman Bella Abzug (D-NY), founder of WEDO, the date commemorates the historic passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, giving U.S. women full voting rights.
For WEDO, Women’s Equality Day not only celebrates a historic moment for women but also women’s continuing efforts toward achieving full equality, both in the United States and across the world. In the 40 years since the day was first established, much has been achieved to advance women’s rights globally, but many challenges still remain. WEDO is committed to tackling these challenges and forging a path towards women’s full equality in the spirit of the visionary women who came before us.
This year marks WEDO’s 20th Anniversary (WEDO20+), and on this Women’s Equality Day, WEDO honors the legacy of ground-breaking women’s leadership and activism by celebrating the next generation of women leaders. Coming on the heels of International Youth Day (August 12th), Women’s Equality Day reminds us both of the power of women’s organizing and leadership to create meaningful change, and the need for sustained efforts to advance women’s equality. As Bella said, “No matter how steep the passage and discouraging the pace, I ask you never to give in and never give up.” Engaging in dialogue with young women leaders is central to highlighting the ‘+‘ in our anniversary; to working with and inspiring those who will help shape our future. Read More…
