International Women's Tribune Centre,
777 United Nations Plaza,
New York, NY 10017,
Tel: (1-212) 687-8633.
Fax: (1-212) 661-2704.
e-mail: iwtc@igc.apc.org

Women Light the Way for Human Rights: This is the theme for the 1998 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence -Nov. 25 - Dec. 10- and as part of the 1998 Global Campaign for Women's Human Rights, there will be a series of activities, many incorporating light as a symbol of the strength, courage and leadership of women's human rights defenders around the world.

16 Days Culminates in 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), December 10, 1998: Be a part of both the 50th anniversary and the 16 Days of Activism by: 1). Organizing an activity using the theme of light and/or incorporate light into the programme of an already planned activity. 2). Composing a one sentence demand/message to be delivered to the United Nations on Dec. 10th. 3) Send a description of your activity by December 5, 1998 to: Center for Women's Global Leadership, Rutgers University, 160 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-85555 USA; Fax: (1-732) 932- 1180; E-mail: cwgl@igc.apc.org Access the Action Form and more at CWGL's web site: http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~cwgl/humanrights

Here is a sampling of some of the activities planned as part of the 16 Days of Activism 1998:

Africa: Nigeria: Radio jingles against violence against women in Yoruba, Pidgin, Ibo, Hausa and English. Also awareness- raising rallies in 3 regions of WILDAF/Nigeria, with T-shirts denouncing gender violence worn by men and women at the rallies. Two million signatures against gender violence written on cloth will be displayed at a rally in Lagos on 10 December 1998. Contact: Women, Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF). E-mail: wildaf@mango.zw. Kenya: Processions are planned through the streets of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa. Contact: Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) P.O. Box 7631, Nairobi, Kenya. Fax: (254-2) 71-66-48. E-mail: covaw@iconnect.co.ke

Asia and Pacific: Pakistan: Meetings in Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Lahore with women workers, peasant and informal sector workers to discuss issues such as gender discrimination, violence against women and the human rights situation in Pakistan. Articles in newspapers and magazines, distribution of pamphlets and creation of charts to raise awareness on issues of women's human rights. (Working Women Organization-WWO). Fiji: Special supplement focusing on domestic violence and child abuse to be inserted into the Fiji Times, Fiji's national newspaper. Radio ads and talks in various local dialects and languages; production of educational materials including posters on domestic violence, human rights and children's safety; display of street banners in Suva. (Fiji Women's Crisis Centre). Bangladesh, Dhaka: Demonstration, press conference, seminar, workshop, leaflets and posters addressing the empowerment of women. (Bangladesh Mahila Parishad) Philippines: Call to action and campaign against trafficking in women. Contact Gabriela Network. E-mail: Bardoza@mail.idt.net.

Europe: Croatia: An event to announce the 16 Days of Activism and the 50th Anniversary of the UDHR followed by a concert featuring singers and performers will be just the beginning of the 16 Days in Croatia. Women's groups throughout Croatia will hold a candlelight vigil and procession on December 9, distributing candles and information during the procession. Postcards addressing four pressing issues for women in Croatia- violence, discrimination, education, and health- will be sent to the United Nations and Croatian Ministers. On Saturday, Nov. 28, the free legal advice hotline for women will have extended hours. Contact: B.a.B.e. (Be Active, Be Emancipated), Prilaz Gjure Dezelica 26/II, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Fax: (385-1)484-6180. E-mail: babe@zamir.net Web-site: http://www.interlog.com/~moyra/.

North America/Caribbean: Cayman Is: Opening of Women's Resource Centre and launch of support service for victims of domestic abuse. Canada: Men will demonstrate their commitment to end men's violence against women by wearing white ribbons, signing posters and making donations to support women's shelters, rape crisis centres, etc. E-mail: whiterib@direct.com. USA: New Orleans: Book exhibit at Newcomb Ctr for Research on Women; showing of video tapes on domestic violence to Social Work students. New York: Global Tribunal -Dec. 9, followed by candlelight vigil opposite the UN. Contact: CWGL. (See address above).

More information will be given in the next bulletin, including activities in Europe, Middle East and Latin America, though activities in Latin America will be mostly highlighted in the Spanish version of the Women's GlobalNet, known as CTIM GlobalNet de mujeres.If you would prefer to receive the Spanish version on IWTC Women's GlobalNet, please let us know.