September 8, 2004

International speakers address violence against women

California State University, Sacramentos Women’s Resource Center will host a conference focused on violence against women and children featuring a group of speakers from around the globe from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 in the University Union Redwood Room.

“Making the Connection: An International Dialogue on Violence Against Women” will feature talks by more than seven women including Carmencita “Chie” Abad (Saipan); Lorena Cuéllar Barandiarán (El Salvador); Joy Ngosi Ezeilo (Nigeria); Izumi Harada (Japan); Nejla Shifa (Sri Lanka); Soheir Stolba (Egypt); and Gulzar Sukhiyani (United States).

In a report released in 2003, the United Nations Development Fund for Women estimated that one in three women around the world will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during their lifetime. In an attempt to come to terms with and reduce this level of violence, conference speakers will share their personal experiences and discuss topics including the trafficking of women, the condition of women in Afghanistan, AIDS and health issues in Africa, sweatshop labor, domestic violence in Asia, pornography and violence, sexual assault, reproductive issues, war and economic violence.

Registration fees prior to the conference are $30 general and $15 for seniors. There is no charge for students if registered prior to the conference. Registration fees on the day of the conference are $35 general and $15 for students and seniors. To register or for more information, call (916) 278-7388 or visit www.csus.edu/wrc. Media assistance is available from public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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