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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. letter To Ms. Verveer from Hope Miller re: Kosovo Benefit (partial) (1 07/26/99 P6/b(6) page) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Eric Massey (Subject Files) OA/Box Number: 17217 FOLDER TITLE: Women Video 2012-1036-S ry1289 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA] h(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRAJ an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information |(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRAJ b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. Rita Fibbors 212.906.6897 name PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION 1) what She Saw in cups 2) " all requated was to so home" '1 3) Now they are whe have to help them. Just live we came Together to leb shelter them we and to come togeto to house then I ( lool of recent speed to then - refge rents Ft Dix, AJI Speach - Tie how it was the sect of hundy that came together each carting D.D no This (List who Lad wht) Withdrawal/Redaction Marker Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. letter To Ms. Verveer from Hope Miller re: Kosovo Benefit (partial) (1 07/26/99 P6/b(6) page) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Eric Massey (Subject Files) OA/Box Number: 17217 FOLDER TITLE: Women Video 2012-1036-S ry1289 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - 144 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA h(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information |(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA| b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. without PHONE NO. : Jul. 26 1999 12:11PM P2 WOLFER yes MEN EVAN United States Committee for UNIFEM & ks Name Yes United Nations Development Fund for Women chepter 777 United Nations Plaza 7th Floor New York, New York 10017 Tel: 212-808-4988 Fax: 212-972-0164 HONORARY CO-CHAIRS The Hon Lindy Boggs Sharon Capeling-Alakia The Hon, Nancy Kassebaum Baker VHS The Hon. Barbara A. Mikulski The Hon. Charlos H. Percy Margarot C. Shyder July 26,1999 AMN and Haidi Toffler Paul C. Wamke UNIFEM GOODWILL AMBASSADORS Dear Mr. Verveer: Julie Androws Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Many thanks for your Hope S. Miller President Mal Johnson Susan Rubin prompt reply to my letter conviting Catherine D. White Vice Presidente Elleen S Clark the First Lady to he The "star of Secretary Mary V. O'Connor our Rasove Benefit in nu ther Carol Capps Mary P. Haney Carl M. Harris "Brenda J. Kagki on (acrober 7. Should There be Mildred Rubbins Leat Nancy B. Leidentrost Carol Poteal-Buchanan any tast minure change that Members-at-Large Patricia Hutar Charter President would permit Inss. Clinton to come, Virginia R. Allan Honorary President The Hon. Keren R. Keesling ser for just few minutes, is General Counsel DIRECTORS would mean a great deal to us. Ads Adior Elizabeth Athanesekos Gwendolyn C. Baker Lidia Basilanich In Mrs. Clintra's absence, Margaret L. Bates Annie A, Blackwell Ellon $. Blalock would it he possible to obtain a Kay B. Clanion A. Martin Clark *Donna Cormier video ? That would allow me to Joel Epstein Gloria Gastori-Shapiro Neals S. Godfray Nancy Gritiner same M our invitation Mary Alice Hedge-Mobinet *Biltic Heller Anne Holberg Evelyn C. Hurd I would of course send you The most Jane S. Jaquelle Ethel D. Kahn Mary T. Keane up - to- lake background Inabirial are Norma U. Levitt Edward C. Luck The from approacher, so that her r otherwise include The laws contact: Hope Miller 212/808-4988 (H) P6/(b)(6) affection Xo Then mather /Persaps some time when I am in Fashington I could have the pleasure of micking you. Hould you conpeder bung ong guest > all ohe best / Popers. Gant club Benft at 1 \ 2 U.N. Fundriser benefity the 3 women of Kosovo !! THE The they it, Now but Run by UNI FEM will we 200 g She See nt them March 4, 1995 Augahmy and video 2 yess asD Fell of 97 Oct?. 1 Impubance full Incrible UNIFEL is Day She will clso tlu to work in Korovo displaced person. Great people who have came to supput wour in KOSOUU & UniFEM. 200 puply 5 charmen have of 1999 - securt May Jue Fefuse Feachs, wour at wit Pais A SG Ft P.X, AJC spech List Contrier Ism * 12 Re wast of wronty She Samu the but of helps humant Tefuse to sine P. / FROM : NCWUS PHONE NO. : Sep. 24 1999 12:52PM P1 MEN UNIFED MCC United States Committee for UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women 777 United Nations Plaza 7th Floor New York, New York 10017 Tel: 212-808-4988 Fax: 212-972-0164 Execte Direction Vo: Eric Massey UNIFEM Noeleen Hayzer 5P. From: Hope S. Wither Fax: 202-456-2581 Eric, Idon IV want do delay any loager - Eisher I ar Rika Sibbras from UN IFE M will fay to you laker This afternoon the n Kasavo details UNIFEM supports the self-help initiative of women in developing countries, thus making their lives more productive. By increasing their economic power, UNIFEM helps to improve the lives of women, their families, and their communities. When UNIFEM helps 250,000 women, 1,000,000 children benefit. FOR THE WOMEN OF KOSOVA A SPECIAL BENEFIT THE UNITED STATES COMMITTEE FOR UNIFEM PRESIDENT Sheryl J. Swed VICE PRESIDENTS Neale S. Godfrey Brenda Kagle Wendy A. Trager SECRETARY TREASURER Carol M. Poteat-Buchanan Catherine A. Wood THE METROPOLITAN NEW YORK CHAPTER PRESIDENT Ruth E. Zeller VICE PRESIDENTS Alison Fay Toney Gordon Janet T. Stovin SECRETARY TREASURER Mary C. Wolf Ruth B. Cowan, Ph.D. BENEFIT COMMITTEE Patricia Altshuler Monique Golby Eurydice Kelley Margaret Sokol Nina Azer Toney Gurdon Robbyn Kilbane-McFadden B. Max Stamper, PH.D. Joan Brew Jacqueline Greenfield Jean-Paul Lausell Janet T. Stovin Debbie Cregledy Nadine Hack Mildred Robbins Leet Ashley T. Suhler Jessica 1). Ehrlich Janice P. Haggerty Norma U. Levitt Junnko Tozaki Alison Fay Brenda Kngle Nora London Sidney Willner Delina Fico Mary T Keane Horst and Susie Schneider Mary C. Wolf (Loi Incomplete) Copyright Phone by Marrha Rial / Pursburgh Port-Oaterie. 1999 All rights reserved Sep. 24 1999 12:53PM P2 : "ON ENOHA SNMON : FROM FROM : NCWUS PHONE NO. : Sep. 24 1999 12:53PM P3 United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Mrs. Annan HONORARY BENEFIT COMMITTEE H.E. Dr. Gerard Pfanzelter and Mrs. Pfanzelter Ambassador of Austria 10 the United Nations H.E. Mr. Maurice Moore and Mrs. Moore Ambassador of the Commonwealch of the Bahamas to the United Nations H.E. M. Ion Gorita and Mme. Gorita Ambassador of Romania to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Asda Jayanama and Mrs. Jayanama Ambassador of Thailand to the United Nations H.E. Prof. Mata Mulumba Semakula Kiwanuka and Mrs. Kiwanuka Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the Uniced Nations Ms. Julie Andrews UNIFEM Goodrvill Ambassador BENEFACTORS Bristol-Meyers Squibb Foundation, Inc. Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group (list incomplete) PATRONS Marcal Paper Mills, Inc. Mildred Robbins Leet Dr. Arthur and Hope S. Miller (list incomplete) UNIFEM's programme for Kosova women refugees will support and strengthen the capacity of these women to rebuild their lives and those of their families and communities. The women of Kosova will thus bc enabled to go beyond the cycle of violence and play a leadership role in shaping a peaceful and economically secure future based on tolerance for diversity and respect for women's and men's human rights. WHEN UNIFEM HELPS 250,000 WOMEN, 1,000,000 CHILDREN BENEFIT. THE UNITED STATES COMMITTEE FOR UNIFEM (The United Nations Development Fund for Women) AND THE METROPOLITAN NEW YORK CHAPTER cordially invite you to attend A SPECIAL BENEFIT FOR THE WOMEN OF KOSOVA CO-CHAIRPERSONS Lidia Basrianich of Felidia Angelo Vivolo of Vivolo Hope S. Miller Catherine D. White Margaret G. MacBain (Immediate Past Special Video Greeting on Kosova by UNIFEM is NEW Misident of The First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton 4. s Com. He UNIFEM) using The spelling Stars and Celebrities Kosovo Thursday, October 7, 1999 Delegates' Dining Room, United Nations Champagne Reception: 6:30 p.m. Gourmer Chefs Dinner: 7:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Black Tic or National Dress All tickets will be held at the door, RSVP Enclosed Reply Card United Nations Visitors' Entrance Space Limited First Avenue and 46th Street PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND INVITATION ESSENTIAL FOR ENTRY. FROM : NCWUS PHONE NO. : Sep. 24 1999 12:54PM P4 THE BEST GOURMET CHEFS WILL PERSONALLY PREPARE AND SERVE THEIR SIGNATURE DISHES WITH ACCOMPANYING WINES LIDIA MATTICCHIO BASTIANICH & BETH COLLINS, FELIDIA SERGIO BITICI, TOSCANA SEGUNDO CALLE, BRUNO GINA DIPALMA, BABBO ODETTE FADA, SAN DOMENICO CODY HOGAN, LIDIA'S KANSAS CITY SARAH JENKINS, I COPPI MAURO MAFRICI, I TRULLI CHARLIE PALMER, AURHOLE FRANCOIS PAYARD, PAYARD PATISSERIE MICHAEL ROMANO, UNION SQUARE CAFE ANNE ROSENZWEIG, THE LOBSTER CLUB KATY SPARKS, QUILTY'S ANGELO VIVOLO, VIVOLO plus LOU PIUGGI, UNITED NATIONS DELEGATES DINING ROOM (LIST IN FORMATION) FROM : NCWUS PHONE NO. : Sep. 24 1999 12:54PM P5 Hope A. Suiller United States Committee For UNIFEM 777 United Nations Plaza - 7th Floor New York, NY 10017 A SPECIAL BENEFIT FOR THE WOMEN OF KOSOVA THE UNITED STATES COMMITTEE FOR UNIFEM THE METROPOLITAN NEW YORK CHAPTER Champagne Reception and Dinner United Nations Delegates Dining Room First Avenue and 46th Street Thursday October 7, 1999 Please make checks payable to UNIFEM/USA/TIY. Any amount over $100.00 per ticket is tax-deductible. Tickets - $325 each Sponsor - $750 each Patron-$5,000** table Supporter - $500 each Angel - $1,000* each Benefactor - $10,000** table "Names will be listed in the program. Plus special pre-events and publicity for each category. 1 cannot attend but enclose a completely tax-deducrible contribution of $ Name Address City State Zip Telephone Fax KINDLY LIST THE NAMES OF YOUR GUESTS ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND/OR THOSE WITH WHOM YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE SEATED. SEP. -27'99 (MON) 10:20 P. 001 New your 27 September tras To: run Eric Dassey far (202)456-2581 From: Zuic Poula Pager summe Danager Europe & The as Scation July UNIFEN Subject: Speech of Mistaillary Cliutor on Vesovo Women & UNIFED Please find attached a sw-pape write up on The project for Nosovo women, as well as a detailed summary of The propet objectives and achutes. I'm afraid There was a me scommunication about The timeline within which our input was required & addition. our computer systems completely crashed on Friday evening. and we receive hl now wimour access to our files, and unable to print any venience This is all causing. document. Please a ccept my sincere apolagin for The licon- have about This withative, and ) can be reached at & remain available to alls we any questions you right telephsne mumbus 212-906-6443. We would like to send a copy of the tape to Wosovo, to share with women Ther. Suice This is whely to a Heat the content of The speech ) wanted to let you know. can best regards. SEP. 99 (MON) 10:20 P. 002 Eric Massey UNIFEM phone 202 456- United Nations Development Fund for Women 2787 fax 202 IN SUPPORT OF KOSOVO WOMEN REFUGEES 456 258, Today's wars have no delineated front lines. Civilian populations are not only directly in the line of fire, but are also often used as direct targets to put pressures on the military. In addition to these dangers that affect men. women and children, rape and sexual violence against women is used as a weapon to demoralize combatants and the community. Women are also targetted due to their reproductive role and their identity as the keeper of culture and tradition, with total disempowerment as a goal. It is ironic that when women's pivotal role in the building and maintenance of their community and nation is finally recognized, this knowledge is used against them for destructive purposes, to cause the complete disempowerment of a society or a nation. The systematic use of this weapon against women to destroy the very fabric of a society was never as clearly seen as with the scale and the organization of the horrific rape camps in the "ethnic cleansing" of Bosnia. Today, as we speak, reports are coming in from relief and aid workers, eyewitnesses and the victims themselves about the use of rape and sexual violence against ethnic Albanian Kosovar women as a weapon of war. Women are very vulnerable to social attitudes in their own societies that make the woman herself responsible for having been raped. In some cultures, a women who has been raped is considered as "shamed", "polluted", or "damaged goods" and is often ostracized by her family and her community; in some societies, it is even considered best that she be killed to "wipe out the shame" she has brought to the family name. There are also the children of rape, those few have the courage to mention, and even fewer know how to deal with. Lack of food security, lack of adequate health and psychological care, lack of most basic types of security all contribute to increase women's trauma, suffering and burden as an individual and as provider and protector to her family. While food, care for children, the elderly and the handicapped are specifically a woman's task in many cultures, women find themselves trapped in the role of passive recipients in most refugee and displaced camps. Women are not part of the definition of their own needs nor in the development of solutions to their own problems and issues. Women's access to power and decision-making arenas, which under normal peaceful circumstances is widely unequal in most countries of the world, is severely curtailed in times of conflict.. Women's traditional role, experience and contribution to conflict defusion, mediation and reconciliation within the home, the extended family and the community is completely ignored, or more accurately scorned as irrelevant. pleasenting UNIFEM is developing an important initiative In support of the Kosovo Women refugees In the two countries that have received the largest number of refugees, Albania and Macedonia . This programme's overall objective Is to empower the Kosovo women refugees by supporting them to organize themselves to define their own needs and concerns and to actively participate In the decisions that affect their life and future. Towards that end, UNIFEM will: widen the space for Kosovo Women refugees to assist relief, development and other donor agencies In the development of solutions to their own problems and issues, as well as and to have a say In the negotiation, conflict resolution and peace processes; support trauma counselling and rehabilitation particularly for women victims of rape and sexual violence and for their families; assist in documenting cases of war crimes to be brought before the International War Crimes Tribunal; contribute to setting up a communications (radio, printed media and Internet use) component to enable sharing of critical information; and enable an ongoing dialogue with and support to the host communíties with regard to the social, political, economic and environmental impact of the massive influx of refugees. SEP. 27 99 (MON) 10:21 P. 003 UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women Fonds de Développement des Nations Unles pour la Femme Fondo de Desarrollo de Las Nacionas Unidas para la Mujer BUILDING CAPACITY FOR A PEACEFUL AND ECONOMICALLY SECURE FUTURE FOR KOSOVA WOMEN PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION UNIFEM's programme in support of Kosova Women refugees, returnees and IDPs is geared towards providing the support and strengthening the capacity of Kosova women to enable them to rebuild their lives, families and communities, participate in the structure and institutions that will govern their present and future, and play a leadership role in shaping a peaceful and economically secure future, based on tolerance for diversity and respect for women and men's human rights PROGRAMME DURATION 3 years, starting 1 August 1999 EXECUTING AGENCY The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) FUNDING STATUS UNIFEM has allocated US$300,000 from core resources to this initiative, and the Government of Italy has pledged US$150,000. We continue to fundraise for the entire amount needed, namely US$3.5 million. SEP. 99 (MON) 10:21 P. 004 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES Objective 1 Working with UN, OSCE, the EU and other intergovernmental and international organisations and agencies and the Kosova leadership to ensure that gender issues are taken into considerations in planning. programming and implementation of activities in support of Kosova Overall Description of Activities UNIFEM will recruit and place a senior Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), whose duties will be twofold: she/he will have an advisory function in terms of mainstreaming gender issues in the planning, programming and implementation of activities of UN and other intergovernmental organizations and agencies; and she/he will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the UNIFEM programme for Kosova women. Activities under this objective will also include: Organizing fora for dialogue between Kosova women leaders and the international relief and development community to ensure that Kosova women's voices are heard and acted upon by the international community; Setting up an Gender Task Force made up of representatives of various organizations and Government to monitor gender issues, and make recommendations for action as necessary; Liaising and collaborating closely with regional intergovernmental and non- governmental Balkan efforts to promote gender sensitive policies and peace in the region Objective 2 Strengthening the capacity and widening the space for Kosova Women refugees, IDPs and returnees to assist relief, development and other donor agencies as well as NGOs in the development and implementation of solutions to their own problems Overall Description of Activities Activities under this objective will focus on the identification, development and implementation of tailor-made programmes in response to primary needs, skills development and empowerment of different groups of women refugees, displaced persons and returnees. In close coordination with local groups and international organizations, UNIFEM will set up women's centers or "spaces" in selected refugee camps, host communities and resettlement areas where there are not currently adequate support services, where possible linked with UNICEF child-friendly spaces. Aimed at reaching refugee women living in host families and to facilitate cooperation with host communities. UNIFEM proposes to cooperate with on-going women's centers where they exist, and to encourage organization in communities where there are no such centers. The aim is to support refugees and host families, while simultaneously building capacities and sustainability for local women's projects. The programme will also provide support through the central distribution locations set-up by UNHCR in Kosova. In addition, due to the dispersed character of returnee communities, UNIFEM will set up two mobile outreach units. Two-person teams will staff the UNIFEM Mobile Women's Centers that 2 SEP. 27' 99 (MON) 10:22 P. 005 will provide similar support and services to under-served refugee, returnee and displaced persons communities. Three basic types of activities will be supported (including building the capacity to implement them), of which women's groups in each of the communities to be served can select the most appropriate for their needs. Described below are these three basic sets of activities, which are related to: a) Community organization, self-help groups formation, and facilitation; b) Women's health, security and well-being; and c) development of traditional and non-traditional skills development, and micro-businesses Objective 3 Increasing and improving communications and information exchange and dissemination to support Kosova women refugees, IDPs and returnees in their daily lives, in developing and sharing solutions to common problems and issues, in maintaining ongoing dialogues with relevant parties (e.g. returnees with relief and development agencies; refugees with host communities, etc.) and in sharing general information on available resources Overall Description of Activities Rumors, fear, and Inflated expectations can cause confusion amongst refugee and return populations. Refugees, returnees and displaced persons need reliable and timely information about the many initiatives by and for refugees, about conditions on-the- ground in Kosova, and about services available to refugees and returnees. To be effective, information should presented in an accessible, attractive manner. UNIFEM will develop and implement several initiatives targeted at the refugee/returnee communities through a variety of media, which will improve information flow and exchange. In addition, UNIFEM will develop and support initiatives around a specific campaign against gender-based violence in Albania, Macedonia and Kosova. Activities will focus on increasing and improving information exchange for the purpose of assisting women in identifying services and support while refugees, upon return and as internally displaced persons in Kosova through Radio programs designed by and for refugees and returnees to provide information, support and contacts for the entire refugee and returnee community. Production and distribution of a magazine by and for refugees and returnees. Compiling, publishing and distributing a resource guide for women's groups, refugees and returnees Objective 4 Empowering Kosova women to participate in and shape national institutions, and to assume a leadership role in shaping a peaceful and economically secure future, based on tolerance for diversity and respect for women and men's human rights Overall Description of Activities In order to support long-term confidence and peace-building particularly between and amongst the different ethnic groups in the region, UNIFEM will: facilitate the establishment, organization and operation of a coalition of women's groups to respond to the current refugee and other social crises. 3 SEP. 27' 99 (MON) 10:22 P. 006 sponsor and develop a long-term women's initiative for a "Women's Policy Agenda" which will bring women together, while simultaneously building capacities and skills in policy-making, coalition-building and lobbying. support the development of media campaigns which will highlight women's issues and bring these into the public debate. SHORT-TERM RESULTS Missions and plans of UN, OSCE, EU and other intergovernmental and international organizations and agencies benefitting from UNIFEM gender expertise Relief and development organizations and agencies sensitized to gender issues and delivering more gender responsive support and services to Kosova communities Increased participation of Kosova women in shaping national institutions Kosova women enabled to help themselves through a variety of activities ranging from self-help groups to counselling, skills development and small businesses Lessening of inter-ethnic violence and increased inter-ethnic dialogue between different communities in Kosova LONGER-TERM RESULTS Programmes and activities of UN, OSCE, EC and other intergovernmental and international organizations and agencies are more gender-responsive Coordination and collaboration between UNIFEM and partners maximizes benefits to Kosova women and their communities, and transition from relief to development facilitated and sped Good communications and information exchange facilitates the daily life of Kosova women refugees, IDPs, and returnees and their communities Women enabled to play a transformative leadership role in national institutions and structures National institutions and structures reflect tolerance for diversity and respect for women and men's human rights For further information, please contact Zina Mounla Programme Manager Europe and the CIS Section UNIFEM fax: 212-906-6705 email: [email protected] 4 Thank you, Hope, for that kind introduction. It's a pleasure and honor to be with all of you today -- as we join citizens from around the world in celebrating International Women's Day. There are many people here whose tireless commitment to women's rights over the years has brought us together today: I want to especially thank Noeleen Heyzer, executive director of UNIFEM, who I stood with so proudly at the UN's Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing; and Margaret Snyder, UNIFEM's founding director. I applaud Hope Miller for her strong leadership of the US Committee for UNIFEM, which has inspired such a dramatic expansion of the Committee's chapters over the past few years. My appreciation to Ruth Zeller, president of the Metropolitan New York Chapter, for hosting this event; and to my friend, Nane Annan; honorary chair of this luncheon. I also want to recognize Norma Levitt, former president of the NY Chapter. I am deeply grateful for the honor you have given me today -- particularly when I hear the names of some of the remarkable women who have been past recipients of the Award for Excellence -- including our remarkable Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; civil rights pioneer Dorothy Height; and one of the great New Yorkers -- and women's advocates -- of all time, Bella Abzug. 2 I understand that one of the recipients of this award is here with us today -- Mildred Robbins Leet -- who was honored with her late husband in 1992 for their invaluable work in promoting small grants and loans to women in developing countries around the world. Thank you all for putting me in such distinguished company. I've noticed that the US Committee for UNIFEM has chosen as its logo "Women Hold Up Half the Sky." I heard that expression often when I accompanied my husband on his historic trip to China last year. To me, those few words convey such a powerful image of what women in every country do every single day, in their homes; in the market place; in their communities; as they struggle to raise their children and support their families; to pass on the values and traditions of their culture; to participate in the economic and political life of their community; and to protect the basic rights of all. I learned recently that this is not only a traditional saying in China -- but is also imbedded in the history and culture of our Native Americans. But that doesn't surprise me -- because that one simple phrase is a universal message of hope, carried deep within every woman's heart. 3