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Amnesty Intl Shadow Summit Afghan Women's Rights

SHADOW SUMMIT FOR AFGHAN WOMEN'S RIGHTS
CHICAGO SUNDAY MAY 20, 11am - 1pm 
AMNEST INTERNATIONAL


Afghan women's and girls' futures are at grave risk as the U.S. and allied forces make plans to withdraw in 2014. The NATO Summit taking place in Chicago on May 20 & 21 will focus on this transition but Afghan women will not be at the table for these critical discussions. 

Please join Amnesty International USA for our Shadow Summit as we bring Afghan women's voices to the forefront on Sunday, May 20 from 11 am to 1 pm with registration and light brunch at 10 am. 

It's a crucial time for President Karzai, President Obama, world leaders and the media to see that people care deeply about the fate of women's and girls' human rights in Afghanistan.  Speakers and panelists include Afifa Azim, Executive Director, Afghan Women's Network; Manizha Naderi, Executive Director of Women for Afghan Women; and IL Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Jerome McDonnell, host of WBEZ's Worldview, will moderate the panel. After the Summit, please join us for a family-friendly action as we fly kites to demand Afghan women’s rights.
This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is strongly recommended. To register and for more information, please visit www.amnestyusa.org/afghanwomen

We need you!

When: 11:00 – 1PM CDT on May 20th - the first day of the NATO Summit. Registration and light brunch begin at 10AM.

Where: Swissotel Hotel, Lucerne Ballroom, 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

Note:  After the Summit, please join us for an action as we fly kites to demand Afghan women’s rights. 

Let us know you're coming: www.amnestyusa.org/afghanwomen

Ask questions: aiusamw@aiusa.org

Help spread the word!
·        Forward this email
·        Facebook: http://on.fb.me/L2qatE
·        Tweet #Chicago2012 - every day in the lead up to the Summit

Why?  With the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan, Amnesty International is concerned that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are in grave jeopardy. Violence against women is rampant, and in areas under insurgent control, torture, beatings and other brutal punishments are common. Women candidates, politicians and human rights defenders increasingly are targeted, intimidated, threatened and attacked. In 2010, more than 74 schools, including 26 girls’ schools and 35 mixed-gender schools, were destroyed or closed due to insurgent violence. At stake is the future of Afghanistan after billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives sacrificed.  We believe if women’s progress cannot be sustained, then Afghan society will fail. The U.S. government, Afghan government and other stakeholders must commit to clear, measurable steps to ensure that women’s and girls’ rights are protected and that positive momentum is maintained.