“Women leaders of civil society in conflict situations are effective and proven agents of change”, said Ghita El Khyari, head of the United Nations WPHF. “Despite this, only 0.2 percent of the billions of dollars in aid to crisis-affected countries goes to women’s organizations. This campaign amplifies their voices and their urgent calls to action.”

The campaign will be launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day awareness raising and fundraising event made possible by The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The Starbucks Foundation, Capital Logos, LIGHTSPACE, and Medela. These private sector partners are leading the way in their industries by bringing innovation and support to women building peace around the world.

Whoopi Goldberg will host the campaign launch event, featuring WPHF global lawyer Kristen Bell, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, Senior Gender Advisor to the Secretary General of the un Nahla valji, Chief of the Paivi Kannisto and Humanitarian Section of UN Women for Peace, Security and Razia Saltana of the Rohingya Women Welfare Society, a partner of civil society Bangladesh.

Tonight, two world monuments – the London Eye in the United Kingdom and the Water jet in Switzerland – will light up in WPHF colors to mark the launch of the campaign and honor local women leaders around the world who are working to build a brighter, more peaceful and resilient world.

Since its inception in 2016, WPHF has supported more than 220 women’s organizations working in peacebuilding and humanitarian crisis response in 25 countries. Her new campaign outlines concrete steps governments, the private sector and individuals can take to support the global women’s movement for peace and equality.

“Everyone has a role to play in supporting women leaders”, said Kristen Bell, global lawyer for the WPHF. “On this International Women’s Day, we use our collective voice to celebrate the limitless and transformative power of women.”

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SOURCE The United Nations Humanitarian and Peace Fund for Women