War is Violence Against Women: Films and Discussion
 
Madison Women for Peace Observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence with Dec 5 Event
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 20 November 2003
 
Rape is now officially recognized as a war crime -- thanks to the efforts of two Bosnian women, who were caught in a war where rape was as common a weapon as bullets and bombs, and who fought back by working with the UN Tribunal at the Hague. 
 
Calling the Ghosts: A Story About Rape, War and Women is their inspiring, first person account.  As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence,  Madison Women for Peace will show Calling the Ghosts on Friday, December 5th at the Electric Earth Café, 546 West Washington Ave.  Doors open at 7pm, the movie starts at 7:30pm.  Admission is $5 (more if you can, less if you can't) and will benefit the work of Madison Women for Peace.
 
"Violence against women is something that, unfortunately, women around the world share," says Sue Goldwomon, Women for Peace member. "We want to highlight what women are doing to stop the cycle of violence -- from the violence we experience in our own homes, to the violence we experience when leaders send our daughters and sons to war."   Calling the Ghosts: A Story About Rape, War and Women has won two Emmy Awards (News and Documentary and Outstanding Investigative Journalism Program) for film maker Julia Ormond, and has been called "exquisite and compelling" by audiences around the world.   
 
Also showing December 5 is the Madison premiere of You Have The Right To Break The Silence, ten-minute short film by a group of young women of color in Brooklyn, NY.  In the film, the teens use humor and empowering strategies in the struggle against police violence.   
 
There will be a discussion of the issues raised by the films and the work of Madison Women for Peace following the movies.  All are welcome.
 
Thanks to the Electric Eye Cinema and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence coalition (http://www.womenshealth.wisc.edu/16Days/index.html)for their support.
 
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