FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MADISON WOMEN CALL CODE PINK FOR PEACE

SATURDAY RALLY COINCIDES WITH ACTIONS IN WASHINGTON DC AND OTHER CITIES NATIONWIDE

Madison-area women will lead a peace rally this Saturday, March 8, which is International Women's Day, in solidarity with "Code Pink for Peace" events being held at the White House and in other cities across the U.S. The Madison rally is scheduled for 2 pm at the State Street corner of the Capitol Square. All women, girls and their allies are encouraged to attend.

Attendees will encircle the Capitol with a pink cord to symbolize their desire for peace. Speakers will include Mary Layoun, a Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Professor Layoun specializes in East/West relations and third world literature, and is active in advocating for peace in the Middle East. Singer Lynette and the group Womansong will also perform.

Speakers will discuss the significance of International Women's Day, and the devastating effects of war on women and children. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for peace.

Madison Code Pink rally organizer Nancy Geary stated, "I have come into contact with many women who oppose war on Iraq and are looking for a way to support peace efforts." She added that organizers hope to establish a local women's peace caucus, building on Saturday's rally.

"No one can deny that the U.S. peace movement is gaining support from all segments of society," said organizer Jenny Voichick. "On Monday, Madison performers staged two readings of the anti-war play Lysistrata and on Wednesday thousands of Madison students took part in the international ‘Books not Bombs' student strike. On Saturday, local women will add their voice to the growing call for peace."

Women leaders and women's organizations have held a peace vigil and fast called "Code Pink for Peace" outside the White House since November 17, 2002, to advocate for a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis. The Saturday rally in Washington DC will encircle the White House and will feature prominent women including Alice Walker, Barbara Ehrenreich and Janeane Garofalo, among many others. For more information on the national effort, visit www.codepink4peace.org.

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