Новости Youth Action for Peace - выпуск 22

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PROTESTERS URGE NO VOTE FOR PROWAR POLITICIANS AND CANDIDATES
http://qc.indymedia.org

Church-based groups and international solidarity organizations urged all
peace-loving Filipinos to express their indignation on the continued US-UK
occupation of Iraq by junking pro-war politicians and candidates in the
upcoming national elections in May.
This was expressed during today's Global Day of Action for Peace in Manila,
which was met with repressive force employed by state policemen in the
afternoon against peaceful marchers. The People's Forum on Peace for Life,
an  international
ecumenical network resisting state terrorism and global hegemony and
striving towards inter-faith and multi-religious solidarity, called on
Filipinos to emulate the Spanish people for using their votes to unseat
Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar, a pro-war leader. The solidarity
group Amistad Philippines condemned the continued economic embargo on Cuba
imposed by the US. The International League of Peoples Struggles, meanwhile,
warned that the US is now aggressive to erect a so-called American empire.
Find loads of information on www.indymedia.org! :-)

M19 ANTIWAR ACTIONS
http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2004/03/1685590.php

Some 1,000 activists organized by Direct Action to Stop the War gathered in
San Francisco on Friday, March 19, the one-year anniversary of the start of
the Bush war on Iraq. Led by medical workers and teachers, marchers demanded
money for healthcare and education, not for war and occupation.
"The other side of the war in the Mideast is the war against the poor and
the homeless at home," said Michael Kozart, MD, who works at San Francisco
General Hospital. "This society has values that are terribly misplaced."
About a dozen protesters locked themselves together in front of the Bechtel
building on Beale Street, calling attention to corporate profiteering from
the war while people in this country and around the world suffer. Activists
later marched to Page Street to support a group that had squatted a building
overnight. "The Thorn," as the squat was known, became the site of rooftop
guerilla garden. The building owner, a real estate development group, plans
to convert the location to market-rate apartments. "We will take over more
buildings and keep squatting, keep squatting, keep squatting, until they
make enough housing," said Ralowe Ampu, one of the occupiers. About 11:30 am
police raided and evicted the squat. The occupiers were cited and released.
"We're sorry we couldn't stay," said Meddle Bolger of the Green Bloc. "But
this is just the beginning of a year long campaign for democracy and against
empire."

20TH MARCH 2004 : MILLIONS PARTICIPATE INWORLDWIDE PROTESTS AGAINSTWAR
http://de.indymedia.org/2004/03/77541.shtml

For the first anniversary of the invasion on Iraq there were demonstrations
against war and occupation in hundreds of cities everywhere in the world,
which millions of people attended. Compared to last years 15th Feb when war
was imminent, less people came to the streets except in Italy and the USA.
But as for the most this war seems to be terminated, less people were
expected to participate in the protests - especially in countries which
didn't send soldiers to be stationed in Iraq. The numbers of participants in
most cities were higher then expected however. Only in Germany there were
less then hoped would come: in the whole republic, in 50 cities less then
10.000 people must have been on the streets altogether. Reason for that fact
could be that most of the networks and groups laid their focus on the action
day on 3rd April, for which Italy or Great Britain hardly mobilized.
The list of protest coverage of the previous pages as well as most of the
pictures are taken from http://de.indymedia.org/2004/03/77541.shtml The rest
(c)www.indymedia.org

EUROPEAN YOUTH CONFERENCE
13th - 17th April 2004 Paris, France

On the eve of EU enlargement, young people from Germany and France joined
together in order to invite young people from all countries of the European
Union to a conference in Paris. About 150 young people will take part in
this meeting: 24 German, 24 French and 4 young people from each of the
remaining 23 European countries, all aged between 18 and 25 years. Themes
and organisation: The participants will work on themes connected with EU
enlargement. Particular emphasis will lie on hosting young people from the
new EU member states and to jointly reflect on voluntary activities and
solidarity in the new Europe. The conference title is "Voluntary activities
of young people in an enlarged Europe - Voluntary activities and
solidarity". More information can be found at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth/whatsnew_e n.html#youth_conference

HOW TO AVOID CONFLICTS IN CAUCASUS: EUROPEAN CO-OPERATION AS ROLE MODEL
19th - 25th April 2004 Baku, Azerbaijan

How to Avoid Conflicts in Caucasus: European Co-operation as Role Model The
Young European Federalists-Azerbaijan Initiative Group (JEF-Azerbaijan IG)
are inviting to participate in JEF International Seminar - "How to Avoid
Conflicts in Caucasus: European Co-operation as Role Model" to be held in
Baku, Azerbaijan on 19th - 25th April, 2004. The seminar is supported by the
Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.
This event is organized for young leaders from NGOs who are interested in
and are planning to pursue a career in conflict resolution. Applicants
should be aged between 18 and 30 years and able to work in English or
Russian. Deadline for applications: 10th April 2004 For further information
please contact: jef_azerbaijan@mail.ru

FROM GANDHI TO MODERN SOCIAL AND POLITICAL MOVEMENTS: PREPARING FOR
NONVIOLENT ACTIONS IN PRACTICE
5th to 9th May 2004 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

A five-day international training programme organised by the Romanian Peace
Institute (PATRIR) in cooperation with TRANSCEND (www.transcend.org) and
Nonviolent Peaceforce This is an invitation to social justice movements,
human rights workers, peace activists, and committed citizens from across
Europe and the world! In the aftermath of Madrid, September 11th, the war on
Afghanistan, the war on Iraq, and the wars of terrorism, non-violent
transformations in Georgia and Bolivia, and people's struggles for social
justice, democracy, and human rights in their communities and world-wide,
From Gandhi to Modern Social and Political Movements: Preparing for
Nonviolent Actions in Practice comes at a vital time. Aimed at creating a
space for sharing of experiences and developing skills and methods for
practice, at learning from the legacy of non-violent political and social
movements from all continents, and at

ISLAMOPHOBIA AND ITS CONSEQUENCES ON YOUNG PEOPLE
1st - 6th June 2004
Budapest, Hungary

The seminar "Islamophobia and its Consequences on Young People" organised by
the Council of Europe's Directorate of Youth and Sport and the European
Commission against Racism and Intolerance will take place at the EYC in
Budapest from 1st to 6th June 2004. The seminar aims to contribute to
combatting Islamophobia by identifying measures for political and
educational action to increase the understanding and respect for religious
diversity among young people in Europe. The working languages of the
training course will be English and French. Please note that the deadline
for applications is already 13th April 2004. Applications should be
preferably sent to: zsuzsanna.molnar@coe.int You can also find the
information about this course and download the application form at:
http://eycb.coe.int/eycbwwwroot/HRE/open1.html?url=/eycbwwwroot/HRE/eng/soci
alcoh_act.asp and
http://eycb.coe.int/eycbwwwroot/HRE/open1.html?url=/eycbwwwroot/HRE/fra/soci
alcoh_act.asp weaving together a European-wide network of committed social
activists and non-violent practitioners, the programme will be an important
step in the work to create a global Nonviolent eaceforce and to prepare for
the third European Social Forum in London in 2004! For everyone interesting
in seeing how we "as individuals, as communities, as organisations, and
together" can actively engage to develop constructive programmes to overcome
violence and injustice in our communities and globally Preparing for
Nonviolent Actions in Practice is a chance to show - another world is
possible! Cost of participation: For EU, North American and South-East
Asian/Australian participants: 250 Euros For all others: 175 Participation
costs include accommodation, breakfast and lunch as well as all course fees.
Participants will stay at the Hotel Napoca. Assistance for travel and
arrival in Romania will be provided by the Romanian Peace Institute.
Deadline for Applications:
For those who require visas: 9th April 2004
For those who do not require visas: 26th April 2004
For more information, to register as a participant, or for details regarding
travel and administration, please contact: Alex Moldovan, Training
Coordinator: alex@patrir.ro For on-line applications please visit:
www.transcend.org

ESSAY CONTEST: MAKING THE MOST OF MY QUALITIES

The Goi Peace Foundation is very pleased to invite young people from around
the world again - for the 5th consecutive year - to enter our Essay Contest.
This year s theme is entitled: Making the most of my qualities. It is very
important that young people envision and stand up for a peaceful and
harmonious world, and play a leading role in the creation of a culture of
Peace. Last year, more than 5200 young leaders from 109 countries around the
world have entered the Essay Contest. To read winning essays from last
year's Essay Contest, please kindly go to
http://www.goipeace.or.jp/english/activities/programs/programs-9.htm This
year's Essay Contest is promoted on the United Nations Focal Point for Youth
website at
http://www.un.org/youth.
First prize winners will receive a cash award and a trip to Japan.
The essays should be sent to: info@goipeace.or.jp
The deadline for entry is 30th June 2004.
You can find the complete guidelines at the following website address:
http://www.goipeace.or.jp/english/activities/programs/programs-10.htm.

THE 2004 AWARD FOR ACTION ON HIV/AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Human Rights Watch are calling for
nominations for the 2004 Awards for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights,
intended to highlight outstanding contributions that decrease vulnerability
to HIV/AIDS and protect the rights and dignity of those infected and
affected. Recognizing excellence and long-term commitment to work having a
direct impact on HIV/AIDS and human rights issues - in particular work that
is of direct relevance to marginalized individuals and communities - an
award is presented annually to one Canadian and one international recipient.
Nominations are invited for both individuals and organizations (from Canada
or another country), working at the community, national or international
levels, whose work has directly contributed to HIV/AIDS and human rights
issues. For more details on nomination criteria and a copy of the nomination
form, please go to:
http://www.aidslaw.ca/Maincontent/awards.htm
or contact: info@aidslaw.ca
Nominations must be received on or before 14th May 2004.

INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAMME
28th June - 16th July 2004 Washington, USA

The International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Programme, housed
within the School of International Service at American University in
Washington will be held form 28th June to 16th July 2004. This programme is
designed for students and faculty who want to better understand the causes
of war and violence and the conditions for constructing peace. Details on
the programme, dates and application fees can be found at
www.american.edu/sis/peacebuilding Application deadline: Friday, 30th April
2004

DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
15th - 22nd May 2004 EYC Strasbourg, France

The Directorate General of Political Affairs of the Council of Europe will
carry out a renewal of the Democratic Leadership Programme (DLP) groups in
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro and "the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". To this end, an introductory seminar
will be organised at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg on 15th to 22nd
May 2004 for 24 participants from these countries. Please find detailed
information about this activity under:
http://www.coe.int/T/E/NGO/Public/

WOMEN'S WORLD SUMMIT FOUNDATION (WWSF)

The Women's World Summit Foundation WWSF is happy to share with you that
more than 490 organisations from over 90 countries joined the international
NGO coalition and marked the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse н 19th
November in 2003 - with activities and events. The list of coalition
organisations is published on the internet www.woman.ch and a global impact
report 2003 is in preparation. In 2004, WWSF will award for the first time
active coalition members for prevention activities organized on 19th
November 2003 on the occasion of the World Day. Prize categories include: -
First Prize for innovative prevention activities (US$ 3,000) - Second Prize
for significant prevention activities (US$ 1,000) - Two additional prizes
for specific activities (US$ 500 each) Prize Winners will be awarded on 19
November 2004. If you wish to join the 2004 coalition to mark the World Day
(or renew your membership) and take part in the next year Prize, please
return the registration forms duly filled in by 1st June 2004. Your
organisation's name will then be printed on the global poster 2004 and
published on the internet. You will receive our new campaign materials in
due course.

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS TO THE COLLOQUIUM 2004: "WORLDWIDE COOPERATION"
3rd - 9th May 2004 Arras, France

The Colloquium "Worldwide Cooperation" of the European Coordination
JECI-MIEC is designed for mid-high responsible of the movements. This means
that participants in the meeting should be actively involved in projects at
national level or to be members of the national board of the movement.
Moreover, participants must:
ѓ be young people (students), active members of their national movements.
ѓ be between 18-30 years old.
ѓ be able to work in English.
ѓ be motivated to participate actively in the meeting.
ѓ have the willingness to transmit their experience and the outcomes of the
Colloquium to their national movements.
ѓ be able to participate for the whole duration of the activity.
In order to apply for this activity, you have to fill in the application
form (you can easily download it from www.jeci-miec-europe.org) and sent it
preferably by e-mail to:
colloquium2004@jeci-miec-europe.org
The deadline for receiving the applications is the 13th April 2004. General
information on the activity...
ѓ Takes place every three years.
ѓ Gathers 50-60 young people engaged on local or national level in different
European Youth Organisations (among them around 30 from JECI-MIEC) to share
their experiences and reflections around a subject of common concern
ѓ Aims to exchange on the work and engagement of the participants and their
organisations and to deepen their knowledge about each other
ѓ Analyses different aspects of the theme from a diversity of viewpoints and
backgrounds in a European perspective
ѓ Develops common reflections about the possibilities of young people and
the common challenges for the organisations
ѓ Defines possible lines of action for the concrete reality on all levels
(local-national-European), by encouraging collaboration as an important
dimension of changes The meeting is aiming...
ѓ to discern the various roles assumed as youth movements in the educational
/ political / social /
cultural / religious spheres, particularly from a pan-European perspective;
ѓ to analyze the worldwide cooperation with special emphasis on the
democratic participation, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue,
consequent political involvement and promotion of the Culture of Peace;
ѓ to reflect on the notion of citizenship in today's Europe - considering
current developments and the meaning and definition students give to it -
strongly emphasising the promotion of participation, democracy, pluralism,
integration, dialogue, etc... as integrative elements of worldwide
cooperation.
ѓ to develop concrete lines of engagement, especially by establishing new
ways of co-operation and partnership with other Youth organisations.

CULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT: MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN CHINA
8th - 16th June 2004 Beijing, Yichang and Chongqing, China

Young representatives of youth-related, governmental and non-governmental
organisations are invited to apply for participation at the inaugural
Asia-Europe Youth Explore, a highly unique study visit programme launched by
the Asia-Europe Foundation to enable youth leaders from Asia and Europe to
obtain a deeper insight into the different dimensions of an important social
issue that is of major concern to the development of the host country, and
how the youth could contribute to the management or resolution of this
issue. The Asia-Europe Foundation and the All-China Youth Federation have
chosen the issue of water management in China to exemplify how culture and
the environment are inter-linked. Activities have been organised to foster
open and active exchanges among youth leaders from 25 countries in Asia and
Europe. These activities include lectures, group discussions, meetings and
dialogue sessions with local public and private sector organisations, and
field trips in several locations in China, including Beijing, Yichang and
Chongqing. Participants will also take a cruise on board a ship along the
Yangtze River, where activities will be conducted. For more information,
please refer to the website
http://www.asef.org
Inquiries may be forwarded to Cathy Pabalan at cathy@asef.org

1% SOLIDARITY ACTIVITY 2004
European Youth Forum

In line with the United Nations recommendations concerning development aid
the General Assembly of the European Youth Forum (Blankenberge, December
1996) decided that:
"1% of the Annual European Youth Forum Budget would be allocated to finance
concrete development projects involving young people".

Who can participate and who can submit project applications?

Regional youth platforms, or three or more national youth organisations from
different countries in Africa, Asia, Latin-America, the Caribbean, Pacific
and Mediterranean/Middle East region, can apply to the 1% Solidarity Fund.
In the second case, the organisation submitting the application must either
be a member of one of the following regional youth platforms:
ѓ African Youth Network
ѓ Asian Students Association
ѓ Asian Youth Council
ѓ Arab Youth Union
ѓ Caribbean Federation of Youth
ѓ Latin American Youth Forum
ѓ Pacific Youth Council
ѓ Pan-African Youth Union
or must be a member of an international youth organisation member of the
European Youth Forum (please consult our website to see the list of members:
http://www.youthforum.org/en/organisation/ members.html).

What kind of project can be supported?

Activities aimed at the development of youth co-operation and integration at
regional or sub-regional level. Activities for young people addressing
issues such as employment, education, health, intercultural understanding,
human rights, democracy and environment. Special attention will be paid to
projects related to:
ѓ Activities with partners in ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific)
ѓ Follow up activities linked to the World Summit on Sustainable Development
ѓ Equal participation of young women in youth associative life and in
society in general
ѓ Empowerment and participation of disadvantaged or disabled young people in
youth associative life
and in society in general

How many projects can be supported?

The European Youth Forum will support up to three projects, each for 5.000
Euro. The support of the
European Youth Forum cannot exceed 70% of the total costs of the project.

When is the deadline for applications?

The applications must be submitted to the European Youth Forum Secretariat
by 30th May 2004, 12.00 CET (Central European Time), for the attention of
Ana Felgueiras, Policy Officer for global youth issues.
e-mail: ana.felgueiras@youthforum.org
fax: + 32 2 230 21 23

NO WAR WINS
by Sergi Cabeza

On March 11, the biggest attack against Spanish citizens took place in
Madrid. Four trains full of workers, students, immigrants, all of them from
middle class, exploded at 7:40 a.m. From that moment, everybody hurried up
to blame ETA, the Basque separatist guerrilla, but in Spaniards minds, was
not clear. ETA has always called 30 minutes before their bomb attacks
against civilians, even in the 1987's blast which killed 21 people in a
shooping mall in my neighbourhood in Barcelona. Police and the mall's owner
didn't want to evacuate the place and that was the bloodiest attack ever
done by ETA. Considering the forthcoming elections in Spain, just four days
after Madrid's bombs, the Minister of Interior started to blame ETA because
if it was them, they would get another majority in the parliament. The same
Thursday, Al-Qaida, said it was them, but the Minister kept saying that it
was ETA. The day after, ETA said they had no responsibility on the attack,
and even that they were shocked. The voice was from the same man who
declared a cease fire in the group's letal actions just for Catalunya. The
government didn't give Importance on that, and of course no word about it
was showed by public television. Instead, television showed documentaries
about ETA attacks from the past to clear minds and manipulate the thoughts
and actions of millions of people. The foreign affairs Minister, gave an
statement to all ambassadors in Madrid ensuring that ETA was responsible for
the attack, when the world already knew it was from radical Islamic groups.
Even the National Intelligence Agency knew at that time that Al-Qaida or
other related group was the perpetrator of Madrid's 202 mortal victims.
It was then, one day before the elections, when the whole country,
forgetting nationalistic belifs, went out spontaneously to the streets,
calling one to the other and mobilizing against Popular Party. It was then
when the country remembered Aznar that one year ago, 90% of Spanish
population went out to the streets protesting against the incoming support
for the war in Iraq. Remembering the prepotence and arrogance of our
president bringing the country to a stupid war in which thousands of people
died and which today is still a blood river. Meanwhile the public television
kept manipulating everything and lying to the country. This just encouraged
more and more people to spend the whole Saturday night protesting in the
streets and shouting: " tomorrow, we will kick you out".
One week before the blast, the polls gave a comfortable advantage for
Popular Party to the elections, but on Saturday night, the atmosphere was
another. We had to vote and say no to the War. This is what happened, almost
80% of the cense went to vote and to confirm that the country doesn't want
to be manipulated, that the country wants peace.
The price was high, and nobody knows if the new government will improve in
social policies and solidarity, but at least, people's voice was heard in
what I thought once that was impossible living in healthy democracies. I
just have words of support for Madrid's victims, but also for Irak's,
Palestinian's, Haiti's, Kosovo's. Keep working for a better world and fight
against arrogant politicians must be our goal. Another World is possible.

YAP SOLIDARITY MAIL WITH SPAIN
by Andras F. Toth

Dear Friends, with this mail I wish to express our solidarity for you in
Spain and for the ones specially live in Madrid or around. Most of us are
privileged enough not to live in a place or country where constant threat
and fear is present, still we are very concerned and we hope that you are
fine in such difficult moments too. Violence and bombs cannot be the
solution for any conflict. We as a peace movement we condemn all form of
violence especially those which hurt civilians who has nothing to do with
the conflict or with the specific interest of particular groups. I hope that
the series of violence will end in Spain just in other countries all around
the world too. The governments and the civilians will have to find suitable
and peaceful solutions that can assist the peaceful coexistence between
groups regardless of their race, ethnic origin or religion. Acts violence or
more oppression cannot be the answer from any side. Please receive all our
solidarity. Though physically we are not able to be there with you but our
hearts and thoughts will be always with you. On behalf of the Steering
Committee of Youth Action for Peace Andras F. Toth President

JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
by Karin Jovic

The next Congress is to be held in Alcobendas, Madrid in the end of February
or early March 2005. At this stage, a big "thank you" to the hosting
organisations Waslala and Casa de la Juventud - Alfredo and Jesus Miguel, we
won't forget your speech - it was tremendous ????! Back to the Congress - a
huge event offering seminars, workshops, speakers from different
organisations as well as plenary discussions and smaller working groups. It
is not only about bringing together about 100 "YAPies" and partners: As we
all know the Congress is the place where the objectives for the following
three years are decided. Needless to say that it is one of the most
important events for YAP, if not the most important. The theme of the
forthcoming Congress is already chosen. It will be "Immigration -
Emigration - Migration", trying to get as many aspects as possible like
refugees and multicultural / multiethnical / multireligious societies.
Seeing the Congress approaching it is more than obvious that the YAP Info
will consist of contribution around the recently voted theme. I am trying to
get every time another aspect of migration and contributions from your part
are very welcome! For those who are interested: in the next issue I want to
focus on ethnical groups who face / have always been facing discrimination
as a result of their way of life. More precisely, I have in mind to write
something about Roma and Sinti (Gypsy) groups, also due to the recently
passed law by the government of Slovakia which is strongly discriminating
these groups.

WOMEN AND IMMIGRATION
by Karin Jovic

As March is the month gathering the International Women's Day (8th March -
read the history of this day in the following article), it is the right time
and issue to have a short statement on women migrants. Unfortunately, my
time was too short to produce a profound article on this issue as my
knowledge is strongly restricted to Austrian conditions. Nevertheless, I
feel the importance of presenting my point of view on the issue at this
moment. Within the group of migrants that is a disadvantaged one in several
respects female migrants experience a kind of "double discrimination".
Firstly as result of being a migrant, and secondly by being a woman.
The "policies on foreign residents" are restrictive in many countries. In
other words the rights of migrants are cut or the procedures for any
official formality are twice complicated (for example less opportunities to
access social services) whereas the duties are the same or even higher
compared to the duties of the natives (for example about tax). By connecting
the residence permit status of women to their husband's in the first years,
the Austrian government creates a dependency for women. Looking at the work
permit the situation is quite similar. All those circumstances make it
extremely difficult for women to be independent or to escape from violence
within the family.
Indeed, violence against women migrant is a big issue for the social workers
and psychologists in several Viennese helpdesks and information centres.
Generally, women suffer from violence in various ways. Physical violence,
mental torture, financial "violence" (in the sense of the exclusive control
of financial means by men), sexual violence, threats (also threats against a
third family member like a child), isolation and destruction of valuable
things of women (in order to demonstrate the disposal of the woman's life)
are different methods used by men to keep women under a permanent control.
Only a few of them can be sued. It is hard enough for every person that
experiences any kind of violence to talk about it and to act against the
oppressor, for women migrants it is even more difficult to contact one of
the helplines. Simply because it is quite hard to communicate personal
problems in a foreign language, but also due to the abovementioned facts. In
Austria the legal framework foresees a relation between the work permit and
the residence permit status of women migrants and their husbands.
Empirically, many migrant women see no "way out" of this state of dependency
and violence as they might lose their legal basis of being in the country by
leaving their men. It also happens that women are anyway illegal in the host
country. Therefore they cannot fight exploitation and violence, as they fear
to be deported if announcing their situation. In fact, women migrants do not
suffer only from their husband or other male family members, but also very
often from people outside - like the employers. The violence against women
migrant workers was also recognised by the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights. The Commission shows their deep concern "over the continuing reports
of grave abuses and acts of violence committed against the persons of women
migrant workers by some employers in some host countries" (Commission on
Human Rights resolution 2000/54). Viennese advisors M.C. Boidi and B. Karner
(both working in an information centre for female migrants) stress the point
that women coming from Middleand South-east European countries are often
trapped. They are told to get a job as cleaning lady or waitress, once they
arrive in Austria they are forced to do sex work. Being illegal and
sometimes the fact that having indebted oneself to leave the home country
make it almost "impossible" to escape. Even if the women are registered as
"self-employed without settlement" (which is possible in Austria since the
year 2000) and therefore are legal, they cannot easily fight against their
situation: The change of profession is not foreseen for "selfemployed
without settlement" and having the status "without settlement" it is not
possible to settle, of course. It seems that the Austrian government -by its
passed laws- supports the marginalisation of women migrants and provides an
excellent basis for growing exploitation of this particular group.
Not only the "hosting" countries are to blame. Actually, a lot of the
"exporting" countries know about the financial impact of emigrants. There is
a high rate of capital income back to the countries of origin. Disregarding
that family structures are shattered by the emigration of one or both
parent(s), some countries with high emigration rates like the Philippines
are encouraging the population to leave the country. Looking at the issue on
a long-term basis, strategies and measures promoting education and
employment and fighting poverty in those countries would represent a better
investment and benefit to their economy than being quite dependent to
capital flowing back from the so-called Western countries.
Since the mid-60ies more and more women are amongst the migrants. Mostly
coming from so-called "developing countries" and countries with economies in
transition they venture forth to more affluent countries in search of a
living for themselves and their families. No matter which educational level
the majority of migrants are performing low wage jobs under conditions some
average Austrian refuses to work. The background of women migrant workers is
even more difficult to describe. A lot of female migrants do a job -like
cleaning lady, house keeping or nannywithin a private household, sometimes
they also live in their employer's house. These work capacities are rarely
seen as they take place "within closed doors", in a grey area. Actually,
women migrants are becoming more and more important for this sector. The
need for home helps in general (this includes the maintenance area as well
as childcare) within EU is raising (according to "maiz", an Austrian
research centre on female migrants). Ironically, in Germany the yellow press
is talking about the "comeback of the maidservant". Regarding the status,
working conditions and rights of maidservants in the past centuries it seems
not to be a very attracting job description. However, the demand exists -
and for sure not only in Europe! Like always, also here we can look at two
sides: Doing a job in a private household is a common strategy used by
female migrants to get over the time of illegality. Nevertheless, we should
not overvalue the "profit" the women migrants are politigaining. All in all,
I would say it is them who give more then get back! So, it is not only men
exploiting women migrants, but women living in the industrialised countries
make as well use of the opportunity to have a "cheap" maidservant or nanny.
In order to improve their own living standard and being able to compete on
the labour market the daily duties around the household are forwarded to
women from poorer countries. Is this the first step to a "two-class women
society"?
Please regard this little article as a personal point of view. Like
mentioned in the beginning I didn't have time to work on a deeper essay on
this issue. However, regarding the variety of aspects coming up -violence,
law, who is exploiting, who benefits- we see how much Immigration -
Emigration - Migration touches us in our every day lives.
Information that inspired me for the article:
http://diestandard.at/?id=1591927
http://wolfsmutter.com/artikel96
www.frauenhaus.at
www.maiz.at
www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/gaef3042.d oc.htm
Book recommendation: "Global Woman. Nannies, Maids and Sex Workers in the
New Economy."
Barbara Ehrenreich

8TH MARCH - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
http://www.isis.aust.com/iwd/

The history of IWD dates back to 1910 internationally. But socialist women i
n the United States organised the first national Women's Day in 1908 and
helped to inspire the international event. The day has been variously seen
as a time for asserting women's political and social rights, for reviewing
the progress that women have made, or as a day for celebration. Born at a
time of great social turbulence and crisis, IWD inherited a tradition of
protest and political activism. In the years before 1910, from the turn of
the 20th century, women in industrially developing countries were entering
paid work in some numbers. Their jobs were sex segregated, mainly in
textiles, manufacturing and domestic services where conditions were wretched
and wages worse than depressed. Many of the changes taking place in women's
lives pushed against the politigaining. cal restrictions surrounding them.
Throughout Europe, Britain, America and, to a lesser extent, Australia,
women from all social strata began to campaign for the right to vote. In
1908, on the last Sunday in February, socialist women in the United States
initiated the first Women's Day when large demonstrations took place calling
for the vote and the political and economic rights of women. The following
year, 2,000 people attended a Women's Day rally in Manhattan. In that year,
1909, women garment workers staged a general strike. 20-30,000 shirtwaist
makers struck for 13 cold, winter weeks for better pay and working
conditions. The Women's Trade Union League provided bail money for arrested
strikers and large sums for strike funds. In 1910 Women's Day was taken up
by socialists and feminists throughout the country. Later that year
delegates went to the second International Conference of Socialist Women in
Copenhagen with the intention of proposing that Women's Day become an
international event. The first IWD was held on March 19, 1911 in Germany,
Austria, Denmark and some other European countries. Undoubtedly, the most
memorable IWD was held in Petrograd (now Leningrad) in March 1917. Although
women textile workers had been urged by the communists to refrain from
striking on IWD "when workers were locked out of the Putilov armaments plant
on March 7 the women of Petrograd began to storm the streets. The wives,
daughters and mothers of soldiers, previously as downtrodden and oppressed
as prostitutes, demanded an end to their humiliation and angrily denounced
all the hungry suffering of the past three years. Gathering strength and
passion as they swept through the city over the next few days in food riots,
political strikes and demonstrations, these women launched the first
revolution in 1917". Since that time, IWD has experienced many ebbs and
flows as a day that helps to push women's issues onto the political agenda.
On the 50th anniversary of IWD in 1960, 729 delegates from 73 countries met
in a conference in Copenhagen. It adopted a general declaration of support
for the political, economic and social rights of women.
During International Women's Year in 1975, IWD was given official
recognition by the United Nations and was taken up by many governments who
had not previously known of its existence. Yet many women continue to see
IWD as an important occasion for reviewing restating and occasionally acting
on the political, economic and social rights of women. Though much of the
turbulence that surrounded its early days is gone... This was a short but
not entire history of the International Women's Day! Find a more detailed
version on
http://www.isis.aust.com/iwd/

THE HARD CLIMB FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS
by Sanlakas media desk 2004-03-06 www.indymedia.org

"Now more than ever, women's issues and reproductive rights should be
brought to the fore alongside the fight for the upliftment and emancipation
of all those living in abject poverty. This is the agenda that women and men
should adhere to in the spirit of social equality and justice for all" she
concluded. Twenty women members of partylist group, Sanlakas, together with
Kalayaan! did a rappel climbing at the artificial wall in Quezon Memorial
Circle in Quezon City yesterday morning to symbolize `the hard climb for
women's rights'. The symbolic action is in line with the celebration of
International Women's day on Monday, March 8, 2004
Flora Assidao Santos, women leader and third nominee of Sanlakas for
party-list said, `the activity is part of the Philippine celebration of the
Women's Day, which highlights the necessity for a continuing struggle for
women's rights and social emancipation".
The Sanlakas party-list platform includes the demand for equal economic
opportunity for women, the right to have control over their bodies, and to
become rightful beneficiaries of social services and protection from the
State. A study made by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) found
that 70 percent of the poor are women. PNP reports also showed that more
than 50% of cases reported to them involve cases of violence against women
(VAW) such as wife battering, rape and acts of lasciviousness.
Santos stressed that aside from economic demands such as job opportunities
and relief from high prices of basic commodities, the issue of reproductive
rights and greater protection by the state are two of women's most important
demands that must be addressed by the government. "Women need jobs and
protection against violence. In addition to that, women should also have the
right to decide or to have absolute control over their bodies, particularly,
the power to decide when they could bear a child," she stressed. The
Sanlakas women leader disagreed with the official stand of the Church on
contraception. As a veteran social worker and community organizer, Santos
explained that it cannot be denied that the size, coupled with lack of
economic opportunites, aggravate the poverty of millions of Filipino
families and of which burden falls heaviest on women. Santos added: "As long
as the nurturing of children remains the sole responsibility not of society
but of the family, all the more family planning through safe contraceptive
methods should be promoted". Manjette Lopez, Secretary general of Sanlakas,
for her part, lamented that, "women bear the heaviest burden and are victims
of exploitation twice over because of their dual role of being an underpaid
worker and a mother struggling to keep their families afloat at the same
time" Lopez, who is also Kalayaan! women representative further added, "this
is made worse by the fact that women workers are often the victims of sexual
harassment in the workplace and are most susceptible to violence at home".
"Now more than ever, women's issues and reproductive rights should be
brought to the fore alongside the fight for the upliftment and emancipation
of all those living in abject poverty. This is the agenda that women and men
should adhere to in the spirit of social equality and justice for all" she
concluded. More than a hundred women members of the partylist group
participated at the symbolic campaign in a show of solidarity along with a
hundred and fifty female high school students from the Community of Learners
to lend support to the campaign for women's rights. We kindly excuse
ourselves for mis-spelling the name of Nico Aguilar. Nobody is perfect ...
so aren't we :-)

A VERY BIG "THANK YOU" TO ALL THE MOTIVATED PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENRICHED THIS
EDITION WITH THEIR CONTRIBUTION:
Gisele, Virginie, Barbara, Alfredo, Sandra F., Sandra S., Alex, Laurence,
Matthias, Sergi and Andras!

For supporting the YAP Info with pictures we would this time especially like
to thank:
Jesus Miguel and Andy!

Editor: Karin Jovic


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