Global Mothers- Initiative of Women for the Environment and Peace
Women in Action – Promoting Peace - Protecting the Environment
| Country: | Austria |
| Issues: | gender, environment, society |
| Email: |
20.04.2004
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Who are we?
Established in Vienna the summer of 2001, the founding members of Global Mothers – Women in Action for the Environment and Peace, are a group of women who, as we watched the environmental and social negligence being practiced in all facets of life, on both the local and the global scale, became fed up with being frightened and passive about what the future would bring to our children. The solution was the formation of Global Mothers, in order to take an active part in promoting positive and constructive change.
What are our goals?
Our goal is to unite all mothers, fathers and members of humanity concerned with the environmental and social future of our planet, into one strong and powerful voice capable of making a difference.
In the near future, we would like to see Global Mothers active in every country around the world. Branches have already been established in Norway, Australia and Siberia. By building a network with other national and international organizations focused on women’s environmental and peace issues, we can act and respond with more impact and information.
How can we do this?
Informed and conscious decisions are the cornerstones of lasting and positive change. The more people able to use these tools, the stronger our voice becomes. And with these tools, our actions, regardless of how large or small, do make a difference. The power, that we as individuals wield is enormous – financially, politically, socially. We only need to join together and focus this power in the right direction.
“Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” (Chinese proverb)
What have we done?
One of our most important environmental issues in the Summer of 2001 was the support of the Kyoto Protocol and the gathering of thousands of signatures for our “Kyoto Appeal” addressed to President George W. Bush.
The Fall of 2001 saw all of our lives being affected with the acts of terror and the war that followed. The concern that we voiced, along with other organizations both nationally and internationally, was the use of extreme military force without any regard to the lives that where being affected by these attacks. We called for sober assessments and solutions and not acts of revenge.
For the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in August of 2002 we gathered signatures for our “Appeal to the Governments of the World” and supported “WECF - Women in Europe for a Common Future” in their Peace Appeal of Women. In the Summer of 2002 we also gathered donations for the “Committee of Russian Soldier Mothers”.
We have been active in the problem of Israel/Palestine, with several peace vigils and close cooperation with Women in Black – Vienna. We were on the Anti War Committee of the Austrian Social Forum before and during the War in Iraq. We organized several peace vigils and collected thousands of signatures in this respect addressed to President George W. Bush and also had appeals to the UN Security Council.
The “Year of Water” was our main environmental theme in 2003 as well as the support of the “Stop GATS” campaign.
What can you do?
We know how little time you have – we feel the same. Therefore, the more people joining us in this endeavour, the more the burden is spread. We need to, first and foremost, support each other in our efforts to secure a better future for our children.
No matter how big or small your voice is, it does make a difference. No matter how much or how little time you can give, every effort helps.
Let us hear from you! What are your concerns, thoughts, fears about the environmental and social future of the planet? Even if you feel you haven’t a moment to spare, talk to us, inform us, motivate us!
Contact:
Global Mothers - Women in Action
Graben 27/3/14
A – 1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone/Fax: +43-1-533 20 38
Email: global-mothers@chello.at
Donations?
Your financial support is needed. We know that hundreds of worthy organizations are asking for your support, and they all deserve it, so we thank you in advance for your much needed donations to Global Mothers.
Bank account for Global Mothers
BAWAG
Account #: 10010 674021 BLZ 14000
Thank you for your interest and support.
