Global Daughter is revamping our site for the new year! Thank you for your support during the transition.
If you have any ordering questions, please contact us at info@globaldaughter.com.
Visit our group on Facebook- 'i am a global daughter' for more information.
Erin & Erika
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
International Human Rights Day
Two days after the world observed International Human Rights Day, a report was made public that exposes horrific acts of violence committed by Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his political party, ZANU-PF during last years election.
The final 65-page report, "Electing to Rape," can be found at aids-freeworld.org here.
It is shocking to think that the rape of women from the opposite political party was systematic, strategic and ordered from Mugabe and ZANU-PF's top leaders. As a woman in America, I can not imagine being sexually assaulted, along with my mother and sisters, solely based upon my membership in the democratic party. Robert Mugabe is pure evil.
Rape was political weapon, report says
Violence against foes of Zimbabwe president decried
By Celean Jacobson
Associated Press / December 11, 2009
JOHANNESBURG - Supporters of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe used rape to terrorize the political opposition during last year’s contested elections, international human rights activists said yesterday.
AIDS-Free World, led by former UNAIDS envoy Stephen Lewis, released a 64-page report that documents 380 rapes it said were committed by Mugabe loyalists.
Some 70 women linked to Zimbabwe’s opposition detailed to the group how they were raped, kept as sex slaves, and forced to watch their daughters being raped. Ten became pregnant, and many believe they were infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
“These women were raped because they were politically defiant,’’ said Betsy Apple, the organization’s legal director. “It was meant to punish them and their communities.’’
Efforts to get comment from Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party were not successful yesterday.
Groups monitoring the March 2008 elections reported scores of deaths and thousands of illegal arrests, assaults, and rapes by militias operating in cities and out of countryside camps. Election officials declared a runoff was necessary after the vote, but opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dropped out, citing attacks against his supporters. Mugabe, later declared the winner, formed a unity government in February, with Tsvangirai as prime minister. Many fear the coalition will collapse, however.
“The politically orchestrated and systematic campaign of sexual violence unleashed against women who supported the opposition carves yet another chapter in the annals of Robert Mugabe’s legacy of depravity,’’ Lewis said. The rapes documented by Lewis’s organization began in 2007 but increased dramatically in 2008.
All of the women said their rapists were clearly identifiable as ZANU-PF supporters. Many arrived at the women’s homes late at night wearing party T-shirts or singing party songs.
“When the 10th man finished raping me they said they were going to rape my daughter . . . My daughter was 5 years old,’’ one woman told interviewers.
Activists are calling on the international community to help ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. The group fears the victims’ stories will be lost as the world throws support behind the unity government.
The final 65-page report, "Electing to Rape," can be found at aids-freeworld.org here.
It is shocking to think that the rape of women from the opposite political party was systematic, strategic and ordered from Mugabe and ZANU-PF's top leaders. As a woman in America, I can not imagine being sexually assaulted, along with my mother and sisters, solely based upon my membership in the democratic party. Robert Mugabe is pure evil.
Rape was political weapon, report says
Violence against foes of Zimbabwe president decried
By Celean Jacobson
Associated Press / December 11, 2009
JOHANNESBURG - Supporters of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe used rape to terrorize the political opposition during last year’s contested elections, international human rights activists said yesterday.
AIDS-Free World, led by former UNAIDS envoy Stephen Lewis, released a 64-page report that documents 380 rapes it said were committed by Mugabe loyalists.
Some 70 women linked to Zimbabwe’s opposition detailed to the group how they were raped, kept as sex slaves, and forced to watch their daughters being raped. Ten became pregnant, and many believe they were infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
“These women were raped because they were politically defiant,’’ said Betsy Apple, the organization’s legal director. “It was meant to punish them and their communities.’’
Efforts to get comment from Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party were not successful yesterday.
Groups monitoring the March 2008 elections reported scores of deaths and thousands of illegal arrests, assaults, and rapes by militias operating in cities and out of countryside camps. Election officials declared a runoff was necessary after the vote, but opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dropped out, citing attacks against his supporters. Mugabe, later declared the winner, formed a unity government in February, with Tsvangirai as prime minister. Many fear the coalition will collapse, however.
“The politically orchestrated and systematic campaign of sexual violence unleashed against women who supported the opposition carves yet another chapter in the annals of Robert Mugabe’s legacy of depravity,’’ Lewis said. The rapes documented by Lewis’s organization began in 2007 but increased dramatically in 2008.
All of the women said their rapists were clearly identifiable as ZANU-PF supporters. Many arrived at the women’s homes late at night wearing party T-shirts or singing party songs.
“When the 10th man finished raping me they said they were going to rape my daughter . . . My daughter was 5 years old,’’ one woman told interviewers.
Activists are calling on the international community to help ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. The group fears the victims’ stories will be lost as the world throws support behind the unity government.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
2009 Women's Conference
Global Daughter recently participated in the California Women's Convention with the Unatti Foundation to help raise money for the Unatti orphanage in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The conference is held annually and was hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. It was an honor to be in the presence of amazing women such as Caroline Kennedy, Madeline Albright, and Elizabeth Edwards.
We are extremely thrilled that proceeds from Global Daughter Fair Trade product can benefit such a worthy cause so close to our hearts-the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. The Unatti Foundation cares for 14 girls currently and is looking to expand their project so that they can make a self-sustaining life for the girls once they turn 18. We look forward to watching Stephanie's project grow and helping in any way we can. If you would like to help, you can donate directly via the Unatti Website.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October is Fair Trade Month!
Fair trade helps people and our planet, providing a system that provides economic development for artisans, farmers and their families and sustainable development for our planet's future.
This month, give a minute to think about where some of the products you use daily actually come from. That would mean the coffee you drink in the morning, the piece of chocolate you savor with your red wine at night, the olive oil you use to dip your bread. The farmers that produce these products often are unpaid, isolated and live in a cycle of poverty.
Fair Trade Certified tea, coffee, vineyard, cocoa and vegetable farmers and workers come together to form joint bodies where they set fair prices for their products and make democratic decisions about how to best improve their business, their community and, of course, their product. That means they have decision making power over their land and therefore, the power to uplift themselves out of poverty. Purchasing fair trade sugar from small-scale farmers in Paraguay, for example, ensures higher incomes for sugar cane growers, who often face unpredictable swings in the prices paid for their crop.
Purchasing fair trade products is a lot easier than you think. There are plenty of resources that provide information about where you can shop fair trade products and how you can be a part of the Fair Trade Movement. The little effort it takes to be an informed consumer makes a BIG difference.
Start Here:
http://www.globaldaughter.com/ Fabulous fair trade handicrafts made by women in Nepal
http://www.equalexchange.coop/ Fairly traded tea, coffee, chocolate and snacks
http://www.groundsforchange.com/ All Grounds for Change coffee is 100% fair trade and organic certified
http://www.betterearthflowers.com/ A collection of fair trade flowers- straight from the farm
http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ The ultimate resource for all things fair trade
This month, give a minute to think about where some of the products you use daily actually come from. That would mean the coffee you drink in the morning, the piece of chocolate you savor with your red wine at night, the olive oil you use to dip your bread. The farmers that produce these products often are unpaid, isolated and live in a cycle of poverty.
Fair Trade Certified tea, coffee, vineyard, cocoa and vegetable farmers and workers come together to form joint bodies where they set fair prices for their products and make democratic decisions about how to best improve their business, their community and, of course, their product. That means they have decision making power over their land and therefore, the power to uplift themselves out of poverty. Purchasing fair trade sugar from small-scale farmers in Paraguay, for example, ensures higher incomes for sugar cane growers, who often face unpredictable swings in the prices paid for their crop.
Purchasing fair trade products is a lot easier than you think. There are plenty of resources that provide information about where you can shop fair trade products and how you can be a part of the Fair Trade Movement. The little effort it takes to be an informed consumer makes a BIG difference.
Start Here:
http://www.globaldaughter.com/ Fabulous fair trade handicrafts made by women in Nepal
http://www.equalexchange.coop/ Fairly traded tea, coffee, chocolate and snacks
http://www.groundsforchange.com/ All Grounds for Change coffee is 100% fair trade and organic certified
http://www.betterearthflowers.com/ A collection of fair trade flowers- straight from the farm
http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ The ultimate resource for all things fair trade
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Third Way to Think About Aid
The debate over foreign aid often pits those who mistrust "charity" against those who mistrust reliance on the markets. Jacqueline Novogratz proposes a middle way she calls patient capital, with promising examples of entrepreneurial innovation driving social change.
"If we take the notion of a global innovation fund we can invest not directly in government, though we will have the government's blessing, nor in international experts, but in the many existing entrepenurs and civil society members who are already building wonderful innovatioins that are reaching people all over the country."
"If we take the notion of a global innovation fund we can invest not directly in government, though we will have the government's blessing, nor in international experts, but in the many existing entrepenurs and civil society members who are already building wonderful innovatioins that are reaching people all over the country."
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
GD now at Autopia in San Mateo!
Finding places to fill our biodiesel car up on road trips can often be a pain, which is why when we pulled into Autopia on a recent trip to San Franscisco we were pleasantly surprised. The fueling station had a pump right out of the 1950's, ready to fill our car with bio-goodness. The owner, Austin, is happy to greet you with an affordable organic beer or wine from her selection at the bar. As an added bonus you can shop for environmentally-friendly and fair trade gifts, drink in hand, while you wait. This space is a perfect neighborhood hangout, which will open your mind to everything environmental.
Global Daughter gifts are now featured in Autopia alongside other eco-friendly product. We are so pleased to be a part of Autopia's vision: "A Green Community Hub."
For more information, please visit: http://www.autopiabiofuels.com/home.htm
Global Daughter gifts are now featured in Autopia alongside other eco-friendly product. We are so pleased to be a part of Autopia's vision: "A Green Community Hub."
For more information, please visit: http://www.autopiabiofuels.com/home.htm
Friday, September 25, 2009
Baily Bennett Benefit
Global Daughter is proud to be donating gifts to a silent auction that benefits the cancer treatment of 4-year old Baily Bennett. Baily's family is a friend of the GD family and he is a beautiful and spirited little tiger.
Benefit for Baily
Sunday September 27, 2009
Join us for an afternoon of fun and show of support for Baily!
Time: 12:30pm – 5:00pm (silent auction 1-4pm)
Place: Life Center Church Gymnasium
1717 South Union Ave
Tacoma, WA 98405
Baily's Story:
'Our son Baily is the light of our life. He is a wonderful little boy who amazes us every day and brings a smile just by looking at him. He loves his family and friends with every little bit of his heart. He is a true joy to be around and that is why we are so very heart-broken to tell you what has happened to this amazing little boy.
On Tuesday April 7th his mommy took him to the doctor because of a terrible cold. By 10am we were headed to the emergency room because his pediatrician found a large mass taking over his left lung and heart. With the wind knocked out of us we learned that the mass was a tumor. Cancer. Our wonderful little light was diagnosed with Advanced Stage Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Now that this nightmare has a name, it's so scary that it's hard to breath.
Baily started an intensive chemotherapy regimen and about one month later we were thrilled to learn the tumor had shrunk from 11cm at diagnosis to 3cm. The doctors had positive comments about Baily’s progress and we celebrated his fourth birthday in style with the help of the Tacoma fire department!
Then, on the day of our first family summer vacation, June 25th, Baily got a fever of 103. After being admitted to the hospital, we learned that the tumor had regrown to 7cm and Baily had pneumonia. A new chemotherapy regimen was started but just recently a PET scan revealed that the tumor remains very aggressive. Baily is currently receiving intensive chemotherapy in hopes of achieving remission and is in process to have a Stem Cell Transplant in the next couple of months.
During this whole ordeal, Baily has been a trooper. He knows that he is sick and cannot do most of the things that he loves; zoos, petting zoos, church group, preschool, train store, library, even riding his bike can be hard for him because of how weak he is. He tells me that “it’s okay mom, I know I can’t do that because I’m sick.” and it breaks my heart. This is his “normal” life now and he has accepted it. He says that he will never leave us and that he will get better. He is a good strong 4-year old boy who is fighting for his life.'
You can learn more about Baily and ways to help at www.bailybennett.com.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
GD @ Amrithika Art & Craft Bazaar Friday Night!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
GD Booth at the Kirkland Art Walk, Sept. 10th!
Global Daughter will be participating in the their second Kirkland Art Walk this Thursday, Sept. 10th. It is sure to be a lively event featuring music, local artists and hopefully...sunshine!! Come visit and check out our Fall Earring SALE! Up to 30% off!
Thursday Sept. 10th, Park Lane in downtown Kirkland will be shut down to vehicle traffic for live street jazz performances by local jazz musicians along with extended outdoor seating from restaurants located on Park Lane. Other businesses located on Park Lane will be extending their business hours 'til 9 for this once a month event.
Directions to Parklane Gallery:
Via I-405 North or South
Take exit 18 (Kirkland/Redmond). Follow signs to Kirkland, heading west to downtown. Turn left at Lake Street, go one block, turn left onto Park Lane. This road will be clossed off for the event as booths spill onto the street. You can park around the back or in the library parking lot.
The Global Daughter booth will be outside Simplicity Decor across from the Cactus Restaurant.
130 Park Lane, Kirkland, WA
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Happy Teej 2009!
Teej is an important Hindu ritual observed by Hindu women. Teej in Nepal is observed on the third day after the new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadra or Bhadrapada. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva and is observed for three consecutive days. This Teej is widely known as Hartalika Teej in India. In 2009, the Teej festival in Nepal begins on August 23. The last day of Teej is observed as Rishi Panchami.
A fast is observed on the Teej day by married and unmarried women. There is a belief that those unmarried women who observe fast on this day will get good husbands. Married women undertake fasting for a happy and prosperous married life. The importance of this fast is mentioned in several Puranas and it is also said that Hindu women observe Teej to commemorate the intense austerity observed by Goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva as husband.
In Nepal, Teej is also the period when married women visit their parents. The night before Teej day is known as Dar khane Din and women prepare different varieties of food and have a lavish dinner. On Teej day, many women go without food the whole day.
The day after Teej is Ganesh Chaturthi and special prayers are held. Women also break the fast on this day. The next day is Rishi Panchami and special prayers are offered to the Sapta Rishis.
A fast is observed on the Teej day by married and unmarried women. There is a belief that those unmarried women who observe fast on this day will get good husbands. Married women undertake fasting for a happy and prosperous married life. The importance of this fast is mentioned in several Puranas and it is also said that Hindu women observe Teej to commemorate the intense austerity observed by Goddess Parvati to get Lord Shiva as husband.
In Nepal, Teej is also the period when married women visit their parents. The night before Teej day is known as Dar khane Din and women prepare different varieties of food and have a lavish dinner. On Teej day, many women go without food the whole day.
The day after Teej is Ganesh Chaturthi and special prayers are held. Women also break the fast on this day. The next day is Rishi Panchami and special prayers are offered to the Sapta Rishis.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Global Daughter for Unatti
A fundraising event the whole family could enjoy!
Mary came all the way from Seattle to lend a hand.
Founder of Unatti, Stephanie, and her daughter Shriya.
Global Daughter has recently made an amazing connection with Stephanie from the Unatti Foundation. The Unatti Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to provide food, shelter and education for the multitude of orphaned and underprivileged children of Nepal.
Stephanie opened an orphanage for young girls outside of Kathmandu in one of our favorite places, historic Bhaktapur. Currently, Stephanie is raising money to create an orphanage/group home where the girls can learn to care for themselves, both financially and physically, by implementing income-generating programs that will also aid the community. One of those income-generating programs is handicraft development, which is the perfect avenue for Global Daughter and Unatti to pool their resources.
Stephanie was kind enough to invite us to participate in two events in Los Angeles over the past couple Sundays. The fundraisers were a huge success and Global Daughter was thrilled to be able to fundraise for Unatti's current project through our product. We love meeting women with the like mission of empowerment through education, and even more than that, we love to connect with those who have a shared love for Nepal. Please visit http://www.unattifoundation.org/ for more information and to see how you can help.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Join Global Daughter at the Kirkland Art Walk tomorrow!
Global Daughter is pleased to be a part of the 2nd Annual Kirkland Art Walk. Erin will be there tomorrow, Thursday, August 13th from 6PM to 9PM on Park Lane in downtown Kirkland. Stop by to say hi, treat yourself to a handmade Global Daughter gift and enjoy the work of local artists. See you there!
Monday, August 3, 2009
GD now in Princeton, IL at Beetz Me!
Global Daughter has made it to the Midwest! We are now featured in the lovely and unique gift shop Beetz Me in Princeton, Illinois, only two hours outside Chicago. Beetz Me on Main Street offers fabulous gifts ranging from wine to handmade soaps, and of course Fair Trade from Global Daughter.
As one emphatic customer states, "If you are looking for that special gift you will find it at Beetz Me. In a charming store on Main St. Princeton. You will find that small town hospitality, and that very special gift that not everyone else will have."
Global Daughter is very proud to be partnering with such an amazing woman-owned independent shop. If you are ever in the Princeton area, please stop by!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Nepal's Government gets it Wrong...Again.
Widows in Nepal are treated like second class citizens. Upon their husband's death they are ostracized by their community and literally referred to as "husband eaters." In Nepal, there are thousands of young widows, who have no job opportunities or assistance from the government. To remarry a widow is considered taboo- many widows, some as young as 9 years old, stay single for the duration of their life and carry a social stigma they can never live down.
In the following press release from Women for Human Rights, a NGO in Kathmandu working for widows and single women, we see that the government has implemented a monetary incentive for men to marry widows. If a man marrys a widow he will recieve over $700 from the government, a huge sum of money in Nepal. This is not a step forward and obviously a policy thrown together with no thought for a longterm solution to the appalling status of widows in the country. It is blatantly offensive and dehumanizing to widows in Nepal.
This is an issue Global Daughter has been very involved in from the beginning. We work with many artisans who are widows. We engage them in a positive way and allow them the opportunity for stable and sustainable employment so they can continue to provide for their families and get out from under the thumb of their in-laws. This builds confidence and serves as an example to communities that widows are contributing members of society with the same desires and needs as anyone else.
The way forward is empowering women, not incentivizing men.
Dear All,
In the Budget speech of the Government of Nepal dated Ashad 29 2066 B.S., under the social security schemes, it has been mentioned that a person who gets married to a widow will be given a reward of NRs. 50,000 ($700+) as motivation. Women for Human Rights, single women group (WHR) would like to say that this policy of Government of Nepal has further humiliated and insulted single women of Nepal. This decision will further bring about unwanted social impacts and bad consequences in society. It seems that Government has failed to take into consideration the long term impact of the monetary incentive. Because of this, WHR strongly condemns this decision of government and urge the government to immediately nullify the monetary incentive mentioned for remarriage of single women and rather should focus on removing age bar while getting monthly allowances, reservation in health and education facilities, tax exemption while registering property in the name of single women, provision of ration card and job opportunities.
In the following press release from Women for Human Rights, a NGO in Kathmandu working for widows and single women, we see that the government has implemented a monetary incentive for men to marry widows. If a man marrys a widow he will recieve over $700 from the government, a huge sum of money in Nepal. This is not a step forward and obviously a policy thrown together with no thought for a longterm solution to the appalling status of widows in the country. It is blatantly offensive and dehumanizing to widows in Nepal.
This is an issue Global Daughter has been very involved in from the beginning. We work with many artisans who are widows. We engage them in a positive way and allow them the opportunity for stable and sustainable employment so they can continue to provide for their families and get out from under the thumb of their in-laws. This builds confidence and serves as an example to communities that widows are contributing members of society with the same desires and needs as anyone else.
The way forward is empowering women, not incentivizing men.
Dear All,
In the Budget speech of the Government of Nepal dated Ashad 29 2066 B.S., under the social security schemes, it has been mentioned that a person who gets married to a widow will be given a reward of NRs. 50,000 ($700+) as motivation. Women for Human Rights, single women group (WHR) would like to say that this policy of Government of Nepal has further humiliated and insulted single women of Nepal. This decision will further bring about unwanted social impacts and bad consequences in society. It seems that Government has failed to take into consideration the long term impact of the monetary incentive. Because of this, WHR strongly condemns this decision of government and urge the government to immediately nullify the monetary incentive mentioned for remarriage of single women and rather should focus on removing age bar while getting monthly allowances, reservation in health and education facilities, tax exemption while registering property in the name of single women, provision of ration card and job opportunities.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
GD now in The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach!
Some of you may not know that among many of our handmade gifts are the beautiful and eco-friendly wine bags. On a recent trip down the Oregon Coast I stumbled into the adorable and earthy Wine Shack in search of the perfect Pinot Noir. Not only did I end up with two unique Oregon Pinots, but a new client who now carries all three of our wine bag styles. Our Lokta wine bags are the perfect compliment to the design of The Wine Shack and the quality selection of local wines. Erin and I could not be more thrilled to be in Cannon Beach, the town in which the idea for Global Daughter began, and we hope next time you are there you'll stop by and enjoy some wine!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Global Daughters Unite!
Erika came up to Seattle from LA for a week of Global Daughter fun and frenzy. It was a week of spreading the word and uniting our Global Daughter forces! We have found that when we are together we are an unstoppable team of strength, passion and creativity. The train is moving....all aboard!
We were able to do our first Fair Trade Home Parties together and connect with new and old GD supporters. Thank you to Karl, Bev, Steffen and Caryn for hosting parties and lending their beautiful homes to Global Daughter for the afternoon. Summer is in full swing and people are ready to celebrate and join in on the fun with Global Daughter! To get involved, click here to book your party today and receive a free Om Copper Tray and 25% off your ENTIRE order!
Monday, July 13, 2009
GD now in Palo Alto at Amrithika!
248 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Excited for our 1st CA store!
The I Don't Do Plastic Bags already sold out!
Right in the middle!
Don't Just Give a Gift....Tell a Story Palo Alto!
Global Daughter is ecstatic to announce that we have made our way to Palo Alto, California and are now featured in the amazing store, Amrithika.
Excited for our 1st CA store!
The I Don't Do Plastic Bags already sold out!
Right in the middle!
Don't Just Give a Gift....Tell a Story Palo Alto!
Global Daughter is ecstatic to announce that we have made our way to Palo Alto, California and are now featured in the amazing store, Amrithika.
After visiting the store and Stanford University area in June, I knew this location was a perfect fit for our product. They have all eco-friendly, fairly traded product from local and international artisans. They also have an amazing art gallery with bi-monthly events featuring local artists. We are so pleased to partner with such a wonderful business and look forward to providing Northern California with their signature Global Daughter gifts.
Please check out their website for more information, and if you have friends in the San Francisco or Bay area, please pass this along!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Where do you get your water?
In a project I did for Women in Environment in Nepal, we rebuilt and repaired artisan wells, dams and road culverts for 5 districts in the southern Terai region. In these areas we made field visits to see how new water sources and pumping methods would benefit the community. The following pictures are what we found.
When was the last time you had to walk two miles for water? (water so contaminated it could literally kill you.)
When was the last time you had to walk two miles for water? (water so contaminated it could literally kill you.)
Friday, June 26, 2009
LIFE*styled
Erin and I are always inspired when we meet young women who take a chance and start their own business-especially when it is focused on improving women's lives. Recently I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Catherine Cassidy who founded LIFE*styled, a company focused on enhancing women's lives through fashion, fitness and fun in Los Angeles.
Not only does Catherine focus on these aspects as a "Life Coach," but she encourages the modern woman to live a healthy and fulfilling life, while helping others. Recently Catherine has become a champion of Global Daughter in the LA area and even wrote an article for her newsletter on our project. Global Daughter is looking forward to working with LIFE*styled on some upcoming events in the LA area!
For more information on Catherine's experience and stylist services, please visit:
Monday, June 22, 2009
Ride Inspired.
The LiveStrong Foundation came to Seattle this weekend and over 2,000 riders took part in the event to raise money for cancer research. The Lance Armstrong Foundation was founded by cancer survivor and cycle stud, Lance Armstrong in 1997. The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.
Global Daughter put together a team (of 2!) and raised over $900 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Erin and her roommate (cycle stud) Karl, trained and spread the word about the cause for the event. Erin completed the 70-mile course- see map below- and Karl conquered the 100-mile course. It was a great day for Seattle and a great day for the fight against cancer. Riders raised over 1 million dollars for the event and all levels of riders were able to participate in the 10-mile, 45-mile, 70-mile or 100-mile courses.
The Global Daughter Team rode for the family members of both Erika and Erin. Fathers, uncles, aunts, grandparents, friends...we have both experienced the path of cancer in our lives. It was important for us to be involved in a cause that has effected us personally, here at home, with the people we love.
Erika's uncle John, who is fighting cancer, completed (and crushed) the 100-mile bike course and was the biggest inspiration for us to join this ride. He is a phenomenal athlete and cyclist and has been a big supporter of our GD adventure from the beginning. The strength he has shown in the last year has followed us wherever we go and we want him to know how much we respect and love him.
Thank you to all who donated to the ride or helped us train..you know who you are!
70-mile course map
(That hill in Issaquah was my Everest!)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Travel Postcard
Check out the Global Daughter picture in the Seattle Times!
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/travel2008583734/
This photo was taken in March 2009 on a trek in the Helumbu Region of Nepal. After 8 days of trekking, I met up with a group of cancer doctors from the sole cancer hospital in Chitwan, Nepal. They were in the village of Kakani administering pap smears, breast examinations and eye check-ups for women in surrounding villages. Women came from miles around on foot to experience this type of women-specific care for the first time.
The old woman in the photo was seated in that same place for hours. She did not get up, even for the free tea, and she did not talk to anyone. The younger girl administering the eye examination, is a nurse pracitioner from the hospital who volunteered her time to come out for the 2-day event.
You can't see in the picture, but a woman from behind had one eye covered to read the letters posted. The women were confused about the exam and couldn't understand the concept of checking vision. It was incredible to witness. After talking at length with the doctors, we ended up dining with them and listening to fascinating medical stories from their work in Nepal.
You can read more about the health camp in our previous post.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/travel2008583734/
This photo was taken in March 2009 on a trek in the Helumbu Region of Nepal. After 8 days of trekking, I met up with a group of cancer doctors from the sole cancer hospital in Chitwan, Nepal. They were in the village of Kakani administering pap smears, breast examinations and eye check-ups for women in surrounding villages. Women came from miles around on foot to experience this type of women-specific care for the first time.
The old woman in the photo was seated in that same place for hours. She did not get up, even for the free tea, and she did not talk to anyone. The younger girl administering the eye examination, is a nurse pracitioner from the hospital who volunteered her time to come out for the 2-day event.
You can't see in the picture, but a woman from behind had one eye covered to read the letters posted. The women were confused about the exam and couldn't understand the concept of checking vision. It was incredible to witness. After talking at length with the doctors, we ended up dining with them and listening to fascinating medical stories from their work in Nepal.
You can read more about the health camp in our previous post.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
GD in the Seattle Times!
A photo taken by Erin in Nepal will be featured in the Sunday, June 14th edition of the Seattle Times Travel Section. It will be the travel postcard of the week. Pick up a paper to check it out or look online at www.seattletimes.com.
You can also visit Seattle Times to look through other Seattlite's travel shots here.
Yay Nepal!
You can also visit Seattle Times to look through other Seattlite's travel shots here.
Yay Nepal!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Mob Strips Woman in Street
Let me preface this news story by saying that this was reported with little to no coverage. The context of this horrendous act are not clear at this time. However, the images tell a story of human rights abuse and sexual violence and that is why it appears on our blog.
The reason for this crime DOES NOT matter. No one should be persecuted by the public, in public under any circumstance. The fact that this mob of men man-handled this women in the busiest part of the city with no police interaction shows you just how poorly women are treated and ignored by the state.
There is a small child watching the mob strip this woman. The look in his eyes is eerie. His stone cold face is the face of the future. That is the saddest part of the story. He sees this type of violence as normal, acceptable and fun (as the smiling men in the background look on). He will grow up and perpetuate the cycle of discrimination that has kept women in Nepal from achieving any remnants of equality. This is heart-breaking.
I was just there, in the place were this woman was assaulted. I rode my bike past it everyday and now to see this, from thousands of miles away I am more horrified than ever. Justice in Nepal does not exist. Lawlessness prevails and the mob rules all.
Mob parades woman naked in Kathmandu
30 May 2009, 0019 hrs IST, TNN
Times of India
KATHMANDU: Watched by fearful children and passersby, a mob of nearly 50 young men beat up a woman and paraded her naked in the heart of capital city Kathmandu with no one daring to protest even as Nepal’s political parties said they were writing a new constitution that would empower women and other disadvantaged people.
The unidentified woman, who looked to be in her 30s, was stripped of her red printed salwar-kameez and white dupatta. Then the crowd tore off her undergarments and rained abuse and blows with lathis.
The shocking incident occurred in the Ratna Park area of Kathmandu, one of the busiest spots in the capital where new Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Friday laid down the foundation of a martyrs’ memorial.
The area, teeming with public transport and shops, is also close to a main police station. Though the cornered woman repeatedly cried out in fear, asking people to save her, nobody dared to intervene.
The woman could have been a sex worker, who abound the area, or mistaken as one. Though it happened on May 20, it came to public notice only this week with a passerby taking photographs of the scene and sending them to a Nepali blog site, Mysansar.com The blog is now appealing for justice, saying the attack is all the more shocking as it happened in the heart of the capital.
The reason for this crime DOES NOT matter. No one should be persecuted by the public, in public under any circumstance. The fact that this mob of men man-handled this women in the busiest part of the city with no police interaction shows you just how poorly women are treated and ignored by the state.
There is a small child watching the mob strip this woman. The look in his eyes is eerie. His stone cold face is the face of the future. That is the saddest part of the story. He sees this type of violence as normal, acceptable and fun (as the smiling men in the background look on). He will grow up and perpetuate the cycle of discrimination that has kept women in Nepal from achieving any remnants of equality. This is heart-breaking.
I was just there, in the place were this woman was assaulted. I rode my bike past it everyday and now to see this, from thousands of miles away I am more horrified than ever. Justice in Nepal does not exist. Lawlessness prevails and the mob rules all.
Mob parades woman naked in Kathmandu
30 May 2009, 0019 hrs IST, TNN
Times of India
KATHMANDU: Watched by fearful children and passersby, a mob of nearly 50 young men beat up a woman and paraded her naked in the heart of capital city Kathmandu with no one daring to protest even as Nepal’s political parties said they were writing a new constitution that would empower women and other disadvantaged people.
The unidentified woman, who looked to be in her 30s, was stripped of her red printed salwar-kameez and white dupatta. Then the crowd tore off her undergarments and rained abuse and blows with lathis.
The shocking incident occurred in the Ratna Park area of Kathmandu, one of the busiest spots in the capital where new Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Friday laid down the foundation of a martyrs’ memorial.
The area, teeming with public transport and shops, is also close to a main police station. Though the cornered woman repeatedly cried out in fear, asking people to save her, nobody dared to intervene.
The woman could have been a sex worker, who abound the area, or mistaken as one. Though it happened on May 20, it came to public notice only this week with a passerby taking photographs of the scene and sending them to a Nepali blog site, Mysansar.com The blog is now appealing for justice, saying the attack is all the more shocking as it happened in the heart of the capital.
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