As a part of S.I.S.T.E.R.S efforts to support Women and Women's Organizations, last December S.I.S.T.E.R.S hosted a tea party in honor of Women for Women International. S.I.S.T.E.R.S also chose to sponsor a young woman through WWI's sponsorship program. Details of that young woman's life (as provided by WWI) follow:Country: Kosovo
DOB: 1983
Married with 3 children
The situation of the Kosovar women we sponsor through Women for Women International is very difficult. Poor economic conditions, high unemployment (nearly 60% in 2004) lack of education, and years of displacement, war and trauma of forced displacement--along with rape and torture--under Serbian ethnic cleansing campaign during the war. After the war, many women became heads of the households, a family structure previously uncommon to them. Despite this new role, the illiteracy rate among women is increasing and employment among women is only at 30 percent overall, with a 21 percent employment rate in rural areas. Limited opportunities and dire economic situation prompt many women to seek jobs internationally, making them prey to the international sex trade, which thrives in the Balkans.
The Sponsorship Program has changed the lives of more than 55,000 women, giving them the tools to move from victims of war to survivors to active citizens engaged in the rebuilding of their country. WWI currently has more than 19,000 sponsors from 54 countries and 22,500 participants in participating in our programs worldwide.
The Sponsorship Program has changed the lives of more than 55,000 women, giving them the tools to move from victims of war to survivors to active citizens engaged in the rebuilding of their country. WWI currently has more than 19,000 sponsors from 54 countries and 22,500 participants in participating in our programs worldwide.
