Dear Friends of Women in Black all over the world.
First of all, we want to send you our greetings, always with the conviction that in every corner of the planet members of the Network are opposing the buildup of armaments, militarism, war and also all violence, convinced that any violent action against other human beings and nature, as well, is an affront to humanity and the planet, and this is why we are determined to eradicate violence from our lives and bodies. We know that this policy position keeps us united as sisters.
This letter is to communicate to you that, most unfortunately, conditions are not auspicious to have our Gathering of Women in Black in November of this year. We have had to make this decision because just a month and a half from the date of the event only six women had registered. After we sent out an SOS, the number rose to 16. We would have liked to receive a response from a significant number of women, but it didn’t work out that way.
We are aware of the difficulties that resulted from this decision, especially for the women who had purchased their ticket and we sincerely hope that they are able to obtain a new reservation. But after careful consideration, we felt that a gathering with 16 international women who are part of the movement, was not enough to carry out a task of this nature, as we understand that these gatherings are to redefine, exchange ideas, maintain the movement active in the world and, at the same time, for us, the women of Colombia, it was an act of international accompaniment against war, an internal armed conflict that has lasted for more than 45 years in Colombia and has left more than 4 million victims and great human degradation and social injustice.
With regard to the concerns expressed by some members of the Network on our ability to carry out this gathering, we want to tell you that it not for lack of ability, rather for lack of participation of the members of the Network that we have made this decision, as has been well expressed by some colleagues who have written that the situation should be analyzed from the point of joint responsibility, because in this process we have felt great silence from many. We were hoping for more support from the Network, especially with regard to encouraging women to come to the Gathering, so that it would take place with an appropriate representation of members of the Network.
Ruta Pacifica of Women has been part of the Network of Women in Black since 2001, and our participation was assured with approximately 300 women; we could have had more. But it really wasn’t a matter of an event for Ruta Pacifica but to carry out arrangements for the XV INTERNATIONAL GATHERING OF WOMEN IN BLACK and for that we need the backing and participation of all.
We had carried out the activities necessary to prepare for the Gathering. We just about had everything ready, a web page, pictures, strategy for publicity. We have conducted multiple negotiations, reserved places to accommodate you, proposed themes, methodology, symbolic proposals, translations, among other things, and because of that we reiterate our disposition and desire to undertake the Gathering for the third week of August 2011, the Network being in agreement, of course.
If, however, there is another proposal we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. Likewise, please let us know how you feel about coming for the date proposed in 2011, as you will surely understand that it would be very costly for us, at every level, to repeat this situation next year.
In addition, we would love to see materialize the proposal of the women of London that those who already have their tickets come to Colombia in November. It would be a great help if we could get together and contribute to the preparation of this Gathering, which is very important for us, and to participate in some activities on 25 November, Day of Non-violence Against Women.
We will return the registration fee to the women who ask for it. If you decide to postpone your trip, please let us know.
We reiterate that the postponement date for the XV International Gathering of Women in Black is 15-20 August 2011.
Please receive a sisterly embrace from Colombia.
Dear friends,
also we Italian Women in Black are really very sorry that the International meeting of Women in Black network had to be postponed to 2011.
We realize that it must have been a difficult decision for you, but we believe you have been brave and wise considering that the participation from the other continents was too low for the date of November 2010. We keep convinced that in Valencia the best choice was taken, therefore it is good to remain engaged for the Bogota meeting.
We have also praised how you were organizing it, both on the logistics level anf for the agenda you sent us, which looked very well structured and productive.
In an Italian national meeting at the end of October, we discussed the reasons why so few Women in Black enrolled for participation, in particular from Europe and we considered that it was a collective responsibility: we have not exchanged our minds, information and proposals on time, so the news that so few women had enrolled came totally unexpected. We must absolutely bear that in mind for the planning of the next meeting.
For August 2011 we need a much better and frequent coordination. It is true that the economical crisis has increased the constraints and difficulties, but we have a history of an active solidarity, for which more privileged women support women in more difficult situation. That must continue in a better organized way, circulating in the network not later than in spring 2011 both a sort of pre-enrolment to the meeting from the various countries and more information about the financial support that some group can provide to the organizing country and to other Women in Black from "difficult places" who wish to come to Colombia.
We also thank you for suggesting the month of August for our next meeting, as it is easier for women living in the north hemisphere to have time free from work engagements.
However, we believe that the participation of many women from the whole Latin America is very important, as we are all looking forward to such a great opportunity of exchanging and sharing your realities, the peculiarities of your movements, your visions and your modalities of action.
We appreciate Rebecca's suggestion and we hope that the women who have already purchased their flight tickets for this November can meet in Bogota for a first exchange with you, Colombian Women in Black and Ruta Pacifica, in view of the 2011 gathering. We are convinced that this can be a very useful preparation for all of us.
Hoping that from now onwards we are having a good way to Colombia next August, we are grateful to what you have done so far and you will be doing in the future. Please let us know what you expect from the international network so that we will be able to support you in the best direction you show us.
We all send you our love, friendship and solidarity
The Italian Women in Black network
