Official Launch of "Flowers for Peace" Campaign at the Peace Palace in The Hague
The Hague 26th April 2010
Millions of Dutch and International Supporters are approached for “Flowers For Peace” Campaign.
It is a Timely and Courageous Campaign and needs to be supported – says Ambassador Morton of Australia
Today, “Flowers for Peace” campaign has been officially launched at the beautiful and picturesque garden of the Peace Palace in The Hague. Director Sabra Bano, before presenting the flowers to the invited guests said in her welcoming note that “In times like these when Afghan society is approaching its reconciliation consensus, it is highly important that international supporter of Afghan women rights should galvanize their energies and efforts to voice the voices of women in Afghanistan.” She added, “The launch of the “Flower for Peace” campaign is to celebrate the struggle of women in conflict zones.”
The campaign was launched by Dieny Scheffer, Chairperson of Nederlandse Vrouwenraad, and Sylvia Borren, Co-chair of World Connectors and co-chair of Global Call to Action against Poverty. Dieny Scheffer, said that Flowers are a great symbol of peace for the world and women need peace. Ms. Scheffer, added that she has appealed 1 million Dutch and international women to support “Flowers for Peace” Campaign initiated by Gender Concerns International.
Ms. Sylvia Borren, on the other hand, stressed that “Flowers for Peace” Campaign is a great initiative. It should help all of us in binding to work together, create conditions where one can enjoy Peace, Security, Flowers, Nature and Harmony.
The participants included dignitaries from Australian Embassy H. E Ambassador Lydia Morton and Ms. Sally Aplin, Mr. Mian Atif Sharif from Pakistan Embassy, Ms. Joanna Vallat from UK Embassy, Ms. Afifa Azim and Mr. Raja Farooq representative of Pakistani community.
Before Ambassador Morton concluded the dignified launch ceremony, first hundred digital roses were handed over in a fresh bouquet form to Afghan Women’s Representative Director AWN Ms. Afifa Azim who expressed her gratitude for this initiative. She considered that international community should come together to save the nine years of achievement of Afghan women.
Ambassador Morton stated that it was a courageous initiative taken by Gender Concerns International. She further added that women in conflict zones need our support. International community has done a lot in favour of women in Afghanistan and it will continue its support to the women of Afghanistan.
To send your digital rose and to support the campaign, please visit the website: www.flowersforpeace.eu
For further information please contact:
Sabra Bano, Director
Gender Concerns International
Phone: 00 31 (070) 4445082 Mobile: 06 53965784
Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN, The Hague
Email: Sbano@genderconcerns.org Site: www.genderconcerns.org