January 10, 2007    The Violet Richardson Award Program   Soroptimist International   USA

Dear Sir,

As the Executive Director of the Women’s Empowerment Group, I am writing this letter to give my highest recommendation for Shaeera Tariq.

Women’s Empowerment Group is a non profit, non governmental organization aiming to strengthen the process of socioeconomic development and empowerment of the disadvantaged women of our society. Pink Ribbon is one of our campaigns, also known as the National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Due to the lack of education and resources in a developing country like Pakistan, breast cancer cases are reported only at a very advanced stage. Our focus is to raise awareness about this fatal disease for all the women regardless of their age or background.

I know Shaeera Tariq through her dedicated work contributed to our organization during her summer vacation while she was visiting her family in Pakistan. Though it was a vacation for many, for Shaeera it was a commitment. She worked for the organization with great enthusiasm and creativity. She completed many projects independently and brought innovative ideas to raise the awareness at an international level. During her stay here with the organization she demonstrated excellent work ethic and remained fully committed to the cause. She was determined to spread this message at an International level and I congratulate her for succeeding in her efforts.

While appreciating Shaeera’s efforts to spread a vital message nationally and internationally, I would recommend her to continue these efforts with the same courage and zeal for this humanitarian campaign to save and improve the lives of many women all over the world.   Sincerely,   Omer Aftab    Executive Director

0ur WOA winner will be announced.

Anyone wishing to submit a new Service Fund Recipient , please bring your idea to this meeting.

Resolutions to be pesented.

#1  $100 be donated to the SIA President's December 10th Appeal.  (Information immediately below.)

NEWS RELEASE: Soroptimist Announces December 10th Appeal to Help Women Living in Extreme Poverty

Soroptimist Appeal Restores Dignity to Women with Obstetric Fistula

November 12, 2007
Contant: Jessica Levinson, Communications Director, 215-893-9000 x 129
Kamali Brooks, Public Relations Manager, 215-893-9000 x 130

Philadelphia, Pa - Soroptimist International of the Americas, a volunteer organization for business and professional women working to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world, is participating in Soroptimist International’s December 10th Appeal, also known as the President’s Appeal, to help women with obstetric fistula.

Each year on December 10th (United Nations’ Human Rights Day), the Soroptimist International president asks all Soroptimists worldwide to contribute to a project that helps women living in extreme poverty. This year’s appeal, Restoring Dignity: Hamlin Fistula Relief and Aid Fund, will support Ethiopian women with this debilitating condition.

Obstetric fistula occurs as a result of several days of obstructed labor without timely medical
intervention, usually a Caesarean section. The constant pressure of the baby’s head in the birth canal causes a fistula (hole) to form between the bladder and the vagina, and/or between the rectum and the vagina. The baby usually dies and the mother is left with urine and waste leaking from her body.

"Sadly, in Ethiopia, an obstetric fistula can be worse than death," said Leigh Wintz, executive director of Soroptimist International of the Americas in Philadelphia. “The smell of constantly leaking body fluids results in young women, many of them girls, being rejected and outcast by their community. They are doomed to a life of shame and isolation. This is why our December 10th Appeal is so critical in helping women with this condition.”

An estimated 8,000 to 9,000 women in Ethiopia suffer with obstetric fistula each year and don’t have the money for fistula repair or the access to medical care that most women in developed nations have. At least 93 percent of fistulas can be repaired, but three percent are so badly damaged in childbirth, they cannot be healed.

Funds from the December 10th Appeal will help women who cannot be fully cured by providing ongoing medical care at the Desta Mender Village of the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In addition, the self-help rural village provides skills and vocational training to the women, encourages their independence and helps improve their morale and self-esteem.

#2 Be it resolved that we only keep our records three years.  (Per federal and state law.)