IWDA Supporter Pledging No Chocolate for a Year Pushes Through Easter!

Remember Emma Harley, our IWDA supporter who pledged No Chocolate for a Year in October 2009 to raise awareness of the daily struggles of millions of women worldwide? Well, Emma has been going strong, albeit the approach of Easter and the inevitable onslaught of chocolate fever.

We asked her how it’s all going:

I’m still persevering, but still not finding that my saliva glands have stopped responding to chocolate (I really thought they would have by now), and still harbouring evil thoughts about secret Tim Tams.

I have started in two new fields – private practice and as a lecturer, so I am doing my best with my students to raise the profile of womens’ and ethical issues in general as best I can and must try to find a way to notify them of my fundraising. I will certainly flood my new colleagues soon with emails.

I’ve really appreciated everyone who’s donated, many have told me they’ve donated on-line and some others I hope to harass at Easter, which might in some ways be the saddest Easter for me on record. But there will be the upsides – no more 5-Lindt-bunny-induced illnesses. But gee I find it hard around all of the exquisitely wrapped and coloured easter eggs on show this year. It’s always been a magical time of year for me – so I will have to focus on the money raised and settle for hot-cross buns.

I continue to be reminded of the importance of supporting women’s development. [Recent] news brought the horror of the violence inflicted upon the World Vision office in Pakistan, and the possible links to hardline views on the education and liberation of women supported by that agency in that region. Incredibly disturbing and an incredible reminder of what women, and children (and men), are up against in so many parts of the world. Similarly, the increasing hardline actions taken against women in Malaysia, somewhat disheartening, but again a call to keep being mindful of the issues. While here at home of course, the media’s currently swamped with issues of women’s inequality – less pressing – but still real.

If you would like to show Emma your support and donate to IWDA on her behalf, please download the Donation Coupon below and post it to IWDA, PO Box 64, Melbourne, Victoria, 8009 or fax it to (03) 9654 9877. No Chocolate for a Year Donation Coupon
Alternatively, you can pay via PayPal by clicking on the Donate button.

Please also email Emma on emmaharley@msn.com to let this wonderful woman know of your generous support!

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 under Community, Recent.