Sudanese, African-American Women’s Group Named Darfur Hero By National Coalition

Sisterhood for Peace: Transforming Sudan unites women's voices to promote sustainable peace in Sudan

WASHINGTON - The Save Darfur Coalition today honored the Boston-based organization Sisterhood for Peace: Transforming Sudan for their continuing efforts to create a women-led movement for change in Sudan. A network of Sudanese, African-American and Muslim women, Sisterhood for Peace unites their voices to end genocide in Darfur and facilitate peace in all of Sudan. Members will gather in Boston this summer for the second annual Sudanese Women's Dialogue Series where they will outline the role that women must play in resolving conflicts that have plagued Sudan for decades. For their efforts, the Save Darfur Coalition named the group its May Darfur Heroes.

The Heroes program, started last year by the coalition, highlights individuals and groups who play a crucial role in helping end the violence in Darfur through awareness-raising and other efforts.

"Facilitating lasting peace is a big job," wrote Sisterhood for Peace's project manager Kiara Nagel in her posting on Save Darfur's website. "We know we have a lot of work to do. And we cannot do it alone. We will connect with other women, learn from each other's struggles, build a network among those who share our vision and those who want to see a better future for all women and children around the globe."

Kiara Nagel's blog on Sisterhood for Peace can be found here: http://www.savedarfur.org/section/heroes_archive/mays_darfur_heroes/.

"While the daily threat of violence is still very real for women and children in Sudan, Sisterhood for Peace is using this suffering to drive action," said Ashley Roberts of the Save Darfur Coalition. "The sisters are building a network of women that will be vital in the pursuit of sustainable peace in Darfur and all of Sudan."

Sisterhood for Peace is directed by Save Darfur Coalition chairperson Rev. Gloria White-Hammond, M.D. In 2002, Dr. White-Hammond co-founded My Sister's Keeper, a humanitarian women's group that partners with women of South Sudan in their efforts toward reconciliation and reconstruction of their communities. My Sister's Keeper developed two grinding mill projects and supports the Kunyuk School for Girls in Akon, South Sudan. Earlier this year, My Sister's Keeper began construction of a permanent campus for the school with completion scheduled for fall 2008.

Darfur Heroes will feature one outstanding activist's story each month - through a blog featured on Save Darfur's website - not just to recognize those individuals who have helped build the movement, but also to inspire others with unique fundraising and awareness-raising tactics. Previous Darfur Heroes have included "Big Kenny" Alphin of the country music duo Big & Rich, Lindsey Ronald - creator of Run for Darfur (http://www.RunForDarfur.org), and Miriam and Jacob Hodesh - who deleted their wedding registry and instead asked friends and family to make donations to help end the genocide in Darfur, among others.

Kiara Nagel's blog on Sisterhood for Peace can be found here: http://www.savedarfur.org/section/heroes_archive/mays_darfur_heroes/.