Rebecca Lolisoli, African artisan and activist

The Connecticut Council of Vital Voices Global Partnership and the Social Justice Council of the Unitarian Church in Westport will honor African activist and artisan Rebecca Lolosoli Sunday afternoon, March 14, 4:00-6:00 PM at the Unitarian Church in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport.

Rebecca is co-founder and matriarch of the Umoja Uaso Village, an all women's community located in the Samburu District of Kenya. Hear her gripping account of how she and others have been able to provide a safe haven for victims of torture, violence and rape and to help them develop the courage, resources and artisan skills for safe and productive lives. Under Rebecca's leadership, what started in 1991 as a group of 16 destitute women, denounced and outcast by their families, is today a unique and flourishing community of women and girls able to provide for themselves through the creation and sale of exquisite beadwork.

Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading international non-profit organization that identifies, trains, mentors and empowers emerging women leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. Simply stated, the Vital Voices motto is "Invest in Women. Improve the World." No woman personifies this concept better than Rebecca Lolosoli.

Rebecca is the recipient of the 2010 Vital Voices Fern Holland Award, in recognition of her courage. The award honors her as the embodiment of the resilience and fortitude of the women of her village. She has repeatedly put herself at risk for others. Although her life has been threatened for defying indigenous Samburu traditions and culture, she continues to work for women's rights and to change cultural practices that are harmful to women's health, safety and well-being.

The Connecticut Council of Vital Voices was established in 2005 to support the work of Vital Voices Global Partnership and its women. The steering committee includes Roberta Cooper, Avonne Seideman, Elizabeth Strick, Lisa Teixeira, Thuy Tranthi, Sheila Weiss and Leslie Greene of Westport, among others.  "Many of us lead very fortunate lives, but we are moved by the plight and dreams of women around the world," said Roberta Cooper. "Vital Voices offers an extraordinarily effective channel for making their lives better – a way for us to be part of something important."

David Vita, Director of Social Justice Council at the Unitarian Church, observed, "More people need to hear about the remarkable work of Rebecca Lolosoli and the Umoja Uaso Village. It's a powerful example of what is possible when women come together to move from the world as it is to create the world as it should be. We are honored to help spread the word about their story and to be working with Vital Voices Global Partnership."

Those attending the March 14 event are asked to make a tax deductible donation of $30. Funds raised will be used to support Vital Voices' programs and their work with women like Rebecca around the world. In addition, the contemporary jewelry and accessories of the Umoja Uaso artisans will be on display and available for purchase. Their beadwork has been available through the Vital Voices Export and Development Program and was featured in the Spring 2010 Collection of Diane von Furstenberg, renowned designer and Vital Voices board member.

 For more information and to RSVP, contact Roberta Cooper at 203-227-8973 or robertacooper@optonline.net.