PRESS RELEASE: Local chapter joins global protesters calling for release of Nigerian girls

PRESS RELEASE

N.O.W. (National Org. for Women)
May 5, 2014
Contact: Connie Goldstein 941-966-9715

"THESE ARE OUR SISTERS"

Local chapter joins global protesters

calling for release of Nigerian girls

Saying, "These are our sisters," the Sarasota/Manatee Chapter of the National Organization for Women," (N.O.W.), is hosting a solidarity rally at 5:30 p.m. on May 15 at Five Points Park to raise awareness within the Sarasota community about the kidnapping of hundreds of girls by Boko Haram, whose brutal treatment of women under Sharia law is legendary, and to help apply international pressure on the Nigerian government to step up their rescue efforts.

Any member of the community is invited to join them in this action.

According to accounts, armed members of Boko Haram overwhelmed security guards at the all-girls school in Chibok, pulled 276 girls out of bed and forced them into trucks. The convoy of trucks then disappeared into the dense forest bordering Cameroon. At least 53 of the girls escaped, leaving 223 in the hands of their captors, police said.

Boko Haram's name translates to "Western education is a sin" and the group especially opposes the education of women. Speaking during a visit to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on the Nigerian government to bring those responsible to justice.

If you would like to join N.O.W.'s action on behalf of the kidnapped Nigerian girls at 5:30 on May 15 near Marina Jack's, please contact Ann Jordan at ann.jordan.now@gmail.com; phone:727-259-5994.

BECOME A MEMBER OR DONATE TO SARASOTA/MANATEE N.O.W.

nowsaramana@gmail.com | 941-257-3211