Today, Episcopal Relief and Development commemorates International Women’s Day 2005. The day celebrates the collective achievements and triumphs of women and recognizes the challenges they face worldwide.

Women representing churches and dioceses within the Anglican Communion are delegates at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. Meetings for the Commission began February 28 and continue until March 11 and promote women’s rights in political, economic, social, civic, and educational fields.

“We are committed to helping women work together and find their own solutions,” said Claudette Kigeme, a delegate from Burundi. In partnership with the Episcopal Church of Burundi, ERD recently began and HIV/AIDS and malaria program. “Working as one church, we are addressing issues, such as poverty and HIV/AIDS, which women in Burundi face on a daily basis.” (Read more about ERD's work in Burundi.)

ERD’s partnerships are empowering women in communities around the world, including Liberia, El Salvador, South Africa, and Afghanistan.  “Working throughout the Anglican Communion, we help women build better lives for themselves and their families,” said Sandra Swan, ERD President. ERD’s programs give women skills and training, protect them from deadly diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, and create opportunities to support their families.

In the coming weeks, Episcopal News Service will stream video interviews to their website featuring women from the Anglican delegation. Please visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens/.

To donate to Episcopal Relief and Development, visit our Ways to Give page or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.