Update on the current situation in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

I spoke with Marisela Ortiz, the leader of the organization Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa yesterday and she shared information on the current situation in Ciudad Juarez:

Since spring 2008 the military have had a strong presence in the city due to the war on drugs. Maybe one could think that this would provide more safety for the population, but this is not so. More than 2000 complaints have been raised against the military's behavior and violent abuse of the people it is supposed to serve. The complaints is of rape,murders,innocent people being beaten up...and where is the complaints leading? Who should they complain to?

The situation for the women are worse. In 2008 130 new women were found brutally killed. So far in 2009, 35 young women have been found killed, 25 more are missing. Many of them in their teens. Two of the women murdered, were teachers and activists, known to help families of the disappeared women. They were found more or less executed. Of course the level of fear is rising. Marisela says, this is what the killers want, a society in deep fear not using their voice to protest. The organization refuses to follow this and continue their strong and load voice of protest.

Unfortunately the news media are very quiet about this side of the situation in Juarez.

Lise

Embroidery back from Shanghai, China

A few days ago I received an envelope with a card, leftover of threads, needles and beautiful labels embroidered in Shanghai, by an international group of women, one Swedish, one from France and one from Shanghai.

June 20th Desconocida Unknown Ukjent will be part of an international exhibition: Off the beaten path. Women Violence and Art, opening at Stenersen Museum in Oslo. The exhibition is curated by Randy Rosenberg from USA and brings together 17 artists from 15 countries, all engaged with art related to fight against abuse and violence towards women. I will host two workshops during the exhibition period, the first one Sunday June 21st. I will post the time at a later point.

NRK,Safari, a program on our National TV Station, has made a reportage about the project which will sent Tuesd June 9th at NRK1 at 10:30PM. It will be sent again the following day at 7pm at NRK2. I will post links to see it over internet after the show cast.

Best Lise