Ghosts of My Home Country: Luncheon & Panel Discussion
VIEW EVENT DETAILSMore than 1 million people immigrated legally to the United States in 2010—nearly half of them Asian; of that number, most are women. Many are drawn here by the prospect of a better life, but others are pushed to flee halfway around the world because of gender-based violence, political persecution, religious curbs, or human trafficking. As Americans debate the pros and cons of immigration, human rights abuses continue worldwide, prompting an ever-increasing number of immigrants to come to the United States. Join us for two panel discussions about human rights abuses and available services for Asian immigrants.
The first panel will address domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, legal challenges and employment opportunities. The second panel will focus on human trafficking and forced labor, and the efforts made to assist and resettle victims in the United States. Panel members include:
Jameela Alter, author of On Clipped Wings, a story of South Asian Hindu and Muslim women who are victims of clashing religions, castes and cultures.
Marga C. Fripp, president and founder of Empowered Women International, which helps low-income immigrant and refugee women living in the Greater DC Metro area integrate, participate as new citizens and become self-sufficient by employing their creativity, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to develop new career paths and start up businesses.
Elizabeth Grayer, president of Legal Momentum, the nation’s oldest legal advocacy group for women. Legal Momentum works towards advancing women’s economic and personal security and expanding rights, justices and services for victims.
Alakananda Paul, former member of the Advising Committee of the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) and a member of the Multicultural Taskforce of the Maryland Network against Domestic Violence. Founding board member of the Asian Self-Help Association (ASHA).
Mary David, Deputy Chair for Public Awareness of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, former member of the UN Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
Arnedo Valera, Executive Director of Migrant Heritage Commission, which addresses the needs and issues confronting Filipino migrants.
Jay Womack, Deputy Director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIP) Division with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
Bradley Mitchell, Team Lead, Human Trafficking Services Program, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), US Department of Justice.
This series has been underwritten by LEO A DALY with additional funding provided by Henrietta Holsman Fore.
Event Details
Asia Society Washington, The Cinnabar Room, Whittemore House, 2nd Flr., 1526 New Hampshire Ave, NW