Chris Brown and Rihanna: What Do Girls REALLY Think?

Chris Brown and Rihanna

16 Apr 2009 19:44 Africa/Lagos


Chris Brown and Rihanna: What Do Girls REALLY Think?

New Survey Uncovers Interesting Results

NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new survey commissioned by GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA through the BUZZ MARKETING GROUP has uncovered some interesting news regarding the reactions of girls to the highly publicized Chris Brown and Rihanna incident: 95 percent of girls surveyed say Chris Brown's alleged actions are not acceptable or justifiable for any reason, and 48 percent believe that low self-esteem will be the primary reason for Rihanna getting back with Chris Brown.


Girl Scouts of the USA commissioned the study to ensure girl's voices were accurately represented and to stress the importance of self-esteem among girls. The incident reportedly left young singer Rihanna battered and bruised at the hands of her singer boyfriend Chris Brown. Shortly after, it was widely reported by the Boston Public Health Commission that teens were believed to put Rihanna at fault for the alleged attack.


However, it seems Boston teens do not reflect the nationwide view among girls. The Girl Scouts of the USA uncovered that a majority of girls - nearly 59 percent - hold Chris Brown responsible for what happened, followed by 33 percent who place the blame on both Rihanna and Chris Brown.


"Girls are now telling us loud and clear - it is not OK to hit a woman," says Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group. "That doesn't mean they don't sympathize with both parties. The girls are looking at the situation from all angles and understand that no one knows what really happened. They like Chris Brown - he is an idol for younger girls - and it was hard for them to believe at first."


The findings did contain one disturbing trend among girls - it was the younger ones under the age of 13 who were more likely to blame Rihanna. Self-esteem is at the center of discussion for girls, as the study uncovered almost half of the respondents - 48 percent - believe that low self-esteem will be the primary reason for Rihanna getting back with Chris Brown. This reinforces the importance for parents to speak to daughters early and often.


"Overall, today's girls are more savvy than often assumed," says Leanne Gluck, Manager of uniquely ME!, the national Girl Scouts / Dove Self-Esteem Program. "The media attention surrounding this unfortunate incident presents an opportunity for parents and daughters to engage in open dialogue on the importance of self-esteem and healthy relationships."


In addition to being the voice of girls, Girl Scouts of the USA recently launched a new Girl Scouts Leadership Experience which aims to empower girls with a strong sense of self and critical thinking skills to tackle issues such as low self-esteem. This learning model engages girls in a fun, experiential way to discover themselves, connect with others and take action to make the world a better place.


Survey results from Girl Scouts of the USA / Buzz Marketing Group:
-- 95 percent believe Chris Brown's alleged actions are not acceptable or
justifiable for any reason
-- 59 percent hold Chris Brown responsible for what happened
-- 33 percent blame both Rihanna and Chris Brown for what happened
-- 45 percent believe Rihanna could have provoked Chris Brown

-- Girls 13-17 were more likely to think Rihanna provoked him in some way


The nationwide survey of 420 girls, not necessarily Girl Scouts, ages 8-17 was conducted in March by the Buzz Marketing Group and included questions on demographics and familiarity with both singers.


About Girl Scouts


Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.


About Buzz Marketing Group


Founded by Tina Wells, Buzz Marketing Group, the premiere by-youth-for-youth marketing and communications agency specializes in market research, content generation, and trendspotting, with particular focus on viral outreach, focus groups, and lifestyle marketing. Whether it is through online research or immersion experiences, Buzz Marketing Group provides the solutions that enhance the clients' bottom line. Wells has relied on those invaluable insights to write Mackenzie Blue, a fun and entertaining novel for tweens that marks the beginning of an exciting new series. For more information on Buzz Marketing Group, call (856) 346-3456 or visit www.buzzmg.com.


Source: Girl Scouts of the USA

CONTACT: Joshua Ackley of Girl Scouts of the USA, +1-212-852-8038,
jackley@girlscouts.org


Web Site: http://www.girlscouts.org/

Peter Gabriel, Diego Luna, and Jaguares' Saul Hernandez Meet With President Calderon to Stop Violence Against Women in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua

28 Mar 2009 05:09 Africa/Lagos


Peter Gabriel, Diego Luna, and Jaguares' Saul Hernandez Meet With President Calderon to Stop Violence Against Women in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico

Mexico City, March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, rock legend Peter Gabriel, actor Diego Luna, Jaguares' Saul Hernandez, and Patricia Cervantes, the mother of Neyra Cervantes, who was disappeared and murdered in 2003, met with President Felipe Calderón to urge him to increase his efforts to end the violence and murders of women in Ciudad Juárez and Chihuahua.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090327/DC89763-a )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090327/DC89763LOGO )


Mr. Gabriel said, "We came to bring a message from thousands of people around the globe. The world has not forgotten the hundreds of women who were brutally murdered in Juarez and Chihuahua in the past sixteen years." He added, "The families have waited long enough for answers. "


During the meeting, President Calderon suggested that participating NGOs provide him with a list of priorities related to feminicide and that authorities meet with these NGOs periodically to review progress on these issues. Within the confines of legal proceedings, he also committed to make this process transparent to the general public.


The Attorney General and the Minister of Interior, who also participated in the meeting, both committed to personally follow up on the cases of Neyra Azucena Cervantes who disappeared in 2003 and her cousin, David Meza, who spent three years in jail after being tortured into confessing to her murder. These stories are the focus of the film, "Dual Injustice," co-produced by WITNESS, the human rights NGO founded by Mr. Gabriel, and Comision Mexicana de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos (CMDPDH).


The artists, along with Patricia Cervantes, presented President Calderon with a petition signed by thousands of people from around the world. They thanked him for this groundbreaking meeting and the renewed hope it offered for the women of Juarez and Chihuahua.


Since 1993, over 470 women have been violently killed in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico - in a phenomenon known as feminicide. More than half of the victims have been women and girls between the ages of 13 and 22 years. Their mangled bodies often show signs of sexual violence and many have yet to be positively identified. Explanations for the murders have ranged from forced prostitution and organ trafficking, to satanic rituals and the production of snuff movies. However, there has been no sufficient evidence pointing to one particular theory.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090327/DC89763
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090327/DC89763LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: WITNESS

CONTACT: Suvasini Patel of WITNESS, +1-718-783-2000 ext. 316, Mobile:
+1-718-313-2046, suvasini@witness.org



.

Rape is RAPE!

The most shocking of what I have been seeing in Lagos is the case of the 13 year old housegirl that was raped.
Her master and mistress have allowed the rapist to go without even reporting him to the police. They said the man, 22, told them their Togolese housegirl harassed him for sex and he obliged by taking her to the safe place where he had sex with her.
To them, she was not raped!

They forget that having sex with anyone who has not reached the age of consent is RAPE and having sex with anyone without the consent of the person is RAPE and they forget that RAPE is the worse form of violence against women.

"Thank God she is not pregnant," the mistress said.
"But did you test her for HIV?" I asked, still shocked by their foolish and stupid reaction to the rape of their 13 year old housegirl!
The mistress shook her head.
Lord have mercy.


P.S:
My precious MOTOROLA cell phone was stolen yesterday and I am afraid that the thief must be someone who knows me very well. I use my cell phone to shoot short documentaries of Lagos and all of them were still saved in the phone when it was stolen.

The Mother of Tupac Shakur Responds to LA Times Article

Tupac Shakur

28 Mar 2008 16:28 Africa/Lagos


Afeni Shakur Responds to LA Times Article

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation presents the 2008 Leadership & Arts Camp

Cities include Atlanta, Los Angeles, & Oakland



PAC's Kids 2007 - 2008

ATLANTA, March 28 /PRNewswire/ --

In response to the Los Angeles Times article Mrs. Shakur said, "We will continue to work to save the lives of our young people and to offer peaceful alternatives to violence and conflict resolution. That is what we have done since the murder of my son, and that is exactly what we will consciously continue to do," said Afeni Shakur.


The mother of Tupac and founder of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation also announced the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the LEADERSHIP & ARTS CAMP by adding an Atlanta Spring Break Camp and announcing expansion into California for the first time to host Camps this summer. The Camps are open to students ages 5-18 (Atlanta Spring Break) and ages 12-18 (Atlanta, Oakland, and Los Angeles Summer 2008). Camp Applications are available in English and Spanish online at www.TASF.org or by calling toll free 888-875 TASF.


Celebrities such as Jasmine Guy, Ashanti, Lou Gossett, Vivica Fox, Marshal Mathers (Eminem), T.I., Tyrese, Chocolate, Mike Epps and many others have worked with the Foundation on projects that benefit students at the Foundation. Students receive instruction in acting, creative writing, dance, vocal training, set and stage design, video production and the business of entertainment. The camp also stresses literacy, responsibility, and conflict resolution. The camp experience comes to a dramatic climax with a full theatrical production at the end of the Camp session.


Many of the former participants (PAC's Kids Camp Alumni) have gone on to appear in television shows, movies and concerts such as Alvin Ailey Dance, Good Day Atlanta, VH-1 Save The Music, Mary J. Blige tour and more. Afeni Shakur, the mother of the multi-talented Tupac Shakur, established the program in 1999 to give young people quality arts training. Here are the cities and dates for each session:


Atlanta: Spring Break Camp- April 7-11, 2008 9am-5pm Registration Deadline: April 4


Summer Camp June 16-July 26, 2008 9 am-4 pm Registration Deadline: May 9


Location: Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain 30083


Interested students should attend Atlanta Interview and info sessions on 5/16/08 4p, 5/17/08 12p at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts


Oakland: June 16-20 and 23-26 1 pm-4 pm and June 27-28 10 am-4 pm Registration Deadline: June 6. Location: Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, 7701 Krause Avenue, Oakland, CA


Interested students should attend Oakland Recruitment & info session on May 24, 08 11a


Los Angeles: July 7-11 and 14-16 1pm-4pm and July 17-18 10 am-4 pm


Registration Deadline: June 27 Location: Art Share Los Angeles, 801 E. 4th Place, Los Angeles


Interested students should attend LA Recruitment and info session April 15, 2008 4:30p at ArtShare LA


Contact:
770-460-7647
sid@breakthrough-atl.com


Source: Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

CONTACT: Breakthrough, Inc., +1-770-460-7647, sid@breakthrough-atl.com


Web site: Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

UNIFEM and Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman Launch Internet Campaign on Ending Violence against Women

“I am committed to educating myself further by travelling with Noeleen to meet with women, hear their stories and understand first-hand the issues they face. ... I am especially interested in helping to give visibility to the pandemic of violence against women. UNIFEM manages a UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, and as I travel, I will be visiting many of the projects to see the effective strategies that have been put in place.”
—Nicole Kidman


26 Nov 2007 17:00 Africa/Lagos


UNIFEM and Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman Launch Internet Campaign on Ending Violence against Women

NEW YORK, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

United Nations -- The United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, its Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman, and a large number of partners launched an Internet campaign on ending violence against women today. Titled, "Say NO to Violence against Women," the campaign invites people to add their names to a "virtual" book on a web site that has been developed specifically for this purpose: www.saynotoviolence.org. Urging hundreds of thousands -- even millions -- of people around the world to participate, the campaign aims to send a strong message to decision-makers to place ending violence against women high on the global agenda



"Violence against women is an appalling human rights violation," said UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman. "But it is not inevitable. We can put a stop to this. The more names we collect, the stronger our case to make ending violence against women a top priority for governments everywhere. This is why I was the first to sign my name."


Statistics indicate that as many as one in three women will experience violence in her lifetime. Too often, this violence occurs with impunity for perpetrators and inadequate access to support for survivors. UNIFEM has been a leading advocate for decisive action to address the multiple manifestations of gender-based violence -- whether it be domestic violence, human trafficking or systematic rape in conflict zones. The task continues, however, to be an uphill battle, as fear and shame prevent many women from speaking out.


Nicole Kidman in Kosovo

Joanne Sandler, acting UNIFEM Executive Director, said: "The momentum to address violence against women is increasing. At least 89 countries, for example, have legislative provisions on domestic violence by now. But implementation of these laws is often insufficient due to a lack of political will, capacity and resources. As long as violence is pervasive and women do not dare to accuse their abusers, the issue needs to be much more prominent in public debate."


UNIFEM's Internet campaign is a gateway to information on violence against women, including pointing out ways to get involved. Since resources are critical to tackling the issue, it also highlights the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, through which initiatives in developing countries have received much-needed support, in particular to advance the implementation of laws and policies.


Major civil society organizations representing millions of members, such as World YWCA, Zonta International and the White Ribbon Campaign have come on board as launch partners, as have private sector companies like Avon, and UN partners such as UNICEF.


The campaign will run until 8 March 2008, International Women's Day. It was developed on a pro bono basis by London-based advertising agency Leo Burnett, with additional pro bono support by companies arc, sky, vividas, tsunami, ITN source, MPC, and wave.


Source: UNIFEM

CONTACT: Nanette Braun, +1-212-906-6829, nanette.braun@unifem.org, or
Letitia Anderson, +1-212-906-6506, letitia.anderson@unifem.org, both of
UNIFEM


Web site: http://www.unifem.org/
http://www.saynotoviolence.org/