Since 2007, Amy has generously supported Tahirih by donating 40% of the sales of her exquisite jewelry during Tahirih’s “Pearls to Support Women and Girls” events. These most recent sales were a resounding success and raised nearly $12,000 to protect women and girls fleeing violence.

The Tahirih Justice Center is extremely grateful for the hard work of so many in making these events a wonderful success. Everyone who volunteered, hosted an event, assisted with the planning, and bought pearls contributed to our success. A special thank you to the event hosts and volunteers:

Photo by Jimmy Parker of the Red Hat Restaurant.

Ms. Miller-Muro founded the Tahirih Justice Center in 1997 following a well-publicized asylum case in which she was involved as a student attorney. Do They Hear You When You Cry (Delacorte Press 1998) tells the story of that case, written by Ms. Miller-Muro and Fauziya Kassindja, a 17-year-old woman who fled Togo in fear of a forced polygamous marriage and a tribal practice known as female genital mutilation. After arriving in the United States and spending more than 17 months in detention, Ms. Kassindja was granted asylum on appeal. Her case made legal history and established national precedent, enabling women to receive asylum on the basis of gender-based persecution.

Voices of Courage:

Immigrant Women and Girls Fleeing Violence

In honor of International Women’s Day

Monday, March 8, 2010
6:00 – 8:00pm
Rice University Student Center
Farnsworth Pavilion

Appetizers and beverages will be served. RSVP to Madelaine Delgado at houston@tahirih.org.

We are happy to report that the annual benefit was a financial success, netting nearly $174,000! We are grateful to the many individuals and corporate partners who sacrificed to raise this support for Tahirih. Even though the total is slightly less than the amount we raised in 2008, we are extremely fortunate for the success of the evening in light of the economy and the bigger decreases in revenue faced by many nonprofit organizations. We are also happy to report that we did more with less this year and increased our profit margin from 80% to 82% as a result of greater efficiencies and some cost-cutting measures. As many of you have had to do, we are tightening our belt and making sure that every penny is spent wisely.

This year, we were honored to have Sam Waterston, of the NBC hit Law & Order, as the keynote speaker and recipient of the Pillar of Justice Award. For the fourth year, we were privileged to have Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan as the Honorary Chair of the Benefit Committee. We were also thrilled to be joined by two of Tahirih’s Congressional Representatives, Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who joined us to present awards and give remarks. We were also joined by Congresswoman Corrine Brown and former-Congressman Nick Lampson.

Tahirih presented three additional awards to two organizations and an individual who have shown an extraordinary commitment over the years to furthering Tahirih’s mission and to ending violence against women. The awards included the Law Firm of the Year Award to Howrey LLP, the Pushing the Envelope Award to the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., and Volunteer Service Award to Sherry Sutherland.

Isha Kargbo, a former Tahirih client, spoke about her challenges and ultimate triumph over violence. Isha came to the United States a victim of a forced polygamous marriage in Sierra Leone. In the United States, Isha fell in love with a caring man, who she ultimately married. Six months into the marriage, however, things changed. He became possessive and incredibly violent. Isha eventually called the police, filed charges against her husband, and obtained a protective order. With the help of the Tahirih Justice Center, Isha filed a petition under the Violence Against Women Act, making her eligible to become a legal permanent resident. After two years of zealous advocacy by her pro bono attorney, Isha received her green card. Tahirih also worked with Isha to obtain custody of her children. Currently, Isha is a Licensed Practical Nurse and is pursuing a degree through the RUE education program at Excelsior College to become a Registered Nurse.

Benefit Committee
We are grateful to all the guests and participants who joined us at the Benefit, as well as those who were with us in spirit. A very special thanks goes out to the distinguished members of our Benefit Committee, led by Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan. Her Majesty is a dedicated human rights activist and has supported our work by speaking at a prior Tahirih Benefit and chairing the Benefit Committee over the past four years. The kind participation of all Committee members ensured the evening’s success.

Sponsors and Silent Auction Contributors
Tahirih is privileged and honored to have the support of committed sponsors and silent auction contributors—through their kindness and generosity we were able to raise significant support for vulnerable women and girls fleeing violence.

Tahirih’s Twelfth Annual Fundraising Benefit would also not have been possible without the tireless commitment of supporters who donated their services and volunteered their time to make the evening such a moving celebration. Thank you to all those who participated to make the event a wonderful success!

On September 30, 2009, the Tahirih Justice Center, together with Human Rights First and the Women’s Refugee Commission, convened a Congressional Briefing to call attention to the many challenges facing women and girls seeking asylum in the United States. The Briefing offered policymakers and the public a critical opportunity to learn about the harmful impact of unsettled policy and current immigration laws on women and girls fleeing gender-based violence.

Tahirih’s Executive Director, Layli Miller-Muro, gave opening remarks thanking attendees for their interest in increasing protection for women and girls fleeing violence. A former Tahirih client (who also served on Tahirih’s Board of Directors), Gisele, courageously recounted how she was forced to flee her home country after being arrested and beaten for resisting a forced marriage to the chief of her village. Gisele’s story about her struggles to find safety in the United States drew in the audience and gave a vitally important human face to the consequences that can result from US asylum law and policy decisions. Award-winning actor and human rights activist Sam Waterston (D.A. “Jack McCoy” on NBC’s Law & Order) and longtime Tahirih supporter Congressman Jim Moran also gave compelling remarks, reflecting on the prevalence and severity of violence against women around the world and calling for the US to improve its response to women and girls in desperate need of refuge.

Tahirih’s Director of Public Policy, Jeanne Smoot, next outlined the problematic state of gender-based asylum law in the United States, as well as the devastating consequences of a one-year filing deadline that can bar applicants, especially women and girls, from receiving asylum. Joining Jeanne on the speakers’ panel were Annie Sovcik, Policy Counsel at Human Rights First (relating the experience of women who flee persecution only to face expedited removal, i.e., deportation without a hearing, in the US), and Emily Butera, Detention Program Officer at the Women’s Refugee Commission (addressing the damaging impacts of detention on women and children who, under current US policy, can be imprisoned while they await decisions on their asylum cases).

As highlighted in the Washington Post (“Clearer Rules Urged For Asylum Seekers”), findings from a new report by the Tahirih Justice Center, “Precarious Protection: How Unsettled Policy and Current Laws Harm Women and Girls Fleeing Persecution,” were also presented at the Congressional Briefing.

Drawing on the compelling stories of Tahirih’s clients and our direct services experiences, as well as cutting-edge research gleaned from recent reports by other organizations, Tahirih’s report represents a new level of research and analysis that has only been made possible in the last year as our public policy department has grown. The report critically examines how the lack of clarity and coherence in the field of gender-based asylum law, together with the severe implications of current immigration laws and policies of general application to all asylum seekers (including the one-year filing deadline, the expedited removal process, and restrictive detention policies with limited access to parole), can prevent women and girls fleeing persecution from finding the protection they need and deserve. Read the full report (PDF).

We are pleased and hopeful to think that through public outreach and education efforts like this recent Congressional Briefing and report, Tahirih can achieve true justice not only for one client at a time, but also, through system transformation, for all women and girls who seek safe haven in the United States.

Public pearl sales events will be held:

WASHINGTON, DC AREA

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
10:00am-6:00pm
Main Lobby
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
1333 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC

Thursday, November 12, 2009
10:00am-6:00pm
Concourse Level Conference Room
Hogan & Hartson
555 13th Street NW
Washington, DC

HOUSTON, TX AREA

Monday, November 16, 2009
8:00am-3:00pm
Tunnel-Outside of Starbucks
600 Travis Street
Houston, TX

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
11:00am-2:30pm
4:30-7:00pm
2121 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX

For more information, please contact Jenny Nuber, Special Events Manager, at 571-282-6193. To preview the type of merchandise being sold, please visit Amy Lin’s website.

As part of the outstanding cast of Law & Order, Sam Waterston has consistently brought national attention to the issue of gender-based violence. In his personal life, Mr. Waterston works diligently on refugee issues by serving as a board member and supporter for Refugees International.

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan is an international public servant and an outspoken voice on issues of world peace and justice. Her Majesty’s dedication to human rights has included supporting our work by speaking at a prior Tahirih Benefit and chairing the Benefit Committee over the past four years.

Tahirih would also like to thank our generous 2009 sponsors Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Covington & Burling LLP, Crowell & Moring LLP, Shell Oil Company, and Steptoe & Johnson LLP for their generous support as 2009 Corporate Benefit Sponsors at the Sponsor Level and higher; as well as Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr, LLP; Sidley Austin Foundation; American University Washington College of Law; Exelon; R.A. Abdoo & Company, LLC; Hunton & Williams LLP; and The Whitehead Foundation, for their dedicated support.

In these particularly difficult economic times, we wish to acknowledge these partners’ unwavering dedication to protecting immigrant women and girls from violence. For more information on joining these partners as 2009 Corporate Sponsors, please contact Jenny Nuber, Special Events Manager at development@tahirih.org or 571-282-6193. For highlights from past Benefits or to download sponsorship materials please visit the Corporate Partners section of our website.

We look forward to celebrating stories of courage and victory, and hope you will mark your calendars and join us at our 2009 Benefit on September 30, 2009.

Rainn Wilson serves as Master of Ceremonies, Congressman James Moran and Tahirih Client Speaker Rati Sud provide touching remarks, and Irena Lieberman remembers Michael Maggio. Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan serves as Honorary Chair of the distinguished Benefit Committee. The event is the most financially successful Benefit in Tahirih’s history, in large part due to Shell Oil Company, which sponsored at the highest level.

The Tahirih Justice Center held its Eleventh Annual Fundraising Benefit on September 27, 2008, in Arlington, VA. The evening was a resounding success and a moving celebration of eleven years of service dedicated to courageous women and girls seeking justice from gender-based violence. Even given the challenging economic climate, the event was the most financially successful Benefit in Tahirih’s history, resulting in a 7% increase in funds raised. This year, we were honored to have Rainn Wilson, the Emmy-nominated actor who plays “Dwight” in the hit TV series The Office, serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. For the third year, we were privileged to have Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan as the Honorary Chair of the Benefit Committee.

2008 TAHIRIH BENEFIT COMMITTEE

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, Honorary Chair

Angela Fox, Co-Chair

Karen & John Hofmeister, Co-Chairs

Debra Winger, Co-Chair

Donna Callejon & Deborah Whiteside

Laurie Plessala & Juan Carlos Duperier

Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas

Janet Gent

Betsy & Frank Karel

Frank Kendall & Elizabeth Halpern

Michael MacLeod

Neda & Hamid Moayad

Joanne Moore

Amy & Wilson Mudge

Fern O’Brian

Jackie Eghrari-Sabet & Sina Sabet

Victoria Sant

During the evening, we recognized Congressman James Moran with the Pillar of Justice Award for his committed efforts to protect women and girls fleeing human rights abuses and his tireless support of the Tahirih Justice Center. Congressman Moran has been an outspoken and passionate advocate of women and girls’ rights and has consistently championed legislation to support survivors of violence in the United States and from around the world. Moreover, Congressman Moran successfully sponsored two appropriation requests on Tahirih’s behalf to ensure that we can continue to protect our clients and to respond to the ever-increasing need for our services.

Tahirih also presented three additional awards—hand painted artwork by children of Tahirih clients—to two organizations and an individual who have shown an extraordinary commitment over the years to furthering Tahirih’s mission and to ending violence against women. The awards included the Law Firm of the Year Award to Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, the Pushing the Envelope Award to Trellis Fund, and Volunteer Service Award to Samar Al Rayyis.

Rati Sud, a former Tahirih client, spoke about her challenges and ultimate triumph over violence. Rati was married through an arranged match to a man introduced to her family though a distant relative. When Rati arrived in the United States from India, she became subject to nearly constant physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. With the help of the Tahirih Justice Center, Rati applied for a U visa, a form of immigration relief for victims of crime who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of their perpetrators. On May 2, 2006, she was granted Deferred Action status, allowing her to stay in the United States. Rati currently resides in Maryland and has a successful career at a radio and television ratings research company.

Tahirih was grateful to have Rainn Wilson as Master of Ceremonies during the evening. In addition to his celebrated career as an actor, Mr. Wilson is committed to living his values and supports the work of several charitable organizations focused on education and the empowerment of women. Mr. Wilson has been a generous supporter of Tahirih’s efforts to protect women and girls and lent his voice to raise awareness about the violence they endure. Rainn Wilson also gave his time on the day after the Benefit to discuss his commitment to Tahirih and talk about his role in The Office at an event held at George Washington University.

Benefit Committee

We are grateful to all the guests and participants who joined us at the Benefit, as well as those who were with us in spirit. A very special thanks goes out to the distinguished members of our Benefit Committee, led by Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan. Her Majesty is a dedicated human rights activist and has supported our work by speaking at a prior Tahirih Benefit and chairing the Benefit Committee over the past three years. The kind participation of all Committee members ensured the evening’s success and their ongoing efforts to promote Tahirih’s mission ensure that we can continue our important work of protecting women and girls.

Sponsors and Silent Auction Contributors

Tahirih is privileged and honored to have the support of committed sponsors and silent auction contributors—through their kindness and generosity we were able to raise more money than ever before in support of vulnerable women and girls fleeing violence.

Tahirih’s Eleventh Annual Fundraising Benefit would also not have been possible without the tireless commitment of supporters who donated their services and volunteered their time to make the evening such a moving celebration. Thank you to all those who participated to make the event a wonderful success.

The Tahirih Justice Center is extremely grateful for the hard work of so many in making our pearl sales week a wonderful success. Everyone who volunteered, hosted an event, assisted with the planning, and bought pearls contributed to our being able to raise over $40,000. We are also indebted to Amy Lin, who flew from Shanghai, China to support our work. Her high-quality pearls, personal touch, and generosity in working with Tahirih made it possible for the event to be so successful.

Thank you all for your incredible support, including the following dedicated group of hosts and volunteers:

Host Committee Members
Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah Zeid
Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas
Hoori Ahdieh
Jackie Eghrari-Sabet
Geraldine Gennet
Sara Glenn
Leah Rampy
Marti Thomas
Volunteers
Manijeh Aghazadeh
Maye Aghazadeh
Leah Bitounis
Michelle Conn
Tod Ewing
Neda Ghassemi
Tony Joy
John Kruszewski
Taraneh Shamszad

Tahirih’s Eleventh Annual Fundraising Benefit will take place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA on September 27, 2008. Join us as we come together to support courageous women and girls who are fleeing gender-based violence.

We are honored that Rainn Wilson, the Emmy-nominated actor who plays “Dwight” in the hit TV series The Office, will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. For the third year, we are privileged to have Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan as the Honorary Chair of the Benefit Committee.

Rati Sud, a former Tahirih client, will speak about her challenges and ultimate triumph over violence. During the evening, we will honor Congressman James Moran with the Pillar of Justice Award, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP with the Law Firm of the Year Award, Trellis Fund with the Pushing the Envelope Award, and Samar Al Rayyis with the Volunteer Service Award.

Irena Lieberman will provide a special tribute: Remembering Michael Maggio.