------------------------------ From: Dorothy Kidd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Tue, 11 Jul 1995 14:58:26 -0700 (PDT) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: cuban women communicators networking at beijing This is a copy of a fax passed on to me recently. Please forward it. Dorothy Kidd. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Women communicators intent on introducing gender approaches in products aimed at social communication have rallied forces in order to identify the main issues that link the will of today's Cuban women with the endeavours of women around the world. Recent times have been harsh for us: we have lost positions in Parliament and in the Government; we are burdened by the economic crisis; we are insufficiently represented in power and in general, the criteria of equity that have long been a part of our struggle have not sufficiently pervaded family life. We seldom are the protagonists of important events in the mass media, although among creators and producers a better understanding is beginning to emerge about the disadvantages women have endured as a result of the process of construction of gender differences. These realities are coupled with political circumstances that have kept us isolated for a long time, have made our lives much more difficult and our shortages less bearable. These same difficulties have prevented our voices from being heard in many forums and from reaching countries where our truth has been concealed and our intentions distorted. WE, Cuban communicators want to engage in dialogue and to expound: to listen and learn; to plan and dream together; to direct our actions and determine our goals; to lay out strategies and outline identities. As our resources are so meager, only the solidarity of our friends could render it possible for one of several of our candidates to attend the meeting at Beijing, the Chinese capital city. The Association of Women Communicators --MAGIN-- has brought together highly trained professionals who make up a force of the present that thinks in terms of the future. Given the nature of our daily tasks as journalists, radio and television producers, publicists, film and video-makers, academics, culture and community communications promoters, psychologists and sociologists, among others, we have the possibility of multiplying messages and outlining behaviours; of influencing the collective consciousness and of contributing to an adequate inter-gender construction to confront the violence and the injustice that victimize one half of humankind. Because it is an merging force, the Association of Women Communicators (MAGIN) does not yet have the status of an NGO, but already enjoys a high measure of prestige and public recognition. Its Managing Committee has decided to appoint six highly qualified members of the Association, capable of speaking for all of us, thinking for many of us and acting for the majority of us, as candidaites to attend the Beijing gathering. That in fact one or several of them can participate in that forum, will depend on the funds we can raise. We therefore, request your personal sponsorship, or that of your organization, for: Mirta Rodriguez Calderon, a journalist, who for many years, has placed the most ...(copy missing from this transmission. She writes for Bohemia, a Cuban journal. dk.) Bicerta Sanchez de Gonzalez Garcia, a sociologist who has introduced gender concepts in political studies programs, and identified gaps and differences. Irene Esther Ruiz Narvaez, a television producer who has explored the subjectivity of Cuban wome nowadays in documentaries and TV programs. Xiomara Blancl Gonzalez, a prestigious director of TV serials, who has succeeded in presenting, bold, intelligent and determined feminine characters on the small screen. Nora Quintana Ecehvarria, radio producer and consultant, who has set standards and paved the way to gender approaches on the radio, Rosalia Arnaez, a journalist and tlevision anchor in programs which attract large audiences, who is also a deputy to the People's Power National Assembly. If you or your organization decide to favour our presence in Biejin, to support our actions and to be with us in our trek towards the future, send us your contribution directly or through a check or money order to one of hese two bank accounts placed at our disposal by supportive friends: Banco BICSA, account number 32101032600, Client No. 326 Banco Financiero Internacional, account number 412-01-19. For your information, the most inexpensive air fare Havana-Beijing costs $US2200, and the least expensive registration, accomodation and internal transportation costs a little over $US800. Please notify your remittance to: 1. Our provisional headquarters: ACNU (UN Cuban Association) Calle J esquina a 25, Vedado. Telephone: (537) 32-4723. 2. MAGIN-UNICEF. Telephone: (537) 33-6094; Telex:S1-3089; Fax (537)33-6288. 3. MAGIN-editorial Pable, Calle II No. 160, entre L y K, Vedado. Telephones: (537) 32-3322, (537) 32-7581. 4. e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] We will convey our grattitude directly or by return mail, and we will send you a certificate of solidarity with MAGIN. On behalf of MAGIN's Managing Committee. --------------------------- Michael A. Lebowitz Economics Department, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6 Office: (604) 291-4669; Office fax: (604) 291-5944 Home: (604) 255-0382; fax/modem (with notice):(604) 254-3510 Lasqueti: (604) 333-8810 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]