The international human rights organization Equality Now has brought together international and New York activists fighting to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in a media briefing on November 3. The occasion also featured the premiere of a new documentary film called “Africa Rising: The Grassroots Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation“. The film’s premiere at the NYU Cantor Film Center was hosted by Meryl Streep. Pictures from the premiere can be found in the Image Library.

This is a powerful look at how to eliminate, from within cultures themselves, a tragic practice. This procedure is perpetrated on young girls, the most vulnerable members of society. (Meryl Streep)

Everyday 6,000 girls are at risk of undergoing FGM through out the world. In the US, 228,000 women and girls are estimated to have undergone or are at risk of FGM. Census data from 2000 indicates that over 40,000 women and girls are at risk in the metropolitan region of New York, Northern New Jersey and Long Island. Metropolitan New York is considered to have the highest concentration of women and girls at risk of undergoing FGM in the US, yet there is little awareness or services to address the specific needs of these women and girls.

The Public Theater, Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori will produce “Courage in Concert”, a one-night-only benefit concert reuniting Kevin Kline, Jenifer Lewis, Austin Pendleton, Meryl Streep and Frederick Weller for an evening of songs from the Public Theater’s 2006 Shakespeare in the Park production of Brecht’s masterpiece, Mother Courage and Her Children. Translated by Tony Kushner with music by Jeanine Tesori and originally directed by George C. Wolfe, “Courage in Concert” will be performed at the Public Theater on Monday, October 19 at 8:00 PM with all proceeds benefiting American Jewish World Service and Partners In Health. The cast of HAIR along with special guests will complete the evening. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, September 17.

I am delighted to reunite with my friends from Mother Courage to benefit two extraordinary organizations … Both American Jewish World Service and Partners In Heath are deeply inspiring in their profound efforts to alleviate poverty and disease around the world.
Meryl Streep

 
“When you work on or watch or read the plays of Bertolt Brecht you’re compelled to ask yourself questions about the relationship between art and the troubled world outside. These questions are complicated, have no easy answers,” said Tony Kushner. “Three summers ago, we presented Mother Courage and Her Children directed by George C. Wolfe and I think I can speak for everyone involved that the experience was thrilling, moving, and left many of us wanting to extend our encounter with this immense play and its provocations. Jeanine Tesori, Meryl Streep and I have been discussing putting together a concert version of the score as a benefit. Together we chose two groups whose work we admire enormously: American Jewish World Services and Partners In Health. Both AJWS and PIH insistently call attention not only to the needs of the poor but to the underlying causes of their poverty. The connection they forge between understanding and action is the connection at the heart of Brecht’s play.”

Many thanks to Brittany at Stand Up 2 Cancer for letting me know about Meryl’s teaming with this non-profit organization to raise money for research and let everyone know how easy it is to join the fight During the month of September, we’re asking the question: “What would you give up to end cancer?” As Meryl points out, for the cost of a coffee or a magazine, you can make a huge difference in the fight against cancer. We’re asking our constituency for just five dollars, with the aim of getting 10,000 five-dollar donations in a month. Also, to learn more about SU2C, go to http://www.standup2cancer.org/su2c/five or become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/su2c)

Tony Bennett and Meryl Streep on Wednesday launched a national TV campaign to bring aid to war-torn Darfur. “Don’t be distracted. Don’t turn away. Don’t be overwhelmed. Don’t be too busy. Don’t delay. Darfur can’t wait. Go to www.unrefugees.org,” Streep says in new public service ads. Streep and Bennett are appealing to Americans to donate to USA for U.N. Refugee Agency’s relief effort, which provides food and shelter for the millions of people who have fled their homes since fighting broke out in the Sudanese region in 2003. The complete article can be read on People.com, please also visit UNrefugees.org for more information.

Nathan Lane, Harvey Fierstein, Donny Osmond, Meryl Streep and stars of The Times They Are A-Changin’, The Jersey Boys, Tarzan and more will take part in “A Magical Evening” benefit for the Christopher Reeve Foundation Nov. 6. The event, which will celebrate the strength and courage of the late Christopher and Dana Reeve, will be held at the Marriott Marquis. Current Beauty and the Beast star Donny Osmond, The Times They Are A Changin’ lead Lisa Brescia, Tarzan duo Josh Strickland and Jenn Gambatese as well as stars of Jersey Boys are slated to perform. Meryl Streep, Barbara Walters, Joan Collins, Olivia Wilde, Miss USA Tara Conner as well as Matthew, Alexandra and Will Reeve will be in attendance. Read the full article here.

Meryl Streep, fresh from the Oscars, hosted a benefit on March 7 at Bridge & Tunnel for her charity, Equality Now. The charity, is an international human rights organization dedicated to action for the civil, political, economic and social rights of girls and women. Visit http://www.equalitynow.org/ for more information on their work.

Live From Lincoln Center, the Emmy-Award winning PBS series, is presenting a special nationwide broadcast of jazz September 17 as a benefit for hurricane relief. The Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert, live from Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, will feature Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Cyrus Chestnut, Peter Cincotti, Bill Cosby, Elvis Costello, Robert De Niro, Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Hendricks, Diana Krall, Abbey Lincoln, Bette Midler, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Paul Simon, Meryl Streep, James Taylor, McCoy Tyner, Cassandra Wilson, Buckwheat Zydeco, and many others. Read the full article here

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie will join Meryl Streep as the centerpieces of a Haitian relief event to benefit Wyclef Jean’s charity Yele Haiti. Clef and Norah Jones will perform at the function, which will take place at a private residence in the Hamptons on Aug. 27, according to the New York Post.

Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Marisa Tomei, and comedienne Sarah Jones, are featured in a public service announcement spot by Equality Now. Scheduled to premiere on Lifetime Television at the end of December 2004, the PSA will also air on other cable stations throughout 2005. Visit Equality Now for more info on the foundation and to see the spot.

Meryl is among many celebrities, including Liam Neeson, Kate Winslet, Ewan McGregor, Charlize Theron and Marcia Cross, who auction the dresses they wore to the Golden Globes in order to raise money for the Tsunami victims. Meryl’s auction page can be found at C Market