Area March 27, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 15 Stories of hope, challenge and change filled the Ciccone Theater at Bergen Community College in Paramus this month as the YWCA Bergen County joined together with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Bergen/Passaic Chapter and THIRTEEEN to screen portions of the powerful documentary, “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.” A crowd of 200 gathered to view excerpts from the film, which addresses the oppression faced by many women and girls in developing countries, and the brave individuals working to change the world around them. The film focuses on the global problems of sex trafficking, forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring Jamie Gordon, the film’s executive producer; Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, who is spearheading local legislation aimed at human trafficking prevention, protection, and treatment; and Ingrid Johnson, antihuman trafficking advocate. The panel discussed how these global issues for women – in particular human trafficking – are happening in New Jersey, and emphasized that ‘Half the Sky…’ screening draws large turnout holding perpetrators accountable and supporting victims is vital. The event was sponsored by The AntiRacism, Peace & Justice and Reproductive Justice Committees of The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood; Jack and Jill of America Bergen/Passaic Chapter; New York Metropolitan ASPA Chapter; and the Women’s Institute at Bergen Community College. Proceeds benefited the healingSPACE program at YWCA Bergen County. “We were thrilled by the large community turnout and insightful discussion following the screening of this acclaimed documentary,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Bergen County. “By coming together to learn more about these issues, we all can serve as agents of change and collectively work toward a solution. We would like to thank our partners, sponsors, and everyone who attended this inspiring event.” Filmed in 10 countries, “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” (www.halftheskymovement.org), which premiered on PBS, follows Nicholas Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn, and celebrity activists America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Pet therapy (continued from page 5) the club members and pets for visiting them. Many of their faces light up when they see the friendly pets walk through the door. They love to pet the animals, see the animals perform tricks, and talk to the club members.” According to the 4H TherHappy Pets brochure, club members develop their public speaking skills as they build volunteer hours, and experience the joy of watching the seniors interact with the animals. Founded in 1902, 4H is a youth development organization with approximately 90,000 clubs across the country. The 4H pledge is: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” Pictured at the event are: Eileen Steinvursal and Carol Loscalzo, representing the AntiRacism, Peace & Justice and Reproductive Justice Committees of The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood; and Helen Archontou, CEO of the YWCA Bergen County. Gabrielle Union, and Olivia Wilde on a journey to tell the stories of inspiring and courageous individuals. Across the globe, these individuals are working to confront oppression and offer meaningful solutions through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls.