The World YWCA in Solidarity with the People of Japan

Friday’s earthquake is one of the most powerful earthquakes in history, and it has struck one of the most densely populated regions of the world. The tsunami that followed the quake has ravaged the coast of Hokkaido, Aomori Pref, Ibara Ki, Chiba and Tokyo Bay, engulfing several cities, with the death toll reaching 10,000 in Miyagi Province alone. Three nuclear reactors in Fukushima Dai-Chi Power Plant have been damaged and they could be facing a complete meltdown of the radioactive core that could release radioactive contaminants into the environment and result in major, widespread health risks. More than 180,000 people have evacuated the area in recent days, and up to 160 may have been exposed to radiation - pouring additional misery onto those already devastated by the twin disasters.

The World YWCA stands in solidarity with the people of Japan as they come to terms with this disaster of historic proportions and as they try to cope with the humanitarian, nuclear and economic crises that will be felt across much of the world’s surface. We acknowledge the leadership of the YWCA of Japan whose members have quickly mobilized to extend support to YWCAs in the affected communities of Sendai and Fukushima and bring this update on the situation.

Tomoko Negishi, International Relations Officer of the YWCA of Japan, reports that our sisters at the YWCA of Japan are all safe. “Although the strongly affected areas have communication difficulty, the YWCA of Japan, board, staff, and local YWCAs overall have established a close and strong communication and are now working on gathering information and planning for the next steps,” said Tomoko.

Tomoko further reports: “We have finally reached the President of the YWCA of Sendai (Sendai is one of the other YWCAs in the affected area), and she is fine and has ensured the safety of other members. The YWCA of Sendai is located on a hill and it was not damaged by the tsunami. The Fukushima 1st, 2nd, and 3rd nuclear plants suffered important damage and we are concerned about the leaking of the radioactive substances. Residents within 20km from the plants have been evacuated. The danger still remains and we are worried by the effects of radiation. The Fukushima and Sendai areas, as well as the National YWCA, have been re-assured about the dangers of the nuclear plant. To our sisters around the world we ask you not to believe the stories of nuclear power promising safety and being environmentally friendly. It is false, and we don’t want this incident to be repeated anywhere else in the world.”

The YWCA of Japan has launched two Calls to Action. The first is to contribute to support women, children and the elderly, as well as those who are at risk of marginalisation. The YWCA of Japan has begun to gather information on the situation, and calls on the international community, local and national networks to support victims and survivors. Blankets, food and water are most urgently needed.

Contributions can be made to :

Bank Transfer

Account holder: YWCA of Japan

Bank: Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank

Branch: Ichigaya branch (branch # 014)

Account #: 1282597

The Second Call to Action launched by the YWCA of Japan is to stop the nuclear power plant operations in Niigata and Shizuoka. The YWCA of Japan calls on the international community, the local and national networks, and individuals to raise their voices to demand the stop of operation of the two nuclear power plants before any further nuclear accidents damage Asia and the Pacific. The YWCA of Japan has requested individuals to send a message to demand the shut down of these plants to the Japanese Government, Niigata and Shizuoka Prefectural Governments, and the electric power companies via email and fax.

For more information: http://www.ywca.or.jp/earthquakeenglish.html

The YWCA of Japan has a long history of upholding human rights and social justice. Since its creation in 1905 it has developed programmes to educate women and to assume their place in a democratic society. Throughout the years it has offered many different types of training and vocational courses. In the 1960s the YWCA of Japan was concerned about the revival of militarism and it took action on the anti-nuclear stance. At a time when many people accepted the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the YWCA of Japan stood alone in explaining the dangers of nuclear energy. They established the annual "Pilgrimage to Hiroshima” programme, which attracted many high school students and teachers, and further reinforced their thinking.  Since 1975 it has become part of the peace education programme for high school students. The YWCA of Japan has extended its stance on the nuclear issue to include the protection of natural resources and understanding of sustainable development.  They are trying to simplify their lifestyle by using less energy and finding ways of recycling goods.

The YWCA of Japan has appreciated all of the messages of solidarity that it has received since Friday. “The messages give us power,” says Tomoko Negishi. For more information on how you can help or to send a message of support, please write to: office-japan@ywca.or.jp .