Talk set May 7 in Everett on women’s legal rights

Published 11:12 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2008

EVERETT — The legal rights of women throughout the world is the focus of an event presented by the Zonta Club of Everett.

The club’s “Ignore No More” Forum on Women’s Legal Rights is noon to 1:30 p.m. May 7 at the Everett Golf and Country Club. The cost of the forum is $20, which includes lunch. Reservations must be made by today by calling 425-742-2723.

A member of Zonta International, the Everett club has a mission to promote the status of women locally and worldwide.

Women in most countries still can’t claim legal rights equal to those of men. In Washington, women continue to be faced with challenges to their financial security if they are victims of domestic violence, club members said. It is hoped that the forum will serve as an educational and inspirational event.

Snohomish County prosecutor Janice Ellis plans to serve as moderator for the forum. Ellis’ office maintains a victim-witness unit that provides advocacy services for crime victims, and it litigates issues regarding child support.

Speakers for the forum include Nuket Kardam and Lisa Stone.

Kardam is a political science professor at the Monterey Institute for International Studies and is considered an expert in the areas of gender and developing nations. Her books, including “Bringing Women In: Women’s Issues in International Development Programs,” address issues such as the impact of the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

Stone is the executive director of the Northwest Women’s Law Center, a nonprofit public-interest law group. It is dedicated to advancing legal rights for women through litigation, advocacy, education and referral services. Stone received the 2003 Jeanette Williams award from the Seattle Women’s Commission for her leadership on behalf of women.