The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, will attend the Diaspora Women’s Initiative (DWI) commemorating Irish Aids Day on Friday 19th June 2009 at 4pm in the Lantern Intercultural Centre, CBS, Synge Street, Dublin 8.

The event, which is organised by DWI and Dublin City Council’s Office for Integration, is an afternoon to remember loved ones lost to AIDS and to celebrate life.  The Lord Mayor will formally open the evening by lighting a candle which will be followed by a minutes silence and she will then plant a rose bush in the Lantern Centre Garden to remember those who have passed away in the last year.

“The Diaspora Women’s Initiative is such an important and vital organisation, it empowers migrant women to tackle health and welfare issues in Ireland.  Their vision is one of social change, inclusion and understanding and I fully support their dedication, commitment and passion.  I hope that with each summer bloom, this rose bush will serve to remind every passer-by of the beauty of life and as a remembrance to all who have died from AIDS in the past” said the Lord Mayor.

Ends

Notes to the Editor:

DWI was created in June 2006 by a group of women from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

DWI Mission Statement: To develop DWI as a vessel for lifting women's self esteem, promoting equal opportunities, access and enhancing their potential to cope with health and welfare related issues such as HIV related stigma and discrimination, so as to productively support them feel fully integrated in Irelands' intercultural society.