In 1992, Jessica Neuwirth founded Equality Now (link opens external window) along with Navanethem Pillay and Feryal Gharahi, to address the gender disparity in the human rights movement, which had grown to dismiss violations as “cultural” or “private”. Issues such as domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, trafficking, and reproductive rights were not part of the agendas of established human rights organizations.

Neuwirth was a student of Lee Stearns, who founded the first Amnesty International chapter run exclusively by high school students. Stearns is Joss Whedon's mother.

Whedon has been outspoken in his support of the organization and gender equality initiatives. You can hear his remarks on why equality is paramount in this YouTube clip (link opens external window), where he accepts a special recognition award from Equality Now.

In picking Equality Now as the organization receiving the proceeds of the global screenings, the organizers of Can't Stop The Serenity voice their support of the work done around the world by EN.

I am SO proud and grateful that this is where the energy of the Browncoats is going. Buffy and Angel fans have always distinguished themselves through their altruism, but this hits close to home in a way probably none of you know.

My mother started what I believe was the first high school chapter of Amnesty International. She was a history teacher, and started a feminism course as well (she also directed plays -- not so much the slacker). Probably her favorite student (and she had many that she loved) was Jessica Neuwirth. Jessica went on to work as a lawyer for Amnesty International and then started Equality Now, which used the Amnesty model to combat gender-based offenses. Jessica is as kind, intelligent and dedicated as anyone I've ever known (and would probably cringe to read any of this.) The idea that my work is on a wavelength with Equality Now's agenda is as gratifying as anything I could wish for. But for the fans to take an active role in helping out this under-recognized cause, and on such a grand scale... it means more than I can say. I have said, in point of fact, much more than I usually would in this forum, but I can't contain my appreciation. My mother would have been so pleased.

There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That's me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That's a great deal harder, and that's Equality Now. It's not about politics; it's about basic human decency. And it's more important than... well, than that movie I keep telling everyone to see.

Thank you to the tireless Browncoats and everyone who donated, bid or lifted a finger to raise this money, for making my work mean more than it ever did, even to me.

I would like to tell you a little bit more about Joss' mother, Lee. I met Lee when I was about twelve years old. She introduced me and so many others - no doubt including Joss - to human rights, feminism, and the idea that every person in the world can make a difference (and should try to do that).

Lee presided over the birth of Equality Now, and she would have so deeply loved everything Joss has done and is doing to change the way men and women think of themselves, each other, and the world at large. Joss is carrying his mother's legacy forward on a global if not extraterrestrial scale with humor, grace and tremendous talent - touching you and so many others as she touched me.

All of us at Equality Now are humbled by Joss' powerful work and ongoing support, and by your commitment and generosity, which inspires us to redouble our efforts to end violence and discrimination against women. Keep it up and thanks so much!!!

Visit their contributions form and enter CSTS-NTX where the form asks where you heard about Equality Now. By tracking this code, Equality Now will be able to let us know how much money has been generated by our efforts.