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Women are suffering in war – this is how we’re supporting those who are working to rebuild
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23 October 2023 | Stylist
All people suffer in war, and women face unique vulnerabilities that are too often forgotten or ignored. Sara Bowcutt, UK Managing Director of Women of Women International speaks to Stylist about the incredible resilience and courage of the women survivors of war we serve
23 October 2023 | Glamour
Sara Bowcutt, UK Managing Director of Women for Women International spoke to Glamour about the prevalence of sexual violence during conflict. She explains that, though conflict-related sexual violence has become predictable it is still preventable.
13 September 2023 | Time Out
The Do Good pop-up in support of Women for Women International is one more reason to visit Bicester Village this September. Make sure to visit and shop incredible new, pre-loved and past-season designer fashion at exceptional prices.
12 September 2023 | TIME
Our Co-Founder, Zainab Salbi, has been recognised by the TIME100 Impact Awards, recognising global leaders who have gone above and beyond to move their industries - and the world - forward.
12 September 2023 | Women's Health
Presented by The Bicester Collection, the DO GOOD pop-up is a testament to the power of fashion with purpose. Step inside a haven for fashion enthusiasts and philanthropists alike, with 100% of proceeds going towards our work supporting women survivors of war.
8 September 2023 | Evening Standard
The Do Good pop-up in support of Women for Women International promises to be a treasure trove for the fashionably and charitably minded, featuring pre-loved, past-season and vintage designer fashion at incredible prices.
More Coverage
1 September 2023 | Harper's Bazaar
The Do Good pop-up in support of Women for Women International at Bicester Village was included in Harper's Bazaar's edit of the top cultural happenings taking place throughout September. Come along to shop for good, knowing that 100% of profits will go towards our work supporting women survivors of war and conflict.
6 August 2023 | The National
Our partner, Bereginja Mariupol's Women's Association, is supporting women refugees who have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine. Vice President of Bereginja, Kateryna Shukh, spoke to The National about the impact of gender-based violence in war and how art therapy is helping Ukrainian women come to terms with the traumas they have faced.
18 May 2023 | Evening Standard
Evening Standard highlights our 6th annual #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale, coming back to Selfridges on Saturday 20th May with donations from SophieTurner, Jimmy Choo, Vogue editor Sarah Harris and many more.
18 May 2023 | Lorraine, ITV
You can now rent Dame Helen Mirren's red carpet looks on the By Rotation app with all rental proceeds donated to our work helping women survivors of war and conflict to rebuild their lives.
13 May 2023 | Metro
Dame Helen Mirren is raising money for our work empowering women survivors of war and conflict by renting out two beautiful dresses on the rental app By Rotation.
12 May 2023 | GQ
The #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale was featured in GQ's 10 coolest things to do in London. Taking place at Selfridges Car Park and hosted by Alex Eagle, 100% of proceeds of this event will be donated to our work.
What to do this weekend 18.05.23
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18 May 2023 | Sheerluxe
Looking for things to do this weekend? Look no further! The #SheInspiresMe Car Boot was included in Sheerluxe's list of top things to do.
12 May 2023 | Harper's Bazaar
Women for Women International Ambassador, Helen Mirren has listed two beautiful evening dresses on the rental app By Rotation with all proceeds going towards our work supporting women survivors of war and conflict.
8 March 2023 | Independent
Charlotte Tilbury explains how she is on a mission to empower everyone, everywhere to feel confident and why she is so proud to be an Ambassador for Women for Women International. With support from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty we have been able to reach even more women survivors of war through our Conflict Response Fund.
8 March 2023 | My Green Pod
When two deadly earthquakes struck in Türkiye and Syria on the 6th February 2023, those who survived the war in Syria were forced to rebuild their lives and communities for a second time. My Green Pod featured our work with local partner Women Now for Development in their International Women's Day issue.
3 March 2023 | March8
Preeya Varsani, Head of Corporate Fundraising at Women for Women International spoke to March8 about her career and what keeps her feeling motivated as she raises vital funds to help women survivors of war build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
28 February 2023 | The Hill
Women for Women International CEO, Laurie Adams spoke to The Hill about the use of rape as a weapon of war and how we are supporting survivors of sexual violence in Ukraine.
1 February 2023 | Daily Express
Women for Women International staff member Saara (not her real name) explains to the Daily Express what life is like under the de facto government and amidst economic crises in Afghanistan. As always, we stand and act with Afghan women, amplifying their voices.
29 NOVEMBER 2022 | BYLINE TIMES
Artist and psychologist Kateryna Shukh explains how art therapy sessions are helping women survivors of war in Ukraine take back control of their lives. Shukh is Vice President of Bereginia - Mariupol's Women's Association, which partners with HumanDoc and is supported by Women for Women International.
17 NOVEMBER 2022 | STYLIST MAGAZINE
Our Managing Director Sara Bowcutt reflects on the bravery of the women and men who are calling for an end to Violence Against Women. She explains what we can all do to help protect women everywhere.
27 AUGUST 2022 | THE HILL
The Hill featured research from Women for Women International about deteriorating access to health care and water in Afghanistan. Marie Clarke, Chief Programmes Officer discusses the impact of frozen bank funds on ordinary Afghan people.
'Death in slow motion': Women in Afghanistan cope with fear, loss of rights under Taliban rule
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29 AUGUST 2022 | USA TODAY NEWS
Chief Programmes Officer at Women for Women International, Marie Clarke, spoke to USA Today about the fall of Kabul, the subsequent impact on women's rights and the challenges women face in providing for their families.
16 AUGUST 2022 | MARIE CLAIRE
Marie Claire spoke to Afghan women to explore how their rights and freedoms are being restricted. They spoke to Asya, who works for Women for Women International, about the changes she has witnessed in Afghanistan since the de facto government took control.
Life for Afghan women under Taliban rule
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15 AUGUST 2022 | COSMOPOLITAN
Cosmopolitan spoke to Sara Bowcutt, Women for Women International Managing Director about the work we've been carrying out to support women in Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul. Our research has shone a light on the concerns and challenges faced by Afghan women.
'We are in crisis mode.' Aid workers discuss the world hunger crisis and how you can help.
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3 AUGUST 2022 | CNN
Members of the Women for Women International team, Marie Clarke, Marianne Kajokaya and Angelina Ajonye, discuss the impact of the world food crisis and the knock-on effects felt in education and healthcare settings.
20 JULY 2022 | BYLINE TIMES
Storai Ahmadi, Programme Coordinator at Women for Women International, spoke to Byline Times about women's financial concerns as many struggle to generate an income following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
9 JUNE 2022 | i NEWS
Marianne Kajokaya, Women for Women International's Country Director in South Sudan, recently spoke with iNews about the crisis women are currently facing in South Sudan and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine.
18 APRIL 2022 | i NEWS
iNews spoke with Arizoo, our programme coordinator in Afghanistan, about the current situation Afghan women are facing, including food insecurity and financial challenges. Against the backdrop of war in Ukraine, we must also remember the women in Afghanistan.
25 MARCH 2022 | i NEWS
Sara Bowutt, our Managing Director, shares her reflections on how the war in Ukraine is affecting women, the lessons we should have learnt from previous conflict, and the need to act now - already, this is far too late.
22 MARCH 2022 | AL JAZEERA
Hear from Storai Ahmadi, our Programme Coordinator for Afghanistan, discussing our report on Afghanistan and the situation for women there now. Storai is joined by Pashtana Durrani, Director of LEARN Afghanistan and Zarifa Ghafari, Former Mayor of Maidan Shahr, Human Rights Activist & Economist.
Sophie Turner Partners with Nonprofit for #PowerToChange Pledge on International Women’s Day
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8 MARCH 2022 | HARPER'S BAZAAR
Sophie Turner is celebrating International Women’s Day today by partnering with us and pledging to use her #PowerToChange the world, inspiring others to become changemakers in their communities.
These 14 Brands Support Women Every Day of the Year — Not Just During Women's History Month
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8 MARCH 2022 | INSTYLE
From well-known designer labels to online retailers, this list of where to shop for Women's History Month features some of our incredible corporate partners who are supporting the women survivors of war we work with.
8 MARCH 2022 | STYLIST
To celebrate International Women's Day, several women from our Country Offices and affiliates spoke to Stylist Magazine about the one woman who inspires them the most and the change they would like to see for women in their country over the next year.
3 FEBRUARY 2022 | PBS NEWSHOUR
Watch Storai Ahmadi, former team member of Women for Women International - Afghanistan, in an interview with Jane Ferguson (from 03:50) as she reports on Afghanistan in her story, 'Raising Their Voices'.
20 JANUARY 2022 | INTERNATIONAL POLICY DIGEST
Bukola Onyishi, Country Director of our Nigeria programme, and Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly, share their insights on violence against women in Nigeria and reflect on our programme data.
17 AUGUST 2021 | THE GUARDIAN
The UK government must do everything it can to help Afghan women. Together with 100 other signatories we call for visas, safe exit and humanitarian care for those now in need.
18 JULY 2021 | THE GUARDIAN
Buki Onyishi, Country Director of our Nigeria programme talks to The Guardian about foreign funding cuts that threaten the future of women and girls and have a long-term impact on gender equality.
Women are used as weapons in conflict - but we are fighting back with empowering education
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8 JUNE 2021 | CONVERSATIONS INDY 100
Chantal Kizungu, our Advocacy Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of Congo, talks about supporting women to use their power and voice to fight back against gender inequality.
Opinion: Women in Afghanistan hold the key to peace
subtitle: 16 April 2021| Thomson Reuters Foundation News
16 APRIL 2021 | THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION NEWS
With international troops preparing to withdraw from Afghanistan, Vice President of Global Programmes at Women for Women International reflects on what she learnt over the years about women, war and Afghanistan.
8 MARCH 2021 | GRAZIA
International Women’s Day comes once a year and so pandemic or no pandemic, female business owners were determined to highlight 8 March 2021 with an array of fashion items designed for the occasion. The added bonus for shoppers was that they could not only grab a stylish item, they could also add their support for charities that help women.
6 NOVEMBER, 2020 | EVENING STANDARD
In 2020, when the world came to a halt, the effects were being felt by women across the globe. In only its second virtual car boot sale, Women for Women International continued to support women survivors of war courtesy of some fashion must-haves from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Saoirse Ronan and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
24 JUNE, 2020 | THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION
Our Country Director in Nigeria, Buki Onyishi, speaks out on the pandemic that has plagued her country for so many years: gender-based violence.
15 MAY, 2020 | BRITISH VOGUE
Alex Eagle, creative director of The Store X and Alex Eagle Studio speaks to British Vogue about hosting the Car Boot Sale for a fifth year in a row; this time virtually.
7 MAY, 2020 | THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION
Brita Fernandez Schmidt, our Executive Director, talks about how 2020 was due to be the critical year for women's rights and how COVID-19 put it all on hold and left women and girls living in conflict-affected countries disproportionately impacted.
Brita Fernandez Schmidt on SKY News
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25 APRIL, 2020 | SKY NEWS
Brita Fernandez Schmidt, our Executive Director, talks about the effect of COVID-19 on women survivors of war with SKY News.
29 JANUARY, 2020 | MARIE CLAIRE
Shivonne Graham, our Managing Director, shares three powerful lessons she's learned from Rose McGowan's book Brave about the Weinstein case and the #MeToo movement.
15 JANUARY, 2020 | STYLIST
After the retaliatory missile strike on Erbil following the killing of Iranian military leader Qassam Soleimani, Our Executive Director, Brita Fernandez Schmidt wrote a powerful piece about the women and children caught in the middle of this conflict.
8 MARCH, 2019 | THE INDEPENDENT
We asked 8,500 women across Afghanistan and Nigeria if they had heard of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault but none of them had.
7 MARCH, 2019 | YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP
Our Executive Director, Brita Fernandez Schmidt talks to the YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group about the impact of their support for Women for Women International and the importance of businesses joining the movement for equality.
06 MARCH, 2019 | HARPERS BAZAAR
Our Executive Director, Brita Fernandez Schmidt shares a message of hope ahead of International Women’s Day by outlining five ways we can achieve change for women who find themselves in harsh circumstances.
Leaving No Woman Behind
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21 JANUARY, 2019 | IMPAKTER
The Global Goals are underpinned by a commitment to ‘Leave No One Behind’. Our Head of Policy and Advocacy, Carron Mann, writes for Impakter on how governments and the international community can reach marginalised women and prevent the women we serve from being further left behind.
10 DECEMBER, 2018 | THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION
Our Executive Director, Brita Fernandez Schmidt, reflects on the awarding of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize to Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege for their work towards eliminating sexual violence in conflict.
09 OCTOBER, 2018 | RED ONLINE
Our Executive Director, Brita Fernandez Schmidt explains how movements like #WhyIDidn’tReport are shifting the narrative whilst also reminding us of the price women are forced to pay for speaking up.
20 OCTOBER 2020 | CONVERSATIONS INDY 100
Life has been stressful for most people during the Covid-19 crisis, but for women caught in conflict areas there has been no end to the violence that surrounds them. Displacement and inadequate health provision have exacerbated the situation making women increasingly vulnerable.
This is Afghanistan
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16 AUGUST, 2018 | THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION
A colleague in our Afghanistan office reflects upon life in a conflict zone and explains that despite the poverty, the war, and the patriarchy, women persevere. They don’t give up on Afghanistan, and they are building a better world.
Rwanda: A Leader For Women’s Representation
subtitle: journey of Rwanda
9 JULY, 2018 | THE INDEPENDENT
This month's instalment in the Forgotten Women series features one of our programme graduates, Mukeshimana Vestine, who was widowed, orphaned and only one of 14 siblings to survive during the Rwandan genocide. Mukeshimana was left to rebuild her life from nothing while still drenched in grief.
14 MAY, 2018 | THE UPCOMING
The #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale returned bigger and better than ever on Saturday 12th May, raising over £222,500 (and counting) to support the work of Women for Women International.
Forgotten Women
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14 APRIL, 2018 | THE INDEPENDENT
Om Mohammed, a Syrian refugee and one of our programme participants, defied personal tragedy, war and exile to a refugee camp to determine the fate of her missing son.
Education was the key to my freedom
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8 MARCH, 2018 | HUFFINGTON POST
Talatu Salihu, a Social Empowerment Officer with Women for Women International in Nigeria shares her story of growing up as a girl in Nigeria, a country where girls face discrimination right from birth. Growing up, Talatu had the ambition of being educated and to be economically and socially independent which was frowned upon in her society.
8 MARCH, 2018 | MARIE CLAIRE
This International Women's Day, we want to send a powerful message of sisterhood to women in countries affected by conflict and show them that they are not alone. The #MessageToMySister campaign is making a genuine difference in the lives of the women we serve.