Sadia, a Women for Women International participant in South Sudan. Photo Credit: Charles Atiki Lomodong

Newsroom

UK/European Press Enquiries:

Contact: Paulina Stachnik

pstachnik@womenforwomen.org

US, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia Press Enquiries:

media@womenforwomen.org

+1 (202) 521-9606

You are here:

Newsroom

Published on

Updated:

Press Releases

Learn more and read our most recent press releases here.

Recent coverage

14 DECEMBER 2024 | METRO

Throughout the 13 years of civil war in Syria, nerve agents, chlorine barrel bombs and mustard gas were used to torment civilians who disagreed with Bashar al-Assad’s Government. But in addition to deadly tactics used to terrify the masses into submission, another sinister weapon was also being used – rape. Lubna Alkanawati, Executive Director of the not-for-profit organisation in Syria Women Now for Development, supported by partner Women for Women International, speaks to Metro. 


13 DECEMBER 2024 | BBC RADIO 4 WOMAN'S HOUR

Since 2011, over 14 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes after peaceful protests ended in a government crackdown and brutal civil war. Now the Assad regime has fallen, what is life like for women still in Syria and for those who have been displaced? Can they ever return? Anita speaks to Dr Sophie Alkhaled and Zeina Kanawati, a Syrian refugee living in Berlin and working as Senior Communications Officer at Women for Women International. Listen from 49:55.


11 DECEMBER 2024 | BBC NEWS 

Zeina Kanawati, a Syrian refugee living in Berlin and working as Senior Communications Officer at Women for Women International, joins BBC News to discuss the developing situation in Syria. 


21 NOVEMBER 2024 | UN WOMEN AFRICA

Funded by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, Winny is one of the first 247 women participating in a programme led by Women for Women International, in partnership with Women for Change and the South Sudan Law Society, to address violence against women and girls in the volatile context of South Sudan.


7 NOVEMBER 2024 | COSMOPOLITAN

From ending sexual violence to providing education and basic resources for those in need, we have a ways to go. Supporting the tireless work of antiviolence advocates, human-rights representatives, humanitarian nonprofits, and women-led organizations is the first step.


More Coverage

29 OCTOBER 2024 | THE EAST AFRICAN

Harir (name changed for security), a 17-year-old girl in Afghanistan, shares how she is continuing to learn in secret now that the de facto government is curtailing women's rights - including their right to education. She dreams of becoming a doctor. 


25 September 2024 | BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour

Women for Women International - UK Managing Director, Sara Bowcutt, speaks about the organisaion's groundbreaking recent consultation #SheDares: From Asking to Action, which sheds light on the resilience, hope and urgent needs of over 6,500 women from 14 conflict-affected countries, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan and Palestine. These women who have endured brutal conflicts are delivering a powerful message to world leaders convening for the UN Summit of the Future: their voices must be heard. Begin at 45:10. 


20 September 2024 | CGTN Africa

The Pilot House, a programme launched by Women for Women International is making a major difference in the lives of women in South Sudan. The programme teaches women climate-smart farming techniques, improving food security and economic opportunities for families. 26-year-old Betty Sunday Santo is one of the programme’s recent participants. 


30 July 2024 | Yorkshire Bylines

The UK’s foreign aid cuts have greatly impacted programmes that support education, maternal and health care services, nutrition and food security, female economic empowerment, access to essential services, and reducing child mortality. It is women and children who have been disproportionately affected by the cuts.


29 July 2024 | Nigerian Tribune

A Bauchi-based NGO, Attah Sisters Helping Hands (ASHH) Foundation, has established community-based peace mediators within a few communities in Bauchi State under a project funded by Women for Women International (WFWI).


26 July 2024 | Euro News

According to the charity Women for Women International, “in addition to poverty and other issues that all refugees may face, women refugees have an added layer of oppression from gender discrimination.”

The current Refugee Olympic Team has 29 athletes, with only 10 women on the team.


26 June 2024 | City A.M.

When the Taliban enacted the Fall of Kabul in 2021, where thousands were evacuated from Afghanistan, the men’s international team was allowed to go on. The same rights were not afforded to the female population. Players including former captain Roya Samim were forced to flee, heading to Canada to escape the Taliban. 


22 June 2024 | Metro

Storai is one of thousands of Afghan refugees who arrived in the United Kingdom after the Taliban takeover ushered in a new wave of crackdowns on human rights. Here, she shares her story to shine a light on the situation for refugees and tells Metro: "I feel like my heart is injured".


28 May 2024 | Nigerian Tribune

Bauchi State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajara Gidado has described menstrual Hygiene as an important aspect of the growth and development of the Girl-child. The Coalition of NGOs, CBOs, and Stakeholders working to support improving Menstrua Hygiene practices and access funded by Women for Women International was established by Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHHF) alongside Child is Gold Foundation.


19 May 2024 | My Green Pod

The legendary Women For Women International Car Boot Sale, hosted by Alex Eagle and powered by RESELFRIDGES, returns for a seventh year, once again taking place at the Selfridges London Car Park ... with all proceeds – including ticket sales – going towards Women for Women International’s work supporting women survivors of war.


Bag a bargain!

subtitle:

17 May 2024 | because magazine

“The #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale has always been a chance to shop past-season, vintage and pre-loved designer fashion at incredible prices. Over the years, some of the biggest names in fashion have emptied their wardrobes to donate special pieces to raise money for charity” says Zoë Elliott, Head of Special Events and Philanthropy at Women for Women International.


16 May 2024 | Inside Hook

Last year, the self-funded team Women on a Mission became the first all-female expedition to cross the world’s oldest desert completely under their own steam. The mission covered 89 miles over five days and six nights of intense trekking in the dry heat of Namibia. They raised $70,000 to support women survivors of war in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Sudan through their partnership with the charity Women for Women International. 


8 May 2024 | The Glossary

With spring in full swing, it seems there’s no shortage of things to do in London this May. The capital is alive with brilliant events, from horticultural delights in the Royal Borough to must-visit pop-ups and craft and design weeks taking place across the city. If you’re stuck for what to do in London this May, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our round-up of the best London events to add to your diary this month.


15 April 2024 | GQ

One of the biggest events in London's shopping calendar is back. On Saturday, May 18, Women for Women International will return with their seventh annual Car Boot Sale, hosted by Alex Eagle at the Selfridges London Car Park. This an absolute blowout sale, where brands, designers and stylists put a select number of gems up for grabs, both new and pre-loved.


15 April 2024 | Splinter

Fatima Ahmed, founder of our partner organisation in Sudan, Zenab for Women in Development, spoke to Splinter about their work promoting the rights of women and girls amidst a civil war. The work of humanitarian organisations in Sudan has been made even more challenging by the lack of media coverage of the conflict, resulting in limited funding for emergency response.


22 March 2024 | Nigerian Tribune

The Coordinator of the Bauchi State office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Yahcit Dala, joined a Bauchi Non-governmental Organization, Attah Sisters Helping Hand (ASHH) Foundation - funded by Women for Women International - in the call for the promotion of gender diversity in the state.


12 March 2024 | SDG Action

While the war on Gaza devastates all its inhabitants as neighborhoods turn to rubble, the toll on Gazan women is particularly shocking. Read from Amani Mustafa, Country Director for Women for Women International, Palestine on how the world must act now to stop the immediate suffering – and then commit to the harder work of helping women rebuild their lives in a peaceful future.


8 March 2024 | Grazia

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a time for us to raise awareness of gender equality, celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women and take stock of what progress has been made over the last twelve months. Here are organisations you can help - featuring Women for Women International.


8 March 2024 | New Security Beat

Nisha Singh and Kavin Mirteekhan from Women for Women International dive into new report, Cultivating a more enabling environment: Strengthening women’s resilience in climate-vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, with Kavin sharing the experiences of women in climate-vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in Iraq.


8 March 2024 | Marie Claire 

Our partnership with jewellery brand Monica Vinader was featured in this profile by Marie Claire, showcasing how you can shop with purpose on International Women's Day.


27 February 2024 | TNM

Iryna Andreeva, Director of our partner organisation, The Andreev Family Foundation, reflected on two years of war in Ukraine. She spoke to TNM about how her charity is responding to the impact of violence on women at the hands of Russian soldiers by offering counselling to victims of conflict-related sexual violence. Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual violence.


26 February 2024 | The i 

Anna Orel, Project Coordinator for the Andreev Foundation, our partner organisation supporting Ukrainian survivors of sexual violence, spoke to The i about the horrific stories of violence and destruction that she has heard from survivors. Warning: This article contains disturbing and graphic content and descriptions of sexual violence. 


17 FEBRUARY 2024 | THE HILL

Amani Mustafa, Country Director of Women for Women International - Palestine, spoke to The Hill about the lack of adequate clean and safe sanitation, which is leading to disease outbreaks in Gaza and compounding the already dire humanitarian situation. 


3 December 2023 | My Greed Pod

A new report by Women for Women International brings the perspectives and experiences of women survivors of war and conflict to the heart of COP28, highlighting the effects of extreme weather, environmental degradation, poverty, violence and conflict on their lives. With insights from Programme Manager in Iraq, Kavin Mirteekhan.


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 | 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. 


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.


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. 


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.


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. 


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. 


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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

subtitle:

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.

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.

Neema Sunday Benson_programme participant from South Sudan

What we do

Women for Women International helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives. We have over 20 years of on-the-ground experience working with women in countries affected by conflict.