Newsroom

10 September 2024 | Stylist

The last three years have seen severe restrictions for women in Afghanistan, but now, in a new 114-page manifesto released by the Taliban, women’s lives are being constricted even further. Stylist interviews Payvand Seyedali, Women for Women International Country Director for Afghanistan. 

28 August 2024 | The Hill

Our Afghanistan Country Director, Payvand Seyedali, spoke to The Hill, bringing attention to the heartbreaking reality Afghan women face under restrictive new laws that not only silence women but also erase them from public life.

 

26 AUGUST 2024 | ABC NEWS

Payvand Seyedali of Women for Women International joins ABC News to talk about the impact of the Taliban's new vice and virtue laws in Afghanistan.

5 August 2024 | BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour

Women for Women International - UK Managing Director, Sara Bowcutt, and - Iraq Programme Officer, Khalida Khalo Lazgeen speak about the 10 year anniversary of the Yazidi genocide, which directly impacted Khalida, a Yazidi woman herself. Begin at 35:18.

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.

16 July 2024 | Nadja

An organisation operating despite the unpredictable environment is WeFaq Society for Women and Child Care. With support from Women for Women International, they provide hot meals, winter clothing, hygiene kits, counselling and other essentials to the displaced women and girls of Gaza.

3 July 2024 | Nigerian Tribune

Community leaders, youths and women groups in Bauchi and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State have developed a plan of action for sustained advocacy for women’s inclusion in the decision-making process in running the affairs of their respective communities. 

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.

20 May 2024 | The Standard

The sisters donated clothes for a glamorous car boot sale in Selfridges. The fashion pack were to be found in an unlikely location this weekend: the car park of Selfridges, where designer Alex Eagle hosted her annual charity car boot sale.

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.

17 May 2024 | Harpers Bazaar

It’s the next best thing to owning a piece worn by the People’s Princess herself ... The sisters donated clothes for a glamorous car boot sale in Selfridges. The fashion pack were to be found in an unlikely location this weekend: the car park of Selfridges, where designer Alex Eagle hosted her annual charity car boot sale.

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. 

9 May 2024 | Daily Trust

A report released by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Women for Women International (WfWI) has identified social and cultural norms as major barriers that need to be overcome for enhanced women’s participation in democracy in Nigeria.

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.

26 March 2024 | Philanthropy News Digest

Women for Women International-funded foundation, The Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation, said it provided psychological support to 20 survivors of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) in Bauchi and Ganjuwa local government areas.

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.

22 March 2024 | Tatler

Women for Women International Managing Director Sara Bowcutt attends the Mumble Forum International Women's Day charity gala in collaboration with Mayfair Times at Apollo Muse on March 18, 2024 in London

16 March 2024 | Philanthropy News Digest

Women for Women International programme graduates involved in a stakeholders meeting for the advancement of the rights of women. Held in Bauchi to ensure that all forms of violence against women are reduced to the barest minimum.

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 | Sky News

Payvand, Country Director of Women for Women International-Afghanistan, says there is a sense of 'deep sadness in the air' in Afghanistan, as millions of women live behind closed doors. Hear from her, our partner Anna Orel from the Andreiev Family Foundation in Ukraine and programme graduate, Suzan, in South Sudan.

8 March 2024 | Harpers Bazaar

Every day is a day to celebrate being a woman. More and more, we see our voices amplified around the world, in politics, business, sports, fashion, art, and entertainment—all fields that men have historically dominated.

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.

7 March 2024 | HELLO! Magazine

Our partnership with fashion brand LK Bennett was featured in this profile by Hello! Magazine, showcasing how you can shop with purpose on International Women's Day.

5 March 2024 | Gritty Pretty

Charlotte Tilbury uses her brand to empower women and make real change. In 2016 the brand launched 12 brand new Hot Lips lipstick shades in support of the charity Women For Women International. 

29 February 2024 | Aventura Mall.

This March, Aventura Mall is recognising Women’s History Month by celebrating some of the influential women who were integral in launching some of the iconic brands, including Charlotte Tilbury. 

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. 

29 February 2024 | Devex

As the market for virtual reality (VR) expands, more and more global development organizations are using it to connect with potential donors and the general public. Featuring Women for Women International's VR film, Through Dada's Eyes.

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. 

20 November 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.

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.

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 for Women International speaks to Stylist about the incredible resilience and courage of the women survivors of war we serve. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.⁠

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.

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.

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.

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.