The Power of Your Support
Thank you for being a part of the Power Up Club, and for helping to transform the lives of thousands of women survivors of war.
Read on to learn more about the power of your support.
Your Power Up Impact Report
Thank You
THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR POWER UP CLUB – HERE IS A TASTE OF THE LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT YOU ARE MAKING WITH OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY.
This Impact Report – your December 2022 Power Update – provides a taste of the incredible impact your monthly support is having on women survivors of war and conflict around the world. You are part a transformational community, helping to make the world more equal, peaceful and prosperous.
Inspired by our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme, the Power Up Club is a space for you - our dedicated supporters - to come together with other monthly donors, develop your knowledge and skills, and drive the changes you want to see in the world.
This year has not been easy, but you have stood by the women we serve. The current global cost of living crisis is pushing many – here and abroad – into economic insecurity. We know that many people are tightening their belts and that even some of the most passionate donors are having to reconsider their gifts, understandably. Your continued dedication really does mean the world – to us, but more importantly, to the women we serve. We can only thank you and show you what your commitment is making possible.
Further down, you’ll be able to read about the power of your support. As the world began its slow recovery from the impact of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine left millions of women and children fleeing violence. Learn more about how you have enabled us to partner with organisations in Poland and Ukraine to support women affected by Russia’s invasion. You will also see the unwavering strength of our colleagues and sisters in Afghanistan, whose rights continue to be restricted by the de facto government. Read first-hand stories from our sisters and explore some of our recent blogs. We have also included recordings of the Power Up events we’ve held so far, in case you couldn’t make it or would simply like to watch them again. And that's not all!
None of this would be possible without you and our community of supporters. Your dedication is increasing women’s power globally, even in the toughest of times.
On behalf of our global sisterhood – thank you.
What your generosity has achieved
531,498 women survivors of war reached since 1993
22,500+ women joined our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme this year
5,700+ men reached through our Men's Engagement Programme this year
Our Mission
Made Possible By You
In countries affected by conflict and war, Women for Women International supports the most marginalised women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support.
By utilsing skills, knowledge, and resources gained through our programme, women can create sustainable change for themselves, their families and communities.
Responding to Current Conflicts
27 ARMED CONFLICTS ARE HAPPENING IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW
Through our Conflict Respond Fund, we can respond to crises in real-time, identifying credible partners on the ground and allocating resources to meet the urgent needs of women survivors. This year, we began supporting women affected by Russia's invasion who are displaced within Ukraine and seeking refuge in Poland. Your ongoing support makes this kind of response possible.
STANDING WITH OUR AFGHAN SISTERS
RESUMING OUR PROGRAMMES IN AFGHANISTAN
We have supported women in Afghanistan since 2002, serving over 127,000 women. In August 2021, the lives of women in Afghanistan completely changed when the de facto government took control. We were forced to pause our programmes for the safety of our colleagues and sisters. Thanks to you and our global community, we have resumed our work, adapting our programme to run safely despite current restrictions.
LIFE THROUGH DADA'S EYES
a 360° virtual reality experience
Generously funded by players of People's Postcode Lottery, you can experience what daily life is like for a woman enrolled in our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme in Bauchi, Nigeria through our new 360° video.
Watch this video to become immersed in Dada's world. Together, you'll attend a training session, meet Dada's family and other women in her training group, and witness the transformational power of your support in action.
GLOBAL GOALS
HIGHLIGHTING THE REALITIES OF WOMEN AFFECTED BY CONFLICT
Women for Women International has committed to using the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for annually sharing the data we collect from our programme and to share our contribution towards the implementation of the Goals. We published our latest annual data (from 2021) to highlight the need for urgent and decisive action to accelerate change, and show the impact of prioritising and investing in the most marginalised women living in fragile and conflict-affected states.
join us on tiktok
check out our new channel
Filled with footage from our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme and content from our team, our new TikTok channel is here to help you learn more about our work and connect with the women we serve and our global community. From videos demonstrating how to make delicious meals for our #ServingUpSisterhood campaign, to brand-new clips from our podcast, there's lots happening on our newest social media platform!
connect on Facebook
If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to join the Power Up Club Facebook group to start connecting with other members.
Missed a Power Up Event? Watch now
Power Up Club Launch Event
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Welcome to our Power up Club!
As a member, you are invited to bespoke and exclusive events with this powerful community.
Watch our launch event here, hosted by Paulina Stachnik, Head of Communications at Women for Women International - UK, and joined by special guests Seida Sarić, Director of Žene za Žene International and Ema Camo.
Your Access Passcode: *DQn9U+m
Tune in for a conversation with our Iraq and Afghanistan Country Director, Aram Shakerm, and Vice President of Global Programs, Marie Clarke, discussing the disproportionate impacts of war and crises on the most marginalised women, the challenges they face and how we can best support them to create sustainable change for themselves, their families and their communities.
Nathalie Errandonea-Mewes is a former classically-trained dancer and founder of NRG Barrebody, an online and in-person Barre community with a studio based in North London.
Join Nathalie for this at-home Barre class, which will help you improve strength and stability, attain a more toned and sculpted physique, and improve your coordination, flexibility, strength and posture. Nathalie also shares her love of dance in a conversation about wellness, strength and empowerment.
Panel discussion with Waad al-Kateab (director of For Sama), Hamza al-Kateab and Afraa Hashem
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For Sama is an award-winning film about Waad al-Kateab's life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria, as she falls in love with a doctor, Hamza, gets married and gives birth to her daughter Sama. You can watch For Sama for free in the UK on Channel 4.
Hear from Waad, her husband Hamza and friend Afraa, in this powerful and heartfelt conversation hosted by our Ambassador Basma Khalifa and our Managing Director, Sara Bowcutt.
Watch our virtual Q&A and live discussion with Afghan author and activist Dr. Homeira Qaderi.
Hosted by our Managing Director, Sara Bowcutt, join this moving conversation about Dr. Qaderi's experiences growing up under the Russian occupation in Afghanistan and fighting for women's rights - all centred around her award-winning book Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother’s Letter to her Son.
Cook-Along from Home with Mick Elysée
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Join world-renowned chef Mick Elysée in his kitchen for a virtual cooking class. Learn to cook a healthy and affordable stuffed aubergine recipe, while Mick shares his story and wisdom in conversation with our Managing Director, Sara Bowcutt.
Hear about Mick's impressive career and Congolese heritage (with lots of kitchen tips thrown in!).
Keep Learning & Get Inspired
Sarah
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The Women for Women International programme was my ray of hope. It felt like I was finally completing my education which was cut short by poverty.
Olga
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If someone had told me in the past that I would need to restart my life from scratch, I couldn't believe it. But that is what happened to me when I needed to flee to Poland with my son.
As political figures and activists engaged in discourse, addressing the effects of climate change through political leadership, a small group of women in South Sudan assembled less than 1000 miles away. Faced with a withering supply of crops and livestock, they’re pursuing an avenue of farming that will make them more resilient.
Press highlights
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.
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.
