Case study: More Than Just a Grant
Fifty-eight percent of residents in Kalikot, Nepal, live in deep poverty. Seventy-four percent of its girls are married by the age of 19 and largely uneducated. Against this bleak backdrop, Modern Model Residential School offers a better future to the area’s children through innovative use of technology and modern teaching methods. Inspired by its mission, AWIU has covered tuition and housing for several orphan girls, amplified by additional direct donations by AWIU members and regular communication with the school’s founder. AWIU Passports, who are mentored by our members with experience in teaching, now read to the Nepalese girls weekly by Zoom and help them to learn English.
The mutual benefits of this ever-deepening relationship span not only AWIU’s various programs but also the globe: by providing extra, hands-on (if virtual) assistance, and being in touch with our grant recipients to track progress and impact, we leverage AWIU grant dollars. The next generation of women leaders are educated and empowered on both sides of the screen; members are inspired by mentoring. Throughout this process, international understanding through personal connection is both the conduit and the glue that holds us all together in a shared vision.
AWIU member Leslie Schweitzer is the President and Chair of Friends of AUAF, and serves on the AUAF Board of Trustees.
American University of Afghanistan struggles to evacuate students
AWIU Member Leslie Schweitzer, founder and chair of the Friends of the American University of Afghanistan, tells TRT World about the students and teachers who’ve had to be evacuated for fear or reprisals after the Taliban takeover.
American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) is an organization dedicated to support and promote female leaders around the world. Through our advocacy, grant program, and recognition awards, we want to make sure that at-risk women have the resources they need, and the right, to make a difference in their countries. In the past week, in Afghanistan, that right has been extinguished.
We are actively exploring opportunities to help these women, including fundraising, settlement assistance, and befriending, and will not stop until the women of Afghanistan have options beyond Taliban repression and violence.
Ambassador Tatiana C. Gfoeller
President, AWIU
The 2021 International Women of Courage Virtual Celebration
Live Panel Discussion with 2021 Honorees Julienne Lusenge and Canan Güllü
Moderated by ABC Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott
The 2021 IWOC Virtual Celebration continued after the prerecorded program with a live panel discussion moderated by ABC Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott with 2021 IWOC Awardees Julienne Lusenge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Canan Güllü from Turkey. Julienne Lusenge is the DRC’s leading activist fighting against gender-based violence and promoting rights for women and girls in conflict situations. Canan Güllü is a champion for gender-equity in Turkey, organizing for the rights of women and girls, and educating politicians and people about the effects of gender-based violence.
I don’t know how to explain the feeling that I felt at that time, the fear, because I thought it was the end of my life. But we didn’t stop, we continued.
Rachel Scott opened the discussion by asking each woman to talk about a time when she was fearful had the courage to push on with her work. Julienne described how when she began documenting serious crimes against women, she was threatened, her house was pillaged, and she had to flee her home alone for several months. She stressed, “I don’t know how to explain the feeling that I felt at that time, the fear, because I thought it was really the end of my life. But we didn’t stop, we continued. I continued to document what was going on, and to present reports to the International Court of Justice.”
Canan replied in turn to the question by asking, “What is fear?” She explained that she’s not afraid to die because she’s survived two bad accidents. She knows she has many people behind her who will continue her cause, giving her courage. She states in every interview that they will never give up.
When asked about their greatest challenges, Julienne responded that it’s critical for the victims to be able to report about the crimes against them and to be willing to go to court. She stressed the need for sufficient resources so that the women can have access to legal counsel, citing that justice in the DRC is expensive. Sometimes a woman has a strong case with all the proof, but she doesn’t have sufficient resources to bring the case. In her mind, justice includes not only legal justice under the law and having the ability to speak out and not be silenced, but also social justice, including things such as access to medical care and clean water.
There are thousands of women that we have helped, and we have thousands of volunteers. We are strong, and we are working for women’s organizations.
Canan concurred that although the circumstances are different in Turkey, the paternal mentality is the same as in the DRC. Women were given rights under the law when Turkey was founded, though those rights have never been enforced. Canan has been doing her work for 30 years, but Turkey still has gender equity issues. She pointed to the fact that women can’t participate in decision-making, nor is there equal pay for equal work. Most distressing is the reality that their hard-fought gains are being taken away. For example, the Turkish government recently pulled out of the Istanbul Convention, which aimed to protect women against violence and to end the impunity of perpetrators. This withdrawal resulted in an increase in violence against women without recourse. The authorities say that since there is no Istanbul Convention, they can’t protect the victims anymore. Women’s organizations are reaching out for international support, arguing that this isn’t just a problem for women, it’s a human rights issue. Canan lamented that when you go to sleep at night, you can’t be happy because you know some woman will be subject to violence. “But at the same time,” she continued, “there are thousands of women that we have helped, and we have thousands of volunteers. We are strong, and we are working for women’s organizations.”
The risk of not speaking out is that things will just continue as they are now. It’s been decades that this violence has been happening in our country.
Julienne addressed the risk of staying silent and not speaking out. “The risk is that things will just continue as they are now. It’s been decades that this violence has been happening in our country, because of the conflicts that have been going on.” But this is not a cultural issue, she stressed, it’s about violence and the destruction of women and humiliation. “It’s about imposing power on others. If we want things to change, we have to find the courage to document, to make the voices of the women heard, and to go to court. If we do not document, the perpetrators will continue to do the crimes. We have won convictions at the national courts, and we will be bringing women’s testimony to the ICC [International Criminal Court].” Julienne also addressed the need to train law enforcement to understand women better. “Women may not be able to say I’ve been raped. They might say I was subjected to violence. So, police officers need to know they are talking about rape when they say that, and the police need to be able to document the crimes properly so the case will stand up in court.” She concluded with the idea that this isn’t just a women’s issue. “It’s not the problem of any individual, it is a problem for everybody. Women and men both understand the issue and they both want to help the victims.”
Do not ever be ashamed. You are the victim. When you are ashamed, you are victimized once again.
Rachel asked Canan what she would say to women in Turkey who are scared of speaking out. Canan tells the women, “Do not ever be ashamed. You are the victims. When you are ashamed, then you are victimized once again. Don’t be victimized again. All this was done to you. We should ask for justice from the courts, and we will go to court together. You are not alone. Your tears are very important to us.”
I always wear red when I’m doing this work because there are women who are raped for wearing red lipstick. I see the red on you, and I want to thank you.
Canan inserted one final point before the conversation ended. She wanted to thank Rachel. Canan said she always wears red when she is doing this work because there are women who are raped in Turkey for wearing red lipstick. She said to Rachel, “I see the red on you, and I want to thank you. This is our fight.” Rachel replied that she had read about Canan and what she said about wearing red. “So, I definitely wanted to make sure that I was wearing a red dress today,” Rachel said. “It was important to me, and just a note about how inspired I am by you.”
The 2021 International Women of Courage Virtual Celebration
“There is no doubt that these are extraordinary women, but they are also ordinary women, seeking health and safety for themselves and their families, and peace and justice for their communities and countries,” declared award-winning journalist Lisa Ling, as she introduced the Secretary of State’s 2021 International Women of Courage. “Circumstances have forced them to speak up and speak out. Courage has brought them here today.”
Ms. Ling, who is the host of CNN’s This is Life with Lisa Ling, had the opportunity to interview five of the International Women of Courage (IWOCs) for the 2021 International Women of Courage Virtual Celebration. The Celebration was hosted by American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State. AWIU particularly thanks Inga Litvinsky of the Office of Global Women’s Issues and Sarah Belousov of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
Circumstances have forced them to speak up and speak out. Courage has brought them here today.
This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award which recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and courage in fighting for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, often at great risk and sacrifice to themselves. Since 2008, AWIU has been honored to partner with the U.S. Department of State not only to celebrate these courageous women with an annual event, but also to support their work with monetary grants and to maintain a connection with them when they return to their home countries. This global sisterhood now extends to over 155 honorees from over 75 countries. The 2021 Awardees include Maria Kalesnikava (Belarus), Phyoe Phyoe Aung (Burma), Maximilienne C. Ngo Mbe (Cameroon), Wang Yu (China), Mayerlis Angarita (Colombia), Julienne Lusenge (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judge Erika Aifan (Guatemala), Shohreh Bayat (Iran), Muskan Khatun (Nepal), Zahra Mohamed Ahmad (Somalia), sister Alicia Vacas Moro (Spain), Ranitha Gnanarajah (Sri Lanka), Canan Güllü (Turkey) and Ana Rosario Contreras (Venezuela). The Secretary of State also presented a posthumous group honorary IWOC Award to seven Afghan women who were assassinated in 2020 while serving their communities.
We will stand with you as we build a brighter future for us all.
–First Lady Jill Biden.
The 2021 IWOC Virtual Celebration premiered on April 29, 2021, on a hosted AWIU microsite. The virtual program was produced by Emmy Award-winning entertainment company Herzog & Co. ABC Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott was the virtual host of the Celebration, and Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, was the Honorary Chair. The program included highlights from the State Department’s 2021 International Women of Courage Ceremony, with remarks from First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, and Senior Official for the Office of Global Women’s Issues Katrina Fotovat. Ambassador Melanne Verveer also sent words of congratulations to the 2021 IWOCs and saluted AWIU for its long-time engagement celebrating the IWOC Awardees. The virtual platform allowed for a broad global audience with participants watching from ten countries, including the U.S., Somalia, Guatemala, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Turkey, Brazil, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
They need to prepare another way for them, another life for them, and education is the clue.
The heart of AWIU’s IWOC Celebration always is hearing the Awardees’ stories. Lisa Ling spoke with the IWOCs from Spain, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Guatemala and Iran. Awardee Sister Alicia Vacas Moro is a Spanish nun who has been living in the West Bank outside of Jerusalem. She works with the indigenous Bedouin community providing training programs for women, schooling for children, and healthcare for the community. Ms. Ling asked Sister Alicia why she was focused on that area and that community. Sister Alicia explained that her religious order has been working in the Middle East for more than 100 years, and they realized that these displaced transient shepherds were neglected by both the Israeli and the Palestinian governments. But the Bedouins’ way of life is changing. “They always ask for education. This is their main concern,” said Sister Alicia. “I think somehow they are aware that their children will not be Bedouin anymore, that they need to prepare another way for them, another life for them, and education is the clue.”
Venezuelan women are on the front lines of this fight, and we know that we will be like the Phoenix and rise from the ashes.
Venezuelan Awardee Ana Rosario Contreras is president of the Caracas Nurses’ Association, where she advocates for the rights of women, labor unions, and medical health professionals, in the face of the repressive dictatorial regime. Ana Rosario explained to Ms. Ling that the global pandemic has exacerbated weaknesses in the Venezuelan system, including insufficient salaries, lack of protective equipment, and inadequate food supplies. “Right now, we need humanitarian assistance,” implored Ana Rosario. “We need PPE, medicine and especially large amounts of food in order to deal with the hunger that so many Venezuelans are facing.” Yet Ana Rosario concluded on a positive note, “Our people are brave, and we are currently fighting for what is most important – for our freedom. And Venezuelan women are on the front lines of this fight, and we know that we will be like the Phoenix and rise from the ashes.”
We all have to work together to create a change, and then upgrade the standard of the PTA to international level.
As a human rights lawyer from Sri Lanka, Awardee Ranitha Gnanarajah has dedicated her career to helping victims of enforced disappearances and prisoners detained without charge under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Ms. Ling asked Ranitha what happens to people who are imprisoned under the PTA. Ranitha explained that detainees can be held for more than 18 months with limited access to lawyers and family members, and they can be tortured and intimidated into making a confession. She declared, “I want the world to know that the PTA, Prevention of Terrorism Act, affects every one of us in the country of Sri Lanka. It is used as a tool to silence any voice of dissent by the opposition.” Ranitha urged, “We all have to work together to create a change, and then upgrade the standard of the PTA to international level to ensure the rights of the prisoners for fair trials, natural healing, and to make sure the new process is being followed up.”
I continue to do this work because of the victims.
Guatemalan Awardee Judge Erika Aifan is a High-Risk Criminal Court judge who has presided over high profile corruption and war atrocity cases, leading not only to defamation, but also to threats of violence against her. Lisa Ling asked Judge Aifan what keeps her going with all the security concerns and threats to the rule of law. Judge Aifan replied, “I think first and foremost is the belief in justice.” She went on, “Despite all the risks, the threats and the challenges, I consider this position as judge to be that of privilege, and I have to think to myself, if my safety is at risk, what does that say about the safety of the victims? And so I continue to do this work because of the victims.” When asked what the IWOC Award means to her, Judge Aifan stated, “It’s not a recognition for myself, it’s more so a recognition for the women of Guatemala, the courageous female judges of Guatemala. It’s also a symbol of hope . . . that we can have peace, we can have justice, and we can have gender-inclusion in my country.”
I know there are many Iranian women who are more courageous than me, and I feel that they deserve more than me to receive this award.
Awardee Shohreh Bayat is a Category A international chess arbiter from Iran, who was photographed at the 2020 Women’s Chess World Championship without her hijab. Refusing to apologize to the Iranian government, Shohreh sought refuge in the UK where she still lives. Lisa Ling inquired what life is like for women in Iran. Shohreh replied, “Actually, women don’t have the basic rights, like if a woman wants to travel, she needs either the permission of her father or the permission of the husband.” Ms. Ling asked if people in Iran are frustrated with the control of the government. Shohreh stated, “What the world needs to know about Iranians is that Iranian people are extremely liberal. They said if I get a chance to ask what they want, they want to have free internet because every time that something happens in Iran, the government controls the means of communication for them.” When asked why she did not apologize to the government, Shohreh explained, “I know there are many Iranian women who are in prison because of protesting against hijab. And if I would apologize and come back to Iran, how could I look at the eyes of Iranian people?” Finally, Ms. Ling asked Shohreh what the IWOC Award means to her. She replied, “I’m honored to receive this award, but on the other hand, I know that there are many, many Iranian women who are more courageous than me, and I feel that they deserve more than me to receive this award. But I know that many of them are in prison or are not in the situation to be here and receive this award, but I would love to share it with all of them, and I would love to tell them that ‘You are the brave one, and I’m so proud of you.’”
I’m truly thrilled to accept this award on behalf of Deloitte. And I can assure you that we will continue to innovate and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.
AWIU also presented its 2021 Internationalism Award to Deloitte. Deloitte was selected because it stands apart as one of the first companies to recognize the necessity for empowering and advancing women in business. The result is transformational work in addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in both the U.S. and the global workplace. Terri Cooper, Deloitte’s Vice Chair of External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, accepted the award on behalf of Deloitte. Ms. Cooper congratulated the 2021 International Women of Courage and acknowledged their achievements and their profound impact globally. She went on to recount that Deloitte started its Diversity & Inclusion journey almost three decades ago both to focus on the retention of women and to increase the representation of female leaders. Deloitte continues today to be visible and vocal in its commitment to making gender equity the norm in all parts and all levels of its organization. She concluded by saying, “I can assure you that we will continue to innovate and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within Deloitte and within our communities.”
The Global Leadership Sponsor of the 2021 IWOC Virtual Celebration was Deloitte for its 11th consecutive year. A leader on the global stage, Deloitte is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, embracing the idea that a diversity of perspectives helps us look deeper to find answers. Additional corporate sponsors included The Walt Disney Company, ACE Health Foundation, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Goldman Sachs. Media Sponsors included Herzog & Co., Nomad, and Shaman Design.
AWIU ANNOUNCES DELOITTE AS
2021 INTERNATIONALISM AWARD HONOREE
American Women for International Understanding is proud to announce that the 2021 Internationalism Award recipient is Deloitte, provider of industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands. Deloitte is being honored for its transformational work in addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, in particular, for recognizing early on the importance of empowering and advancing women to leadership positions. The AWIU Internationalism Award is presented to honorees who have addressed concerns and issues facing women worldwide. The commitment and work of the honorees have set them apart by every standard. Recipients have exhibited support for women’s issues and contributed to worldwide understanding, raised awareness of global concerns, and fostered and encouraged cross-cultural dialogue.
Deloitte’s DEI journey began more than three decades ago to retain and advance women in the workforce and increase women’s representation at leadership levels. Deloitte is an organization of firsts – it was the first professional services organization to establish a Women’s Initiative to focus on women’s advancement, and the first of the Big Four accounting firms to elect not only a woman CEO, but also a woman board chair, and a woman CEO of a consulting organization of its size. Today, their commitment to gender equity is stronger than ever. Deloitte continues to focus on advancing women to leadership positions through development opportunities, exposure to senior leaders, and equitable processes. Reflecting its belief that DEI should be an ongoing journey, in 2021, Deloitte launched its inaugural DEI Transparency report to take a critical look at its current state from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. The report included specific goals for increasing female representation, as well as representation of Black and Hispanic/Latinx professionals. In addition, Deloitte has been a steadfast leader in tackling obstacles that many workers face, but which often impact women disproportionately, such as caregiving.
Deloitte is active in the community, collaborating with their clients and working closely with organizations to support this collective commitment of gender equity. Deloitte supports organizations like Girls Who Code, to Deloitte Executive Chair Janet Foutty’s role with Catalyst, a global organization working with leading companies to increase the representation of women in corporate leadership. Deloitte’s Board Ready Women programs, which aim to help women executives prepare for service on corporate boards, demonstrates Deloitte is creating multiple opportunities to engage, support, and invest in female talent.
“We are proud to be honored by the American Women for International Understanding,” said Terri Cooper, Vice Chair External Diversity, Equity, Inclusion for the Deloitte U.S. Firms. “We continue to remain focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization as well as across the broader community.” AWIU will present the Internationalism Award at its annual International Women of Courage Celebration which will be held virtually this year on April 29, 2021. “AWIU is delighted to recognize Deloitte’s leadership in the areas of corporate diversity, equity and inclusion,” declared AWIU’s president Ambassador Tatiana Gfoeller. “Deloitte’s trailblazing data-driven DEI programs have changed and continue to change the global leadership landscape for women in business.” AWIU’s International Women of Courage Celebration is presented in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State to honor the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today’s marketplace — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Building on more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 330,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.
Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure.
American Women for International Understanding is delighted to announce that our Honorary Chair for the 2021 International Women of Courage Virtual Celebration is Willow Bay, dean of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.
A broadcast journalist, media pioneer and digital communication leader, Willow Bay is the first female dean of USC Annenberg. With a relentless commitment to students, Bay has increased scholarship opportunities, launched the state-of-the-art Annenberg Media Center, accelerated curricular innovations, and vastly expanded the school’s partnerships with key media and technology partners. In addition, Bay has increased USC Annenberg’s public engagement around critical issues such as the role of communication technology in advancing equity and access, digital media literacy, gender equity in media and communication, and sports and social change. Prior to joining USC, Bay was a co-anchor of CNN’s Moneyline, a reporter and anchor for ABC News’ Good Morning America/Sunday, a Correspondent for World News Weekend, and a senior editor and strategic adviser at The Huffington Post.
We look forward to working with Ms. Bay and the other accomplished women on our honorary committee.
Meet AWIU grantee The Prince & Princess Academy in Tamale, Ghana. AWIU provided a $3000 grant in late 2019 to help build restrooms for this new school for underserved children. Take a look at the amazing work!
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