IWI staff writer Angelina Kaneva will be writing a four-part report titled 17 Days, which will focus on the upcoming Olympics to be held in Brazil August 5-21, and its effect on human trafficking. There is proof that the rate of trafficking increase during major sporting events, and the upcoming Olympics will undoubtedly be a facilitator. The first instalment will be published the week of July 25th. For more information you may contact Ms Kaneva at akaneva@internationalwomensinitiative.org

We're Hiring!

One of the wonderful things happening at IWI is the addition of advocacy as well as an expansion on our communications focus. Because of this we are expanding. As an organisation which is run 100% by volunteers, we are looking for the following positions who can help lead IWI while ensuring we remain true to our mission and goals.

• Advocacy Officer
• Human Resources Assistant
• Graphic Designer
• Donation Engagement Officer
• Strategic Research Assistant

If you have questions about the positions, or wish to apply, please contact info@internationalwomensinitiative.org.

Black Lives Do Matter

In recent months, the deaths of several black men in the US at the hands of the police has mobilised an unprecedented mass movement against police brutality and racism that we now know as Black Lives Matter.

So far, the movement’s attention primarily to the experiences of black men has shaped our understanding of what constitutes police brutality, where it occurs, and how to address it, however black women have also fallen victim. Often, women are targeted in exactly the same way as men—shootings, police stops, racial profiling, however they can also experience police violence in distinctly gendered ways, such as sexual harassment and sexual assault. These instances of victimisation have failed to mould our analysis of the broader picture of police violence, nor have they drawn equal public attention or outrage.

A growing number of Black Lives Matter activists—including the women behind the original hashtag—have been refocusing attention on how police brutality impacts black women and others on the margins of today’s national conversation about race, such as poor, elderly, gay, and trans people. They are not only highlighting the impact of police violence on these communities, but articulating why a movement for racial justice must be inclusive.

How are black women affected by police brutality in the US? The abuse inflicted on blacks, in particular black women, has been documented throughout history, and is most prevalent in the southern states. When we look at this issue historically, women activists were often targeted by police, and the sexual violence that civil rights activists experienced in places like Mississippi’s Parchman Farm raised the consciousness of other activists about the need for prison reform. Therefore, for black women and black female activists, police brutality is a very real concern.

The question of change can only be answered with these words: education and tolerance. Although the words are simple, implementing these solutions have been slow going. Slow yes, impossible no. Through all of the recent darkness, there have been several rays of hope which prove that light always triumphs over the dark. It is that light that gives me reason to believe that one day the change necessary for harmony will occur.

- Aubrey Shayler, IWI Executive Director & Founder

Our 1st Annual Initiative Gala is Fast Approaching!

The Gala being held October 28th will be an evening of great speakers, drinks, music and networking to support IWI’s efforts to bring attention to women’s human rights globally, and specifically our flagship project the Safe Birthing Programme.

We're delighted to be joined by special guest speakers Dr. Gina Heathcote, Senior Lecturer in Gender Studies and International Law and Chair of the SOAS Centre for Gender Studies, as well as Joy Kemp, Global Professional Advisor at The Royal College of Midwives.

We're also excited to have special guests SHE Choir London performing and food/drink provided by Salt & Dry, Crate Brewery and Brewdog.

Ticket information will be available on our event page soon, but in the meantime please contact our Event Planner Lily Robertson at lrobertson@internationalwomensinitiative.org to request an invite.

Photo Credits

• http://time.com/3685634/angelina-jolie-nyt-syria-iraq-refugee/
• https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-human-trafficking
• http://blacklivesmatter.com/
• http://instinctmusic.com.au/blog/corporate-events/pphg-cocktail-party/
• Angelina Kaneva, supplied by subject
• http://upliftconnect.com/ikigai-finding-your-reason-for-being/