Profiles in Courage: Women in Afghanistan
The U.S. Department of State's annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award honors women who have "demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership" when advocating for democracy, justice, and human rights. At the ceremony in March, seven women from Afghanistan,* who were killed in 2020, were recognized posthumously. Who is killing women in Afghanistan? Will the U.S. and NATO's exit impact women and girls? How can we help?
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"
Like their neighbors in Thailand, the people of Myanmar (which is also called Burma) adopted the Hunger Games three-finger salute as a symbol of resistance. Since early February, they have used that symbol during peaceful protests against a military coup d'état. Speaking out against the military can be dangerous. At least 2,667 people have been detained, often in late-night clandestine raids. With the military severely limiting media access and communications, how can we help Myanmar?
Children at the U.S. - Mexico Border
This week, U.S. Border Patrol released a video of two young Ecuadorian sisters, ages 3 and 5, being dropped by traffickers over a 14-foot border wall into the New Mexican desert. The girls were quickly rescued and will be reunited with their mother in the U.S. soon. On March 24, 2021, President Biden announced that Vice President Harris will manage border immigration issues. Recognizing that migration is symptomatic of a much larger geopolitical issue, Biden observed that “the best way to keep people from coming is to keep them from wanting to leave." What is happening in the Northern Triangle of Central America, and how can we help?
Humanitarian Emergency in Ethiopia
The violent conflict in Ethiopia started in November 2020 and has been marked by alleged massacres, widespread looting, destruction of private property, and most recently, sexual assault as a weapon of war. What started this conflict and what can we do to help relief organizations trying to support survivors and newly displaced refugees?
We Can Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
On March 19, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia, President Biden and Vice President Harris addressed the startling rise in anti-Asian racism and offered condolences to families whose loved ones were murdered in Atlanta-area spas this week. Biden said, “too many Asian Americans have been walking up and down the streets and worrying. Waking up each morning the past year feeling their safety and the safety of their loved ones are stake.” What caused the dramatic uptick in hate crimes and bigotry against people of Asian descent and what can we do to protect our family, friends, and neighbors?
The Maternal Health Crisis in the U.S.
March 8th will be International Women's Day and this year Girl Friday is focusing on maternal health and obstetric justice. Among industrialized nations, the United States is the only country with a rising maternal mortality rate, "despite spending more per capita on health care than any other country." What is happening in the U.S. and which moms-to-be are most at risk?