Warwick Women: Women for Women International

In honour of this year’s International Women’s Week, we spoke to some of Warwick’s most inspiring women. Even though they were busy preparing for their #SheInspiresMe Campaign running throughout Week 9, the team of Women for Women International (WfWI) agreed to meet with us and collaborate on this issue. This is why we’d like to thank Nana Amuzu, Anoshamisa Gonye, Hannah Jones, Isabel Griffith, Sabina Gordon and Ira Agarwal for taking time out of their charity bake sale to come chat to us.

In your own words, what is ‘Women for Women International’?

Women for Women International (WfWI) is an international charity that works directly with socially excluded women in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Iraq, Nigeria and Kosovo; where war and conflict have devastated their lives and communities. Each woman we help has her own story – some tell of loved ones murdered, and others speak of physical and emotional trauma, but most have endured a struggle for survival. WfWI provide a year-long programme that equips women to earn money, regain their confidence and actively participate in their communities. Once women are enrolled in the programme, they are matched with a global network of sponsors, which will provide monthly assistance and emotional support, through financial contributions and letters. Women enrolled with WfWI learn job skills and receive business training. They come to understand their rights and how to fight for those rights in their homes, communities and nations. These elements help generate the programmes’ 4 key outcomes: 1.Women’s well-being 2.Women sustaining an income 3.Women in decision-making 4.Women having social networks and safety nets. Moreover, WfWI work on engaging men to become allies and champions of the empowerment of women and girls.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in and running WFWIW?

One of the biggest challenge our society has faced is dealing with the assumptions that people make when they are first exposed to the work we do. The name Women for Women often evokes images of fundamentalist feminists who want to stress women’s rights whilst putting down the rights of men. Due to the prejudice we receive, we find it hard to market our society to men. One of the key things we want to stress is that men are just as important in the fight for equality and female empowerment as any other agent. The focus of women in our title highlights the victims that need to be aided, but in highlighting these victims, we are not trying to downsize the struggles of other groups.

What about your proudest achievement?

Our proudest achievement this year has been raising over £2500 through our 24hr Fast in support of our sponsored sisters. Because of this, not only were we able to exceed the amount raised in the past, but we have also been able to support more sisters in countries like Rwanda, DRC and Nigeria. This means we are able to empower more women in post-conflict countries so that they are able to transform themselves into entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and ultimately catalysts for change in their communities.

What are your goals for WfWIW and how do you hope to achieve them?

Or main goal is to increase participation and engagement in our society, particularly amongst male students. We have been fortunate this year to see many more males join our society and attending our events this year! It has been wonderful to see our society grow not just in membership but also in active participation and support for the charity.

What is the best piece of advice you could give young women at university?

Coming to university, it is more often than not that young women are faced with a male dominated environment, an environment that is perhaps intimidating and an environment which inherently silences the voices of those trying to speak out. A piece of advice we would give to a young woman in university is to remain strong to your will and try not to let your thoughts be repressed. University is a breeding ground for innovative thought and policy making – the necessity of female insight in future decision making highlights the importance of female participation. Get involved in as many things as you can. Your voice is as powerful as anyone else’s. We would also advise that young women should retain a sense of balance. University can be very stressful- you’re balancing a degree, being involved in societies/ sports teams, looking for a career, trying to have a social life, not dramatically increase your debt etc. We can often feel suffocated and feel as though you miss out on the ‘fun’ side of university. We think it’s so important to remind yourself that you need to take time for yourself- whether it’s watching TV, going for a run or playing an instrument. You can’t please everyone and nor can you do everything. Remember that no one is as together or as on top of things as they appear. Make sure you prioritise yourself and your happiness- a grade on a piece of paper doesn’t define you.

What could women at Warwick do to help women around the world?

There are multiple ways in which women at Warwick can help other women in different corners of the world. However, perhaps the most direct and easiest way is joining societies that empower women either directly or indirectly. Warwick has one of the highest number of student-run societies on campus and many societies indirectly work towards helping women by raising awareness about the refugee crisis, global human rights issues, gender liberation issues or some that also work towards developing the entrepreneurial skills of students. We strongly believe that women should become a member of such societies or for those who are extremely passionate, start their own society, as it provides an incredible outlet to not only educate oneself about varied issues faced by women but also truly help them and make an impact. The 21st century has witnessed historical global movements for women’s rights. Every woman at Warwick can simply strive to become a powerful role model for young females who they can look up to.

What woman most inspires you and why?

We are tremendously inspired by our mothers and public figures such as Serena Williams, India Arie, Taylor Swift. They and many other inspiring women are able to use their platforms and experiences to uplift young girls and women, mainly by they maintaining and utilising their strength to help instil strength and confidence in others. There is a female inspiration amongst us all. With our #SheInspiresMe campaign, we hope to ensure that these women are always celebrated.