Vital Voices

Last week, the Vital Voices Crisis Response team concluded a 7-week hybrid Crisis Readiness Training program for 11 women leaders in Africa. The training equipped them with tools to protect themselves and their organizations and to respond effectively in the face of crisis. Topics included mental health, digital safety, arrest mitigation, and safety planning.

Multimedia journalist, gender advocate and social entrepreneur Hawwah Abdullahi Gambo, picture above, is one of the 11 participants who is taking the tools and knowledge she gained back to her community and organization Sheroes Rising Development Initiative.

“With the call and rise of more women leadership all over the world especially in African countries, this program is well thought out, thorough and timely,” said Gambo. “It not only equips us with the knowledge, skills and information needed to mitigate and control risk, but also enhanced confidence in our ability to protect ourselves and others by identifying risks and preparing for them, or eliminating them completely. Thank you Vital Voices.”

Spread the word! We are excited to announce that applications for the 2024-2025 Aghaaz Fellowship are now OPEN. For this six-month program, we are seeking catalysts for change committed to making a groundbreaking impact in their communities. Are you, or do you know, an woman interested in taking the next step in her leadership journey?

Click here to learn more and apply: https://www.vitalvoices.org/news-articles/announcement/aghaaz-fellowships-program/

Applications close August 10, 2024.

Eleven-year-old Alma was daddy’s little girl, always filled with energy and a love for sports. Tragically, she lost her life alongside 11 other children when a rocket hit a football pitch in Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This unimaginable horror has left the community in shock and grief.¹

Vital Voices urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability for the casualties of this conflict. We stand united in seeking justice and peace, advocating for the protection and well-being of all impacted, especially women and girls.

CALLS TO ACTION:
Support a Ceasefire: Join us in demanding an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of innocent lives. Share this message to amplify our call for peace.

Advocate for Hostages and end the war : Urge authorities to ensure the unconditional release of all hostages. Every voice counts—add yours to the plea for their safe return.

Demand Accountability of the loss of civilians lives: Stand with us in seeking accountability and justice for the casualties of this conflict, Arab, Jews, or Druz.

Humanitarian Response: Support the creation of conditions that allow a full-scale humanitarian response.

Raise Awareness: Use your platform to raise awareness about the ongoing violence in the region.

¹

‘They were just kids. What did they do wrong?’: In Majdal Shams, a town caught between Israel and Hezbollah mourns its young | CNN The Syrian Druze community of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights are united in grief following the deaths of 12 children in a rocket strike on Saturday.

In the spirit of truth and justice, we speak out against the abhorrent police violence that continues to disproportionately impact Black women in America. The brutal murder of Sonya Massey by those sworn to protect and serve is a stark reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

One hundred years after Sonya Massey's family member was lynched, history has tragically repeated itself. As a feminist organization, Vital Voices stands resolute in our belief that all women deserve protection and support. We cannot and will not remain silent while systemic violence continues to claim the lives of our sisters.

We call upon our leaders and lawmakers to advance meaningful change and put an end to this cycle of violence. Not another life can be lost to the brutality and injustice that has plagued our communities for far too long. The time for action is now. Let us honor Sonya Massey's memory by demanding justice and working tirelessly for a future where every woman is safe, valued, and respected.

2024 marks 40 years since Geraldine Ferraro made history as the first woman Vice Presidential nominee of a major political party in the United States. In celebration of this anniversary, Vital Voices hosted an event opened by Vital Voices Senior Advisor on SDGs Manira Alva including a screening of “Geraldine Ferraro: Paving the Way,” a documentary directed and produced by her daughter Donna Zaccaro Ullman, followed by a panel discussion.

Moderated by Nina Easton, award-winning columnist and Vital Voices board member, the panel featured three incredible women carrying on Ferraro’s political legacy: U.S. Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar and Speaker Emerita of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

“There’s no one in the history of the world like you, and that’s your power,” said Pelosi. “Know your power, know your ‘why’ and always be ready. Nothing is more wholesome to the political or governmental process than the increased participation and leadership of women. We believe that when women succeed, America succeeds.”

Are you a woman leader driving social change? If your answer is yes, the WomenLeaders India Fellowship 2024-25 is for you!

The programme, powered by the Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices, is designed to support women like you in achieving your goals.

Swipe to get inspired by our Fellows from the 2022-23 cohort and know their perspective on the Fellowship.

The application deadline is July 28th, 2024.

Visit the website and begin your adventure today!
https://reliancefoundation.org/womenleadersindiafellowship

On the night of Monday, July 1st, the world witnessed a massive peace rally in Tel Aviv organized by remarkable organizations like נשים עושות שלום - نساء يصنعن السلام - Women Wage Peace. Click below to watch a replay of the event and learn more about peaceful paths forward.

Learn more:

Peace Rally in Tel Aviv Organized by Women Wage Peace - Vital Voices On the night of Monday, July 1st, the world witnessed a massive peace rally in Tel Aviv. Organized by remarkable organizations including Women Wage Peace, the New Israel Fund, Zazim, and Standing Together, this event marked the largest peace conference in Israel since the war began. Over 5,000 Israe...

Applications are open for WomenLeaders India Fellowship 2024-25!

The WomenLeaders India Fellowship, a collaboration between Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices, is back, seeking exceptional women leaders driving social change across the country.

Aligning with India's G20 focus on women-led development, this year's Fellowship is looking for passionate individuals working in four key areas: Building Climate Resilience, Enhancing Access to Sports, Advancing Educational Initiatives and Strengthening Livelihoods.

The Fellowship offers leadership development, mentorship and peer support, project development, and potential grant funding.

Here's what you need to know:

The application window is open till July 28th, 2024 (23:59 IST).

Eligibility: Open to women social sector leaders and social entrepreneurs from across India.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

Application link: https://reliancefoundation.org/womenleadersindiafellowship

The Fellowship, powered by the Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices, empowers women working toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and creating a more sustainable future for all of us.

Know the journey to becoming a WomenLeaders India Fellow below ➡️:

Step 1: Apply by visiting the link mentioned below (Last date July 28, 2024) ⏰

Step 2: An expert panel will review and shortlist the applications

Step 3: 50 selected Fellows to be announced

Step 4: The programme will commence in September 2024 with a two-day in-person symposium

Apply here: https://reliancefoundation.org/womenleadersindiafellowship

🌟Hear from our incredible WomenLeaders India fellows!🌟 Their testimonials speak to the transformative power of our program in partnership with the Reliance Foundation. Ready to make a difference and join a community of changemakers? Applications are now open! 🚀

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieHp6nPAWpo

Apply today and start your journey with us: https://www.vitalvoices.org/program/womenleadersindiafellowship/

WomenLeaders India Fellowship 2022-23

Calling women leaders from the social sector in India! Are you addressing urgent economic and social issues through your work? Are you motivated to make an impact on your community?

Social sector leaders, social entrepreneurs, or key decision makers at a qualifying business or social enterprise in the following thematic areas can apply for the Fellowship, powered by Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices.

Become part of the 2024-25 cohort by applying for the fellowship here: https://reliancefoundation.org/womenleadersindiafellowship

The Fellowship, powered by Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices, is a transformative program designed to support women working toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and creating a more sustainable future for all of us.

Check out the eligibility criteria for the fellowship.

Become part of the 2024-25 cohort by applying for the fellowship here: https://reliancefoundation.org/womenleadersindiafellowship

In the Americas, progress for women's rights is clear, yet challenges persist—especially concerning violence. Engaging men in promoting gender equality is crucial. Join us in redefining masculinity through caregiving.🌟Submit your photos to be part of the movement!

Learn more: https://www.vitalvoices.org/news-articles/announcement/call-for-submissions-expressions-of-fatherhood-a-photographic-exploration/

Announcing the East Coast Premiere of AND SO IT BEGINS with Atty. Leni Robredo and Maria Ressa, our 2024 Global Trailblazer Honoree.

In a decades-long nonfiction saga about the director Ramona Diaz presents the latest chapter on her homeland as President Rodrigo Duterte’s despotic reign is coming to an end. And So It Begins proffers unbridled access to all the key players in the months leading up to the country’s 2022 presidential election.

Weaving together multiple narratives against the backdrop of a gloves-off campaign for the most powerful office in the land, what emerges is a dazzling cinematic portrait of a beleaguered nation fighting for its very soul.

📍Get your tickets for Sunday, June 16 at 12:30 PM at Landmark E-Street Cinema! Visit DC DOX Festival or www.dcdoxfest.com for more info.

We’re thrilled to announce our 6th cohort of the VV Visionaries program in partnership with the Fund. We’re proud to invest in women who are challenging and redefining leadership to uplift their communities.

https://www.vitalvoices.org/program/visionaries/

“Throughout my life, I have found that collaborating with others across countries and generations has always expanded my ideas of what is possible. Not just for my community, but for myself as well.” - Jane Anyango, Safecity Kenya & Director of Polycom Girls

Congratulations to the innovative collaboration and app for combating gender-based violence Safecity and the women who make it possible on your Collective Action Award presented by Safecity’s Founder Elsa Dsilva.

“Big tech has ghettoized our world, dividing us in ways that make all our work-as journalists, as civil society-nearly impossible. And women both bear the brunt and are leading the charge to reclaim our rights.” - Maria Ressa

Congratulations to Filipino journalist and CEO of Rappler Maria Ressa on your Global Leadership Award presented by Vital Voices Co-Founder Secretary Hillary Clinton.

“Nature is trying to adapt and transcend this climate change we have already produced. We need the knowledge, and we need the capacity, and we need the history and we need the ingenuity of all peoples on earth…to be able to transcend, to mitigate, to move forward. We need the best that humanity has.” - Susana Muhamad

Congratulations to environmentalist and Colombian Minister Susana Muhamad on your Global Leadership Award presented by Vital Voices Board Chair Kate James.

“We need developed countries to step up and address climate finance in the same way we do other threats to security. We need people campaigning with their governments and policy makers. This is a matter of justice. These are not small goals, but they are what this moment in history demands of us.” - President Hilda Heine

Congratulations to climate advocate and first woman President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine on your Lifetime of Leadership Award presented by Chief Climate Officer of TIME Shyla Raghav.

“A group of best friends can change the world. If they stick to their humanity, if they listen to each other and other voices,… and if they stick with their values, they create an opportunity for change. And in these times of great sadness, I’m holding up for these voices of hope.” - Nika Kovač.

Congratulations to Slovenian social movement organizer and Founder of the 8th of March Institute Nika Kovač on your Global Leadership Award presented by the Founder of the movement Tarana Burke.

“I do believe the future of leadership in Africa must be inter-generational. To young women, I know they tell us often ‘wait for your turn,’ ‘climb the ladder of politics,’ [and] ‘suffer.’ But guess what-we are not waiting for permission-this is our time.” - Aya Chebbi

Congratulations to Pan-African feminist and Founder of Nalafem Aya Chebbi on your Global Leadership Award presented by Universal Studios Chairman & Vital Voices Board Member Donna Langley.

“Women are leading the rise of a stronger, safer and more resilient world in the midst of so much struggle and suffering from Gaza to Sudan, Congo to Ukraine. Make no mistake, in every community there are women leaders paving a new way forward, showing us that things can be different and better for everyone.” - Alyse Nelson , Vital Voices President & CEO.

Congratulations to all of our 2024 Global Leadership Awards Honorees! Thank you for making the world a better place.

WATCH LIVE▶️ Tune in at 7:30 PM EST to our 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards as we celebrate women at the Kennedy Center.

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/rGg0Ed6gJoU?si=DKH0AI1nW7T7Jtz5

"2024 is the tipping point for democracy... half the world is voting and yet the kinds of safety measures for every individual who is voting is almost nonexistent--worse than it was in 2020, " said Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards Honoree & Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa on MSNBC this morning.

Watch the recap here: https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/-you-must-choose-democracy-filipino-journalist-makes-plea-to-u-s-voters-211934789824

'You must choose democracy': Filipino journalist makes plea to U.S. voters Journalist Maria Ressa is being honored at the Vital Voices annual Global Leadership Awards at the Kennedy Center, and she joins Morning Joe to discuss the award and her continued fight for press freedom in the Philippines.

WATCH LIVE ▶️ Tune in now to our 3rd Annual Vital Voices Global Festival for engaging and urgent conversations about how to move our society forward as we celebrate women .

Livestream: https://www.vitalvoices.org/program/vital-voices-festival-program/

LikedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/events/3rdannualvitalvoicesfestival7199129421042135040/theater/

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/events/1165246947963954/