Justice Rising: IANGEL’s Virtual Gala Recap
Thank you to all who joined us for a night of inspiration and celebration at our eighth anniversary Gala, Justice Rising! We had an amazing program this year—filled with inspirational stories from gender justice advocates and musical performances from special guests. The Gala program also included the presentation of the Amel Zenoune-Zouani Rights & Leadership Awards to two trailblazing gender justice advocates: Irma Hererra & Julienne Lusenge. Read and watch our full recap of Justice Rising: iangel.org/2021-gala-recap
Giving thanks to our interns and volunteers
This #GivingTuesday, IANGEL is giving thanks to our interns and volunteers who have contributed to research, advocacy and design projects to further our work for gender justice. Their work has helped our organization enormously, and without them we would not be able to make progress toward our goal to achieve global gender equity. To learn more about our #GivingTuesday campaign on November 30th, and how to make a donation, visit our donation page.
Texas’ and Mississippi’s Abortion Bans and the Future of Reproductive Rights
September 1, 2021, marked a troubling day for those concerned about abortion rights, as the United States Supreme Court allowed Senate Bill 8 to take effect in Texas. The law bans all abortions, including those resulting from rape or incest, as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Six weeks is so early in a pregnancy that most women do not even realize they are pregnant. By some estimates, this abortion ban will prevent up to 85% of women seeking access to safe abortion services in Texas from obtaining such care. IANGEL stands in solidarity with women and others who can become pregnant in Texas who are affected by the new law. Read more about the troubling law, and what it means for the future of reproductive justice in the U.S.: iangel.org/sb8
In December of 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization on the constitutionality of pre-viability abortion bans. This case concerns Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act (House Bill 1510), which bans abortions after 15 weeks gestation. This case will specifically address whether a state can ban abortion before viability (generally 24–26 weeks of pregnancy). The spotlight on the Dobbs case has become even more intense as a result of the fight over Texas’ S.B. 8 and the Supreme Court’s refusal thus far to block the enforcement of that blatantly unconstitutional law. IANGEL has joined the National Women’s Law Center and 71 other organizations in submitting an Amicus Brief in this case supporting the right to abortion. IANGEL will continue to fight for reproductive justice locally, nationally, and globally. Learn more about Mississippi and H.B. 1510: iangel.org/hb1510
Responses to Aid Women and Girls in Afghanistan
As the Taliban took control of provinces in Afghanistan, reports emerged of women being pushed from employment opportunities, women and girls facing violence in public, and women’s rights defenders coming under threat of corporal punishment or execution. As a member of The Coalition to End Violence Against Women and Girls Globally, IANGEL calls for swift responses to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, including prioritizing the evacuation of women’s rights defenders, supporting and funding Afghan women’s rights defenders and peacebuilders, and ensuring paths to seeking asylum are fully open to Afghans as guaranteed by international law. Learn more in our blogpost: iangel.org/afghanistan
Missed our human trafficking webinar?
In October, we hosted a webinar with Justice at Last, the Alameda County DA’s office, and MISSSEY to help inform pro bono lawyers of the work they can do to support minor survivors of human trafficking. The webinar covered human trafficking laws, including records clearance and crime victims’ rights from a survivor-centered, trauma informed approach. For those who missed the training, you can watch both days in full on our website: iangel.org/ht-webinar
#WhenGirlsLEAD – promoting the Girls LEAD Act Live on Twitter
As part of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, IANGEL participated in a live #TwitterChat with a handful of organizations to discuss the importance of the Girls LEAD Act. We discussed how important it is to support the Girls LEAD Act because increasing women’s and girls’ participation in economic and social sectors can lead to more inclusive and peaceful democratic governments. To see more of our Tweets from the Twitter chat event, visit: twitter.com/intlangel
Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
21 years ago, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (S/RES/1325) on women, peace and security (WPS) was passed, setting priorities for building peace, human rights and gender justice around the world. As a member of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security, IANGEL signed a letter to the United Nations in support of women human rights defenders and the amplification of their voices on the international human rights stage. It is imperative that these women are protected as they build peace and facilitate gender justice around the world. Learn more about the importance of WPS and what the international community must do to ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace and security: iangel.org/wps
We’ve accomplished a lot this year, but we couldn’t have done it without your support.
Help us continue to fight for gender justice for everyone, everywhere.
You can make a difference for gender justice everywhere! Check out our Advocacy page and subscribe to our Advocacy Newsletter for more ways to get involved.