IANGEL’s Teen Information Project (TIP) Presented in Local High Schools
Rapid changes in abortion laws across the U.S. underscore the increasing importance of educating youth about their reproductive rights and options. IANGEL has collaborated with Berkeley Law’s Reproductive Justice Project to develop an innovative curriculum designed to inform California teens about their reproductive rights. As part of the Teen Information Project (TIP), Ayeza Bajwa and Kristy Lam have presented this program to high school students in the Bay Area. They found the engagement and discussions with the students incredibly rewarding. IANGEL anticipates extending this vital work to further educate the upcoming generation about these fundamental rights. We extend our special thanks to Ayeza, Kristy, Haleigh Cotton, and the Berkeley Law Reproductive Justice Project team for their diligence and dedication, and to IANGEL’s VP Rebecca Hooley for her guidance.
IANGEL Supports Underground Schools in Afghanistan
In response to the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade, underground schools have emerged in Afghanistan. IANGEL is proud to lend support to some of these courageous teachers, who risk their safety to ensure girls can access basic education. Our goal is to offer not only financial assistance but also messages of solidarity and encouragement to both educators and students. Despite the severe difficulties and dangers, these teachers display extraordinary resilience and determination, stretching every dollar we provide to make a significant impact on their students’ lives, as shown in the video below. While it is vital to support these underground schools, it’s equally crucial for IANGEL and other organizations to work towards legalizing and formalizing education in countries that deny access, thereby ensuring that every girl can obtain an education free from fear or discrimination.
Post-Roe: The Impact on Marginalized Communities
The overturning of the constitutional right to abortion established by Roe v. Wade disproportionately affects marginalized communities. These include Black, Indigenous, Latino, low-income, and non-binary individuals, with existing inequities in the healthcare and economic systems serving to magnify these impacts.
As we entered 2023, abortion was banned in 12 states, with only limited exceptions, and became unavailable in two more states. In the first 100 days following the overturning of Roe, at least 66 clinics across 15 states ceased to provide abortion care, rendering access increasingly difficult. Even women capable of traveling for care often encountered further restrictions. Among the harmful impacts on marginalized communities are the following:
- Marginalized communities constitute a higher percentage of abortion patients relative to their overall population. For example, Black women represent 28% of abortion patients, but only 14% of all US women aged 15-44.
- Legal restrictions, such as the Hyde Amendment and gestational age bans, impose additional barriers to abortion access. These disproportionately impact marginalized groups with limited resources.
- The elimination of Roe v. Wade protections could lead to the criminalization of those who provide or self-manage abortions. Law enforcement activities are expected to disproportionately target Black and Indigenous people, immigrants, and individuals with fewer resources.
- Systemic disparities in health insurance access contribute to these inequities. For instance, among reproductive-age women ineligible for Medicaid due to their state refusing expansion, nearly two-thirds are women of color.
- Notable disparities exist in contraceptive care. Black and Latina women, especially those with low incomes, report discriminatory practices and an increased likelihood of contraceptive failure.
- The denial of access to abortion is amplified in the South and Midwest regions due to their larger proportions of Black residents and strict abortion laws.
Board Member Appointed to CA Gender Equity Commission
Governor Gavin Newsom recently appointed IANGEL Board Member Kawser Amine to the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG), a state agency established to promote and advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls. CCSWG advocates for policies and initiatives that promote gender equity, equal opportunities, and fair treatment for women and girls in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and social services. Kawser has contributed significantly to supporting female empowerment, both in Afghanistan and the US. Her accomplishments include founding Women’s Solidarity for Peace and Leadership and managing programs for the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Congratulations, Kawser!
Zala Ahmad Named as 2023 Rights & Leadership Awardee
IANGEL is excited to announce that Zala Ahmad has been selected to receive our 2023 Amel Zenoune Zouani Rights and Leadership Award, for her unwavering determination to empower women and girls in Afghanistan. With over 15 years of experience in international development, Zala’s work primarily focuses on education, human rights, and economic development. She co-founded Safe Path Prosperity, a social enterprise that employs women to sustainably produce and locally distribute washable menstrual hygiene products and educational materials. Zala’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the communities she has served, continuously encouraging women to find their voice amidst persistent attempts to silence them. We look forward to honoring her in person at our upcoming Anniversary Gala on October 20th. Stay tuned for more details.
IANGEL Welcomes Summer Interns
IANGEL is pleased to host two new and two returning interns this summer! Our interns have provided welcome assistance to advance our mission, including work on the Teen Information Project, conducting research, and strengthening our network. We are grateful for their work and appreciate the opportunity to get these young minds involved in advancing gender justice. Thank you to our 2023 summer interns:
- Latyna Butler, incoming freshman at San Jose State University
- Jonathan Johnson, rising junior at Emery Secondary High School
- Ashley Chan, recent graduate of UC Davis
- Tenzing Chosang, rising sophomore at Barnard University
Advocacy Actions
IANGEL continues to amplify voices for gender equality and to advocate on key issues affecting women and girls in the US and abroad. To find out more, visit our updated Advocacy Actions page.
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