Dear Colleagues,
Women around the world took to the streets recently to call for an end to violence against them. They had an important message to share: women’s rights are being radically rolled back in several countries- from Brazil to Italy. This must stop.
Violence against women is also on the rise. In the UK, Domestic abuse has risen by 24% in a year while referrals of cases from the police to the Crown Prosecution Service fell by 11%. New figures show police recorded an average of one incident of domestic abuse per minute in the year ending March 2019.
To commemorate those who have lost their lives to violence and those who are fighting for a fairer, safer and equal society, we dedicate this issue to women.
In this issue our main interview is with the CEO of Pathfinder International Lois Quam. She believes that every woman, no matter where she lives, should have access to quality care. And in this issue Lois shares her views, experience and insight on how to make this world a better place for women.
It’s a well known fact that conflict and climate change disproportionately affect women. Fatima Gailani, Afghan Red Crescent Society ( ARCS ), talks about the uphill task of working for women empowerment in conflict areas.
Meanwhile, in our Spotlight on NGO section, we have dynamic Amb. Manna Dhabolkar talking about the Gift Foundation Initiative and its work and mission.
Sustainability is a key issue that we highlight - from across manufacturing to financial services. In this Issue, Dr. Mohan Kaul throws light on how London is increasingly becoming the Green finance capital on the world.
In our Tech for Good section, we discuss the role of drones in humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, our hero Pathfinder for the month is wonderful Pia Klemp - she who stood against the Italian government and might face 20 years in prison to save thousands of migrants who would have otherwise drowned.
We are also delighted to have Education Cannot Wait come on board to build the narrative on ‘education for girls’.
I hope you enjoy this issue and do send us your feedback.
Sincerely,
Feraye Ozfescioglu
CEO, WHF