Ruth Messinger’s Story
Ruth Messinger’s dedication to social justice runs deep. “I feel like I’ve been an activist my whole life.”
Stories
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Take a deeper look at our stories from around the world.
38 stories
Video
Watch our videos to learn how AJWS is supporting people around the world who are fighting to improve the lives of millions.
22 stories
Sexual Health and Rights
We support women, girls and LGBTQI+ people, as they organize to end discrimination, stop violence and live with dignity, safety and health.
8 stories
Ruth Messinger
A tribute to a truly extraordinary leader, AJWS’s former President and its first Global Ambassador.
62 stories
Robert Bank
Get to know Robert Bank! Robert joined AJWS in 2009 as our Executive Vice President. As of July 1, 2016, Robert became the President and CEO of AJWS.
14 stories
Photos
A look at the work we do to end poverty and promote human rights in the developing world.
21 stories
Land Water and Climate Justice
We aid communities and movements organizing to protect the land, water and natural resources that people depend on for their survival.
14 stories
Ending Child Marriage
Each year, 15 million girls worldwide are married before the age of 18—sometimes against their will. AJWS supports efforts to end child marriage by bringing girls and young women together to define their own futures.
20 stories
Civil and Political Rights
We aid communities and movements that speak out against injustice, hold governments accountable to respect the rights of all people, and work to recover from civil wars and other conflicts.
4 stories
Activists Up Close
Witness social change up close through these videos from around the globe. You'll watch a day in the life of an activist AJWS supports and learn how they change lives and build social movements for justice.
3 stories
Activism Through the Artist's Lens: Photography Series
27 stories
30 at 30
In celebration of AJWS’s 30th anniversary, we profiled 30 global leaders who have partnered with AJWS to build a better world.
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Kika’s journey from early marriage to college student
Juanita ‘Kika’ Antelis Juan is the oldest Juan sister, at 26. For Kika, Muñecas Negras inspired an extraordinary change in her life. She grew up in a family of 10 and was married when she turned 15 (In the Dominican Republic, marriage is often forced upon adolescent girls by families struggling financially, to lessen her …
Activists stand up to Haiti’s anti-LGBT extremists
Homophobic hatred sizzled in Haiti’s streets last summer. Religious leaders marched throughout the country to protest same-sex relationships and stir up anti-LGBT sentiment. As these extremists launched a vicious campaign, Haiti’s small, but growing number of advocates for LGBT rights—like the aptly named AJWS grantee Kouraj (Courage)—spoke out.
Volunteer Network of Friends Forever Friends
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the Dominican Republic have long faced discrimination and violence in their communities. But in recent years they have begun to speak out, advocate for their rights, and build a movement calling for change in Dominican society so that they can live as equal citizens whose rights are …
How could the U.S. elections affect the global movement for democracy, freedom and civil rights?
The impact of the U.S. presidential elections in November will surely extend beyond our borders and influence civil and political rights around the globe. The example the U.S. sets holds importance across the globe on a macro level; our actions speak volumes. And when the U.S. disregards the principles of rule of law and democracy, …
How could the U.S. elections impact communities affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises?
With a divided nation heading to the polls in November, our shared expectations of a new direction are palpable. But one change that may surprise most Americans is the potential for wholesale disruption to U.S. foreign aid, including billions in humanitarian funding, that could affect millions of lives around the world. As the world’s largest …
Munmun’s Story: Putting ‘design thinking’ into action
In a tiny, bright blue room tucked away from a chaotic market street in Kolkata, India, 24-year-old Munmun Das has created the neighborhood’s only safe space for girls to express themselves freely. Munmun is one of nearly 150 youth mentors trained by Thoughtshop Foundation to lead a Youth Resource Cell and guide conversations about taboo …
Ruksana’s Story: Realizing an impossible dream
Masafu’s Story: “I had to do something — this cannot pass.”
These days, Masafu Okwara’s sense of pride is as vibrant as the rainbow walls of NGLHRC’s Nairobi offices. But her journey here was long and painful. As one of the of NGLHRC’s program officers, Masafu provides free legal counsel, guidance and often representation to LGBTQI+ people who are unjustly arrested, persecuted or have their rights …