Spanish-Speaking Cultural Bridge Project

In July 2021, the Spanish-speaking National Federations of GWI embarked on a journey to celebrate cultural diversity and linguistic unity. This collaborative effort brought together the GWI National Federations of Argentinean Federation of University Women (FAMU), Bolivia (BFUW), Paraguay Federation of Graduate Women (PFGW), Spanish Federation of University Women (SFUW), Panama Federation of University Women (PFUW), and the Federación Mexicana de Universitarias ( FEMU) for a groundbreaking project. The aim? To establish a virtual cultural forum fostering inclusivity and sisterhood among Spanish-speaking GWI members. By showcasing the significance of a shared language and heritage across the Atlantic Ocean, the project strives to unite and empower its participants. Its agreement can be read here.

The initiative comprises three integral components: cultural enrichment, social activism, and organizational enhancement, offering a multifaceted approach to engagement. All Spanish-speaking NFAs and GWI members are warmly invited to participate, ensuring an inclusive and vibrant community.

Since its inception, the Cultural Bridge initiative has thrived, with regular bi-monthly meetings serving as focal points for collaboration and connection. A special highlight of the endeavor is the profound impact it has made through two key manifestos: the Manifesto in Defense of Migrant Women (Spanish version and the Manifesto for a Future of Equality and Freedom from Gender-Based Violence (Spanish version). These powerful declarations not only underscore the collective commitment to social justice but also exemplify the transformative potential of collaboration across borders and languages.

GWI thanks the Spanish-Speaking Culture Bridge Project for translating the 2024 International Day of Education Green Education Discussion. The full discussion can be read here. Most recently the Spanish-Speaking Culture Bridge generously translated our International day for Women and Girls in Science’s infographic which can be found here, along with our International Earth Day Infographic, find it here, and our International Girls in ICT Day Advocacy Toolkit, read it here.

For additional information, please contact Project Coordinator, puentecultural@amum.es

Sexual Harassment at Work

Another successful 2021 project was held between the Indian Federation of University Women’s Clubs (IFUWA) and the Egyptian Association of Graduate Women (EAGW). Members developed and conduct workshop webinars for their members on the composition of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to investigate sexual harassment cases at the workplace. Project leaders trained IFUWA and EAGW members on how an inquiry is conducted and how they can help victims get justice from an ICC. At the same time, participants gained understanding of the country’s legal framework to avoid any injustice to either party. Awareness about the rights at workplace and safety issues were addressed through such workshops. This project can be conducted across all sectors of working professionals, corporate and government sectors. An informative video of the project’s wrap up session and conclusions can be see HERE.The wrap up informational presentation can be downloaded HERE.

NFAs interested in replicating the project should contact the GWI office at gwi@graduatewomen.org

Afghan Peace Negotiations

Another project in 2021 was held between the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and Graduate Women Netherlands (GWI-NL) with the focus on Afghan Peace Negotiations: their perilous significance for women in Afghanistan. The project aimed to raise awareness about the Afghanistan peace negotiations currently in progress and their significance for Afghan women and indeed their country. A recording of the final webinar can be seen HERE. Additionally, the Afghan Peace Negotiations Their Perilous Significance for Women in Afghanistan 24 April webinar highlights submitted by Marianne Singh-Waraich