We’ve been supporting Women for Women International since 2018. Over the last year, we have participated in the popular Virtual Car Boot Sales and donated 25% of profits from Giving Tuesday, raising more than £3,000 for women survivors of war with your help. Looking ahead, for International Women's Day this year, we are once again donating 25% of profits from the day's sales and will continue to support women living in the world’s most dangerous countries in the coming months. We caught up with Brita Fernandez Schmidt, Executive Director for Women for Women International – UK, to find out a little more about how your money helps women survivors of war.
CHINTI & FRIENDS BRITA FERNANDEZ SCHMIDT
How were you introduced to Chinti & Parker and why is the brand such a good fit for Women for Women International?
We’ve been working with Chinti & Parker since 2018, when the brand launched a collection in aid of Women for Women International. I love the fact that the brand is the brainchild of two women, Anna and Rachael, who have an inherent understanding of what women want to feel and look good in. This is so reflective of the women who go through our programme. Many of them become successful entrepreneurs or work together in embroidery / craft cooperatives.
Aside from shopping on International Women's Day, how else can our customers support Women for Women International?
For £22 a month, you can sponsor a woman through our year-long training programme. You will follow your sister’s progress as she gains the skills to change her life and even be able to share messages of support with her. It’s a wonderful and tangible way of supporting women survivors of war that creates a bond which transcends continents. The first woman I sponsored was Amela, from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through her letters, Amela told me about her life, family, and what she was learning in the programme. I have since met her on one of my visits and for Amela, knowing she had an ally who believed in her potential gave her confidence in her own abilities – just as Amela’s resilience became a source of strength for me.
It is not just about financial contributions though - you can also help by raising awareness and creating a positive ripple effect through using your voice and your networks. You can follow us on our social media @WomenforWomenUK and we currently have a campaign for International Women’s Day called #PowerToChange, where you can commit to harnessing your power to make the world more equal, peaceful and prosperous for women everywhere.
