November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and kicks off the campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. IRC-LA staff member and Gender Equality champion, Carly Boos, shares what it means to be a part of an organization committed to ending gender-based violence 365 days out of the year.

Each year on June 20th, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. This day honors those forced to flee their homes and courageously resettle in new lands. In San Jose, welcomers from across Santa Clara County will come together to celebrate the area’s rich cultural diversity and proud history of welcoming immigrants and refugees. Additionally, to further demonstrate San Jose's welcoming spirit, the IRC in San Jose is seeking community support for our 2024 World Refugee Day Donation Drive for kitchen supplies to help our new neighbors feel at home in their new homes!

In Ténenkou Cercle, central Mali, Amina travels to the most inaccessible communities to support women and girls facing insecurity and gender-based violence.

Rabia Afghan and her family arrived in the United States in April 2022 as part of “Operation Allies Welcome,” fleeing the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Initially welcomed by IRC staff member Bill Tuffin in Virginia, their paths crossed again in January 2023 when Bill, now an Employment Specialist at the IRC in Denver, was tasked with helping Rabia find employment. Despite language barriers and the challenges of resettlement, Rabia secured a job at a local hotel and, through determination and support from the IRC, was promoted within two years. Her story highlights the critical role of community support in helping refugees rebuild their lives and the ongoing challenges they face in their new homes.

Want to spread the word about making #RefugeesWelcome and also contribute more? There are various, creative ways to accomplish these goals simultaneously.