The Role of Women in Egypt’s Popular Uprising

FRIDAY FILE: On January 25, 2011 thousands of Egyptians began a popular uprising against the regime of then President Hosni Mubarak. Egyptians took to the streets protesting against the lack of democracy, rising levels of poverty, unemployment rates and rampant corruption in government. They demanded that their President resign.

By Kathambi Kinoti

The Centrality of Investing in Women’s Rights Organizations and Leadership: The Launch of the Dutch FLOW Fund

FRIDAY FILE: In May of this year, the Dutch government launched the Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women (FLOW)Fund— which represents the replenishment of the successful MDG3 Fund.Women’s rights and civil society organizations that meet the criteria can apply for FLOW through July 29, 2011.

Women's health is a citizenship and democracy issue

FRIDAY FILE: May 28, 2011 was the International Day of Action for Women’s Health. AWID spoke to Nirvana Gonzalez Rosa, General Coordinator of the Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (RSMLAC), on their call to action and the status of the right to health in the region.

Amidst Repression, Women with Disabilities in Uzbekistan Fight for Nothing Short of Liberation

FRIDAY FILE: An activist for rights for women with disabilities in Uzbekistan explains, “we can build ramps and elevators, which are needed, and write 33 laws, but changing mindsets is much more difficult.”

By Lejla Medanhodzic with Masum Momaya

Innovative Research Study on European Foundations Funding for Women and Girls is launched

FRIDAY FILE: Conversations about funding for women and girls were a focal point at this year’s Annual General Assembly of the European Foundation Centre (EFC) held from 26-28th May in Cascais, Portugal, thanks to the launch of strategic visionary research produced by Mama Cash and the Foundation Center (FC).

By Amanda Shaw and Veronica Vidal Degirogis

“Untapped Potential: European Foundation Funding for Women and Girls” is a bold new study exploring a previously under-researched subject – namely, what, why, and how European foundations fund.

Women mobilizing for profound changes in development cooperation

FRIDAY FILE: The release of recent figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that, despite an increase over 2009, donor countries are way off track on delivering on their aid disbursement commitments. Women’s organizations are mobilizing for profound changes in the system to better meet development needs and guarantee respect for women’s rights.

By Ana Inés Abelenda and Anne Schoenstein

Nigeria Elections Reflect Slow Progress for Women

FRIDAY FILE: The low numbers of women elected into public office in Nigeria’s recent elections reflect the slow pace of change and even regression in the country’s legislative, political and social systems. AWID interviewed two Nigerian women’s rights commentators about women’s participation and performance in the 2011 elections.

By Kathambi Kinoti

New mechanism to respond to violence against human rights defenders in the Americas: Hopes and challenges ahead

FRIDAY FILE: The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has established an Office of the Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders to address the increasing violence against those who defend human rights in the region. Women's rights and human rights organizations welcome the news as a progressive step towards protecting women human rights defenders.

By Analía Penchaszadeh

Indigenous Women: The importance of sharing, learning and growing as leaders

FRIDAY FILE: From March 5-8, 2011, the 6th Continental Meeting of Indigenous Women of the Americas (ECMIA in Spanish) took place in the Hueyapan Community, in Morelos, Mexico. AWID spoke to two of the participants, Cecilia Velasque and Tania Pariona Tarqui, about the event and their insights on the status of indigenous women’s rights in the region.

By Gabriela De Cicco

The importance of sharing, learning and growing as leaders

Gender-Inclusive Justice: Spotlight on the International Criminal Court

FRIDAY FILE: Every year, the Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice produces a Gender Report Card that assesses the progress of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in rendering gender-inclusive justice. AWID spoke with Brigid Inder, the Executive Director of the Women’s Initiatives, about the issues highlighted by the ICC Gender Report Card 2010.

By Kathambi Kinoti