By Gilly 

Giving Back – Our Commitment to Women for Women around the World

We’re proud to support Women for Women International, a charity close to our hearts. This mission resonates deeply with us because we believe in the power of connection, compassion, and empowering women to create brighter futures. It also relates back to a childhood experience of mine…

When I was about 15 years old, my school here in Edinburgh announced they would be sponsoring a few Bosnian children by bringing them over to the UK for a period of 6 months. These children had been severely impacted by the war, but were to stay in the UK to have the opportunity to improve their English and, probably more importantly, to have a break from living in a country ravaged by war.

And so Emina came to live with us. She was only 11 or 12 and had seen and experienced terrible things in her country. It was difficult for her to settle away from her family, but we ended up close and after returning as planned to Bosnia, she then moved to Canada with her family to start a new and safer life.

I have a few charities I support personally, but I’d also always wanted to support one on a greater scale from our business. So when I came across Women for Women International, I was immediately inspired. 

During the 1992-95 Bosnian War, an estimated 50,000 Bosnian women were subjected to rape as a weapon of war. Thousands more saw loved ones killed, homes destroyed, and were left with severe trauma whilst still having to try and provide and care for families. After hearing their stories, the Iraqi-American humanitarian Zainab Salbi, established Women for Women International at the incredible age of 23.

What started as a few letters of support and some financial assistance from around the world to these Bosnian women, has now grown to support over half a million women across 17 conflict-affected countries. It’s purpose – to overcome the horrors of war and work towards a better future for women and their families.

One way in which you can support is by sponsoring a ‘Sister’ through the charity’s year long programme ‘Stronger Women, Stronger Nations’, designed to help women rebuild their lives, perhaps setup a small business or understand their finances and own rights better. All to help break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for their children.

In 2021, we sponsored Lami in Nigeria, a widow with seven children who was struggling to feed and educate her family. The programme helped her learn new skills, improve her financial position and subsequently, get all of her children back to school. 

This year, we’re excited to sponsor another Sister through this programme. A lady in the Congo…more information to follow. 

If you would like to get involved and sponsor a "Sister", you can find out more here - Support A Sister.