AJWS Staff
Celebrating Pride in Thailand! Join AJWS grantees in the streets of Bangkok
On June 1, on the eve of Thailand passing an historic law to legalize marriage equality, thousands of people hit the streets in Bangkok to celebrate queer joy, diversity and community. AJWS grantees, including TransEqual and the Foundation of Thai Transgender Alliance for Human Rights (Thai TGA), were part of a massive parade winding through …
Read More Stories of Hope, May 2024: Embracing the truest versions of ourselves
The beginning of a new year offers the possibility for a fresh start — to change in ways that will benefit ourselves, the people we love and the world at large. The power to make change is always within us, but sometimes we need a push, like a new year or a significant event in …
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Your Social Justice Checklist
Here are five social justice actions to act on your values today. Keep reading to learn more about each action, and then download your list so you can keep track of your progress! #1: Take action on the issues you care about most Human rights are under attack, and we can do our part …
Read More Stories of Hope & Resistance: Activists find power and strength to create change
The beginning of a new year offers the possibility for a fresh start — to change in ways that will benefit ourselves, the people we love and the world at large. The power to make change is always within us, but sometimes we need a push, like a new year or a significant event in …
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Stitching together a strong sense of identity
The Muñecas Negras initiative brings together women and girls, largely from communities of Haitian descent, in rural areas across the Dominican Republic — giving them a safe space to connect, take pride in their identity and learn about their history, all while creating dolls that share their skin color. Below, step into Batey Carmona to …
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Across two generations — a family transformed
It was Yanilda Juan, 23, who brought her family to Muñecas Negras. Today, her sisters and their daughters joined: seven Juan women in all. “This project doesn’t just teach us to stitch dolls. It teaches us to love ourselves, our roots, our ancestors, our hair, our skin. To understand that everything we have is gold, …
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Kika’s journey from early marriage to college student
Juanita ‘Kika’ Antelis Juan is the oldest Juan sister, at 26. For Kika, Muñecas Negras inspired an extraordinary change in her life. She grew up in a family of 10 and was married when she turned 15 (In the Dominican Republic, marriage is often forced upon adolescent girls by families struggling financially, to lessen her …
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