Investing in Social Movements: A Conversation with Researchers, Advocates, and Philanthropists
Channel: GlobalFundForWomen
Date: 2018-08-14

We are at a "moment of movements" – where human rights funders are increasingly recognizing the power of grassroots organizing and collective action in delivering lasting social change. In particular, women have been at the forefront of responding to rising attacks on civil society activism and repressive governments through resilient and new ways of mobilizing. 

But how can funders best support women’s movements in the current political climate? What opportunities are there for connecting movements both in the U.S. and globally? And what role can research play in building evidence for the importance of to deepen our understanding about social movements and movement building? Global Fund for Women sought to answer these questions by hosting an interacting interactive and engaging panel discussion with thought leaders in the field.

In May 2018, we brought together researchers, advocates, and philanthropists about the importance of investing in social movements in today’s world. Panelists included Olesya Bondar, Director of the Ukrainian Women’s Fund; Jacqueline Hart, Vice President for Strategic Learning, Research, and Evaluation from American Jewish World Service; Irit Houvras, American Jewish World Service’s Director for Strategic Learning, Research, and Evaluation; Monica Raye Simpson, Executive Director of SisterSsong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Center; with Leila Hessini, Vice President of Programs at Global Fund for Women as moderator. We are pleased to share a video with you that includes the highlights of our conversation.