MISSION STATEMENT
Urgent Action Fund, as part of women’s rights movements worldwide, supports women's rights defenders striving to create cultures of justice, equality and peace. We provide rapid response grants that enable strategic interventions, and participate in collaborative advocacy and research. We are led by activists, inspired by feminism, and strengthened through solidarity.
LATEST NEWS
In Solidarity with Haiti
How you can help - click here.
The Haiti earthquake is unprecedented in its scale and devastation. It's hard to know what to do to help.
One thing we know at UAF is this — wherever a disaster, a conflict, or a crisis hits in the world — women activists will always be there as first responders. They will be there to pick up the pieces. We need to support them — and to listen to their voices.
Voices of Solidarity offers those voices, advising on how women respond to disasters — please read more below.
UAF has sent out a letter of solidarity to our grantees and advisors in Haiti. While it is not within our grantmaking mandate to provide funds for humanitarian aid, we are able to support women's groups in situations of escalating violence and conflict. Unfortunately, violence against women often increases after natural disasters.
Download the Letter of Solidarity (pdf)
UAF has also sent out a five thousand dollar solidarity grant from the Executive Director discretionary fund to the Feminist International Solidarity Camp"Myriam Merlet". The camp will open the last week of January on the Haitian-Dominican Republic Border. Read more.
Welcome Urgent Action Fund-Latin America
As of November 17th, 2009, Urgent Action Fund-Latin America (UAF-Latin America) is taking over the responsibility for reviewing all proposals for Rapid Response Grants from Latin America. UAF-Latin America, based in Bogotá, Colombia, has been in operation as the third independent Urgent Action Fund since August 2009. Urgent Action Fund, UAF-Africa, and UAF-Latin America will continue to collaborate in our shared mission to promote the human rights of women and girls around the world. Should you have any questions about UAF-Latin America, or any of the Sister Funds, please contact us.
UAF-Latin America is responsible for all proposals from Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Please send all further correspondence to: info@fondoaccionurgente.org.co.
Bienvenido Fondo de Acción Urgente de América Latina
Desde el 17 de Noviembre de 2009, el Fondo de Acción Urgente de América Latina (FAU-AL) se responsabilizará por la recepción de propuestas para Apoyos de Respuesta Rápida de toda América Latina y el Caribe Hispanohablante. FAU-AL, con sede en Bogotá-Colombia, entra en operación como el tercer fondo independiente Fondo de Acción Urgente desde agosto de 2009. Urgent Action Fund, UAF - África, y FAU-América Latina seguirán colaborando en nuestra misión compartida de promover los derechos humanos de las mujeres y las niñas de todo el mundo. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca del FAU-AL, o cualquiera de los Fondos Hermanos, por favor no dude en comunicárnosla.
FAU-AL se hará cargo de todas las solicitudes provenientes de América Latina y el Caribe Hispanohablante; le agradecemos enviar toda la correspondencia posterior a: info@fondoaccionurgente.org.co.
Former Grantee Mu Sochua Profiled in the New York Times
Former grantee and current advisor, Mu Sochua, Cambodian Parliament Member, was recently profiled in the New York Times, describing her lifelong struggle to empower the women of Cambodia. Ms. Sochua was the Minister of Women's Affairs in Cambodia during the 1990's, when she referred two women's groups to Urgent Action Fund to support women activists at risk. In 2005, as chair of the Peace and Development Institute (PDI), she received a $5,000 USD grant from Urgent Action Fund.
PDI was working to support villagers in northern Cambodia who were attacked by local police and military while protesting the illegal sale of their land. Due to continued threats, one woman activist had gone into hiding and many others were concerned about their safety. In conjunction with the League for Cambodian Human Rights Action, PDI provided shelter and food for women activists and community leaders under threat. PDI also produced a DVD (with English subtitles) documenting these human rights abuses for a wider audience.
Please click here to read the full article in the NY Times.
REMEMBERING...
Anne Marie Coriolan, Magalie Marcelin and Myriam Merlet, founders of three of Haiti's most important women's advocacy organizations.
Anne Marie Coriolan was a political organizer and leader who helped criminalize rape in the Haitian courts. She increased collective efforts in the struggle to end violence against women and children.
Magalie Marcelin was a lawyer, film actress, and founder of Kay Fanm. Marcelin illuminated women's rights in Haiti by uniting women in public spaces and demanding justice.
Myriam Merlet was a founder of Enfofamn, an author, and Chief of Staff of the Haitian Ministry of Women's Affairs. She was an inspiring supporter to Haitian women.
We hold their spirits in our thoughts and honor their work in support of women's human rights!
Women Fuel Fires of Protest in Iran
September 9, 2009
The demonstrations following Iran’s June 12th presidential election have uncorked decades of anger and impatience that have been bottled up in Iran’s women’s movement. Street protests have been a catharsis of sorts, and have provided an outlet for Iranian women to lay bare their plight to the outside world. Read more.
UAF to Benefit from Combined Federal Campaign
Urgent Action Fund is part of the Combined Federal Campaign this year through the Human and Civil Rights Organizations of America! If you are a federal employee, you can designate UAF as a recipient of your charitable donations through the CFC. Our code is 26479
Watch our video
Celebrating a Decade of Innovative Funding for Women's Human Rights
Video in English
Video en Español
