Safe World for Women - Who's who

CHRIS CROWSTAFF - TRUSTEE AND FOUNDER
UK

As the founder of Safe World for Women, I am committed to bringing together women and men who share our passion for a safer and more humane world.

We need to start by protecting the most vulnerable. Women and children still make up most of the world's poor, most victims of war, most refugees and so it goes on. I truly believe that a Safe World for Women is a safe world for all.

In the summer of 2009, I visited women's groups in the Middle East and Uganda, with my husband Andrew (Safeworld IT Manager). I returned home feeling blessed that we live in a quiet, friendly and lush part of the world and also encouraged by the strength of human spirit when faced with unimaginable challenges.

My dim distant past varies from being head keeper at a wild-life park, book cover artist, columnist for a local journal, running a gardening business, studying biology, natural nutrition, homeopathy and Tibetan psycotherapy, coordinating workshops and retreats ... to bringing up two children in the wilds of Ireland and Cornwall along 'natural nurturing' principles.

Articles, Interviews and blogs by Chris

CLARA BOXALL - TRUSTEE & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
UK

I grew up in SE Asia and went to university in Perth, Western Australia. I have a degree in Media and Communication Studies and went straight into the advertising world after graduation. While in the advertising industry, I discovered that by understanding the values people hold and goals people pursue are important in motivating change.

I am a great believer in the small acts of courage. In our small yet diverse acts of courage, each of us can work to create change to a portion of events in our society. I also believe that people are the greatest asset in a society and should be treated fairly with dignity and respect. The discrimination of girls and women in the developing world, with little or no hope of relief is a bone of contention.

Safe World to me is a vehicle that voices the injustice and suffering often faced by women. It also reminds us that women are central players and beneficial to our society. Every member in our team is committed to promoting women and our rights to dignity and equality, and this is the heart of Safe World.

Human trafficking, the sex industry, child prostitution, social and humanitarian issues faced by refugees in Asia are my personal interests. It also includes endangered species, the danger of losing animals that we can never replace.

Articles & Interviews by Clara

JENNIFER TIMMONS - FIELD PARTNERS MANAGER & EDITOR
USA

I am Jennifer, aka “Jen”, to my SafeWorld family and many friends! Am a California native-turned-east coast lover and resident.

I research, write, edit, coordinate, collaborate, brainstorm, and help provide rah-rah support for SW's webzine and its staff!

I am also Field Partners Manager, in which I manage nearly everything to do with our many grassroots organisations throughout the world: first point of contact, application process, editing updates and articles, all-around communication.

Field Partners are the reason we exist. I continue to learn so much from our FP's; they help put things in perspective about what is important in life.

And I love it!

I am impassioned about women's rights, especially on issues of violence against women and reproductive health rights—whenever I learn about injustices in those two areas, my blood boils.

Safe World is like another home for me. I plan to stay around as long as it exists! I have been truly blessed in working with the most awesome team, and meeting amazing people the world over via email.. This is heaven!!

I have a bachelor's degree in Communication. But for a brief internship in corporate communications, I had not used my journalism skills for many moons until I came to SafeWorld. So now, I feel I've come full circle, in using these skills for one of my greatest passions: women's rights and advocacy.

When women are supported and empowered, the entire society benefits. It feels so great to be a part of the SAFE WORLD family.

Articles & Interviews by Jen

JOANNE MICHELE - CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR & MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT
USA

I believe that meaningful change to further human rights must be brought about in the capitals of our nations. I am involved in women's rights issues in the Middle East - specifically Iran - with Safe World.

In the Safe World family, I have found people who not only work tirelessly to further women's rights, but also the rights of other marginalized minorities and majorities. (Women form a majority of most societies).

My goal is to empower women around the world so not only will they prosper, but so society as a whole might finally become the egalitarian paradise that we all envision.

For now, Iran is my central focus at Safe World, especially since the regime there is perhaps one of the most, if not the most, misogynistic governments in the world.

I spend most of my days happily working to get the world's attention towards injustice under the guise of morality.

Articles & Interviews by Joanne

CAROLE VILA - VOLUNTEERS COORDINATOR
USA

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Mohandas Gandhi

For nearly two decades, I have volunteered with a number of local and national groups, assisting others and working to bring about change in my community. Volunteering with Safe World for Women is my first experience with an international organization. I am so honored to be a part of the Safe World family. It gives me great pleasure to work with such a diverse group of women and men dedicated to protecting the rights of women and children.

Advocating for women’s human rights is very important to me. I am particularly passionate about promoting girls’ education and ending child marriage. I strongly believe a woman should have the freedom to make her own decisions regarding family planning. I also support all efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality worldwide.

I firmly believe that women’s empowerment is the key to overcoming global poverty and creating a more peaceful society.

GAB CHAPARRO - SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM COORDINATOR
MEXICO

'Treat others as you want to be treated.'

I believe in diversity and the importance of co-existing with others, regardless of our differences. I also believe that the role of women and their contribution is vital as agents of change within our society, yet they are most mistreated. It is my desire to see strong women building a strong and better future for our children. Through education, equality, hard work and love this can be achieved. I will stand for my beliefs even if it means doing it alone.

I am Mexican and a Muslim, and disappointed with the social issues and the political corruption in my country. I am a mother to a wonderful boy who makes me feel I am able to help change the world, and hopefully be able to make it a better place for him.

"Je ne suis pas d'accord avec ce que vous dites, mais je me battrai pour que vous ayez le droit de le dire." -- Voltaire

Blogs by Gab

BECKY GOURDE - ONLINE ADMINISTRATOR
USA

I believe in human rights. Since human rights violations across the globe tend to target women and children most frequently and most disparagingly, I feel that focusing on the advancement of these groups is a significant movement toward making the world a benevolent place for all human beings.

Awareness, exposure, and understanding of the rooted issues are crucial in the first steps of that process. I help Safe World in areas such as administrative tasks, organizational upkeep, and basic communications, and my hope is that my small contributions allow us to connect with and promote the solutions to those issues to a greater degree.

I come to Safe World from the upper Midwest region of the United States, where I live and work near Lake Superior. I have a bachelor’s degree in English, and my professional experience includes communications, writing, marketing, and nonprofits.

HARSIMRAN KAUR - LEGAL CONSULTANT
INDIA

I qualified as Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales and became Member of the Law Society in November 2008. I did my graduation in Commerce in year 2003 and graduation in Law in year 2006.

Besides this I became an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India in January 2008. I handled Corporate Law matters at various levels and have also got additional expertise in other Legal matters.

It is rightly said that “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.”

Social work for me is not simply helping people out, but also to see changes around me. And we all are capable to bring around that change with concerted efforts. I think I can relate myself to SAFE WORLD in many ways, in terms of the thoughts behind this organization.

Women are the foundation of every society. Yet for many women in the world's poorest regions, life is extraordinarily difficult.

FER AMARAL - GENDER RESEARCHER
BRAZIL

I am a Brazilian Gender researcher and I hold a master's degree in Sociology. I am studying for another master's in Gender, Identity and Citizenship in UCA-Cadiz, Spain with a scholarship from MAEC-AECID.

I am involved with violence against women issues with Safe World and the Man Up Campaign (project in Brazil).

Safe World is a place in which I can empower myself and help others to empower themselves. Working with women’s rights gave me courage to change my own reality, and change the world to make it a safer place for women and men, for girls and boys.

Safe World is action: we put our hearts and our souls to make things change. I can define Safe World with one word: love. That’s what we do on Safe World."

Articles & Interviews by Fer

In 2011, Fer Amaral contributed a chapter to the book: Gypsy Sexuality: Romani and Outsider Perspectives on Intimacy - "A feminist conducts interviews with a few Romani women and reflects on the great divide between reality and the common myths about Gypsies in her country" (Chapter: Romani women in Brazil, by Fernanda P. Amaral with Sumaya Saran, in: Niremberg, Jud (ed). 2011, Clambake Press, LLC. Arizona, USA.

HOLLY LOCASTRO - SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM
UK

"Be the change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi

"After spending the last 10 years living in sunny Melbourne, Australia, I have recently moved back to live in England with my husband and daughter. During my decade in Oz I completed a degree in Media Studies, Post Graduate studies in PR and a Masters in Communication, and also worked as an Account Director for a Marketing agency. During that time I also spent a lot of time researching social media, and continue to do so. However more importantly I learned about Australian culture, met some fantastic people, saw amazing places and was lucky enough to adopt Melbourne as my second home.

Lucky is an important word, as I am definitely lucky to have been born into the country and family that I was and lucky to have had the opportunities that I have had. I recognise that everyone is not as lucky, which is why I was enthusiastic to work with Safe World for Women and assist in promoting the valuable work the organisation and their partners do."

ANDREW SAMPSON - NEWS CONSULTANT / WEB ADMINISTRATOR
UK

I have been involved with Safe World from the beginning.

I am responsible for day-to-day technical operations for Safe World and supporting the news team.

I visted the Middle East and Uganda with Chris learning about women's lives. I am passionate about working to right the many wrongs inflicted on women throughout the world.

A year ago, my 90 year old father moved into the cottage next door to where Chris and I live. At the time he was showing early signs of mild-dementia.

In the West when people get old and are unable to live on their own, the solution is often to find a place for them to live - in care homes where they get looked after day and night. Because Chris and I work from home and because we live in a very small rural community we felt we would could look after him ourselves. We cook for him daily, do his shopping and help arrange his life. 

So when Chris and I aren't online you know where we are!

Occasionally I write blogs...

Correspondents

• Correspondent-at-Large - Josh Shahryar
• Global | Women & Conflict - Louise Hogan
• Global - Rachael Fulton
• Global - Louise McCudden
• Global & UK - Peter Hilton
• Middle East - Joanne Michele
• Afghanistan - Noorjahan Akbar
• Cameroon - Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo
• DR Congo - Mugisho Theophile
• Israel & Palestine - Irit Hakim
• Malawi - January Watchman Mvula
• Nigeria - Olutosin Oladosu Abedowale
• South Africa - Koketso Moeti

Student Writers

• Safe World Student Writers Profiles

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