National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11, 2023
January 11 2023. Every year on January 11, the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), observes "National Human Trafficking Awareness Day" to help raise public awareness nationally on the victims' plight, mostly women and children. Victims are subjected to a range of threats and hostilities that leave them mentally scarred for life.
Congratulations to Lynn Rosenthal on Appointment as HHS Director of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
December 16 2022. The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) applauds President Joseph Biden’s appointment of Lynn Rosenthal as the first Director of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“On behalf of the GFWC, I want to congratulate Lynn Rosenthal on her new role with HHS,” said International President Deb Strahanoski. “HHS now has the dedicated expertise to coordinate responses to sexual violence and to ensure the specific needs of those who have experienced trauma are considered and addressed.”
Rosenthal’s experience as an advocate for women spans decades in the government and private sectors. From 2009–2015, Lynn served as the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women; and, represented Biden on the White House Council on Women and Girls and the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. GFWC worked with Lynn to get the reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act signed into law in 2013. In 2021, Rosenthal chaired the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military, which made bold recommendations to address sexual assault and harassment in the armed forces. Many of those recommendations related to accountability, prevention, climate and culture, and victim care/support have been enacted by Congress.
“I had the pleasure of working with Lynn on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act enactment,” said National Alliance to End Sexual Violence CEO and President Monika Johnson Hostler, Honorary Chairman of the GFWC Signature Program on Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention. “Lynn is a powerful advocate for those who have experienced gender-based violence. I’m looking forward to working with her in her new capacity at HHS.”
In Memoriam: International Past President Ernestine “Ernie” Shriner
December 15 2022. Ernestine “Ernie” Shriner, GFWC International Past President from 2004-2006, was a humble and driven woman who approached new experiences and opportunities with passion and a positive attitude. Ernie passed away on December 2, 2022, but GFWC will not soon forget the inspirational energy and unwavering dedication she brought to the Federation.
Stephenie Foster Shares Advocacy Resources with GFWC Clubwomen
August 31 2022. On August 10, GFWC had the opportunity to sit down with speaker, author, and women’s advocate Stephenie Foster to discuss her wide-ranging work to ensure equality for women and girls around the world.
GFWC Takes a Stand Against Elder Abuse
June 9 2022. GFWC recognizes June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Congratulations to Rosie Hidalgo, Office on Violence Against Women
May 19 2022. GFWC congratulates Rosie Hidalgo on her Presidential nomination to lead the Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice.
GFWC Congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
April 28 2022. On April 7, by a bipartisan vote of 53-47, the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
GFWC Celebrates Volunteers in Action Week
April 12 2022. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs recognizes April 17-23, 2022 as Volunteers in Action Week, which takes place every fourth week of April to honor National Volunteer Month. This week leads into celebrating Federation Day on April 24, the 132nd anniversary of GFWC’s founding and clubwomen’s commitment to unite and make positive change in local and global communities.
GFWC Celebrations 100 Years at Its Historic Home
April 1 2022. One-hundred years ago today, April 1, 1922, GFWC acquired its historic home at 1734 N St. NW in Washington, DC.
GFWC Announces Hope for Justice as New Affiliate Organization
March 23 2022. GFWC is excited to announce a new partnership with GFWC Affiliate Organization Hope for Justice, a new global anti-trafficking charity, that works from more than 30 locations across five continents to bring an end to modern day slavery and human trafficking.
Blog
January 31
Volunteers in Action: Southwest Region Woman’s Club of Colorado and NJSFWC Southern District
Featured Member
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams found an outlet for community service through joining the GFWC Ackerman Twentieth Century Club.
Success For Survivors Scholarship
Each year, GFWC awards scholarships to help intimate partner abuse survivors obtain a post-secondary education that offers a chance to reshape their future by securing employment and gaining personal independence.
Featured Club
GFWC Towanda Nokomis
With eight members, the GFWC Towanda Nokomis is proving that a small group of committed citizens can, in fact, change the world.