Around the Institute

Girl Power / Literacy / Advocacy

September 23, 2011

Are You Checking Out My Girl Power?
The Nike Foundation and the Commonwealth Countries League Education Fund have launched two advertising campaigns in support of women’s rights. Our friends at Oxfam International suggest that beyond the surface similarities you’ll find some very substantial differences—in tone, content and message. And for a quick laugh, check out the parody of Nike’s version (Psst! girls can, in fact, have babies).

Boosting Iraqi Literacy
2011 is shaping up to be USAID’s year of education. Back in February, USAID published its new education strategy through 2015. This week, they celebrated International Literacy Day by handing out 1,200 literacy certificates to women in Basra, Iraq through their “Women’s Awareness and Inclusion Program.” The folks at USAID know that women are indeed the agents of change.

A Welcome Return
Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal, the two American hikers captured by Iranian authorities for alleged espionage along the Iran-Iraq border, were released from prison this week. President Obama lauded their families, who sustained a two-year advocacy campaign in support of their freedom. Advocacy can take a long time, but when it works, it’s well worth the wait.