International Rescue Committee | Talks at Google

TL;DR

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works to save lives and empower women in conflict and post-conflict settings through their reproductive health and gender-based violence programs.

Transcript

my name is Matt Ferman I'm the director of corporate Communications at Google and it's my pleasure to welcome representatives from the International Rescue committee here this is an organization with Rich history uh they date back in this country to Albert Einstein's concerns in 1933 for Germans fleeing the emerging Nazi regime they now have a pres... Read More

Key Insights

• 👩‍⚕️ The IRC focuses on saving lives and empowering women in conflict and post-conflict settings through reproductive health and gender-based violence programs.
• 😨 Maternal mortality is a significant issue in conflict settings, and the IRC provides emergency obstetric care and family planning services to address this.
• 💦 The IRC works to combat gender-based violence by providing healthcare, counseling, and support for survivors, as well as working with communities to change attitudes and behaviors.
• 👾 Community-driven reconstruction, education programs, and safe spaces for children are also essential components of the IRC's work.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the IRC address the high rates of maternal mortality in conflict settings?

The IRC provides emergency obstetric care facilities and trains local healthcare workers to handle pregnancy complications. They have seen success in increasing the percentage of women who deliver in health facilities and reducing the maternal death rate.

Q: How does the IRC support survivors of gender-based violence?

The IRC offers healthcare services, counseling, and safe spaces for survivors of sexual violence. They also work with communities to combat the stigma associated with rape and provide education and support for men to prevent violence against women.

Q: Does religion affect the IRC's ability to provide reproductive rights to women?

The IRC recognizes reproductive rights as human rights and provides services based on this principle. They respect national laws and cultural norms, but work towards empowering women to make decisions about their families and their bodies.

Q: How can Google employees and the company support the IRC's efforts?

Google can support the IRC by incorporating their work into Google Maps, promoting their website and publications, and donating time, money, and resources to their programs. Google can also help raise awareness about the IRC's work by increasing their online visibility.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The IRC was founded in 1933 to rescue refugees from Nazi-occupied countries and help them resettle in the United States. Today, they continue to provide emergency assistance and rebuild lives in areas of conflict and persecution around the world.

• The IRC focuses on reproductive health and gender-based violence programs, providing emergency obstetric care, family planning, and support for survivors of sexual violence.

• They also work to empower communities through community-driven reconstruction projects, education programs, and creating safe spaces for children.