LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
What kind of man…?
An article about Gisèle Pelicot - the brave French woman who flipped the script on the traditional victim/survivor rape narrative - tried to address the fundamental question of these times. What kind of man, indeed. What kind of man would repeatedly drug his wife so that she could be raped by strangers. What kind of man would maintain a sycophantic relationship with a known rapist and pedophile. What kind of man would degrade and belittle women with such careless abandon?
Every generation alive knows misogyny is inherent in our cultural scaffolding of rape and violence against women. In 2024, some 83,000 women and girls were killed intentionally, 60 percent of them by their intimate partner or a family member. That’s 137 a day. Of course, it’s not only men, and many men are honorable and respectful of women. But there is a through-line of unflinching dehumanization of women that connects the case of Gisele Pelicot, all things Epstein, Project 2026, and perhaps even the Internet itself.
It’s this consistent and flagrant disdain for half of the world’s population that has ignited a blinding anger among many of us, myself included. On the Epstein issue alone, I’m angry that multiple Departments of Justice under multiple Presidents did nothing. I’m angry that no one is being held accountable - at least in the United States.
But this moment is much bigger than Jeffrey Epstein, the international web of power that surrounded him, and the shroud of invincibility that seemed to protect them all for far too long. As that shroud gets peeled back and their evils exposed, my sincere hope is that the new imperative for our leaders becomes moral clarity.
The concept of the Golden Rule is shared by virtually every single religion and culture – treat others as you’d want to be treated yourself. This isn’t about moral judgement, but rather about living a virtuous life that cultivates wisdom, justice, courage, empathy and care for our fellow (wo)man, especially the most vulnerable. Doing no harm. It shouldn’t need to be said, but here we are: THIS is the bar to which all elected officials must be held. There should be no scenario in which a convicted felon rises to the highest public office.
We VOTE to say “NEVER AGAIN.”
Together, let us fight for a return to common decency, morality and hope – for a system in which we can build a better future for all, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or religious belief.
I implore you to register to vote and request your ballots today. The rules have changed and tightened for many states, and primaries have begun. Go to votefromabroad.org and make it happen. There are people on deck to help if needed. Do not sit this one out. Do not be deterred. As someone more articulate than I pointed out: Nobody gave us Roe v Wade; nobody gave us the right to vote; nobody gives us shit. It has to be fought for and won. They don’t want to give us anything. So we have to keep fighting.
We have only just begun.
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum
Sally DeSipio
Chair, Global Women’s Caucus
[email protected]
EVENTS
The Feminist Hackathon - March 8th, 10am-6pm CET - This is the biggest event we have ever done, and it’s designed specifically for you. It’s an all-day, hands-on power lab for women who are done asking permission and ready to build something together. There’s something for everyone: work together with other creative women to craft a Zine; test your knowledge about feminist trivia in a fast-paced interactive game; take a break with a Hatha yoga class, complete with coping skills; learn tips on how to organize women locally and off-line; enjoy a film (details below) followed by a Q&A with the film’s director; learn how to contact your elected officials and make noise - and more. Come for one room - stay for them all! The entire event is designed, organized and led by amazing women from around the world. RSVP
If you want to help raise awareness and spread the word, here is our Sharing Kit, designed to help this event reach as many people as possible, both inside the DA community and beyond. It includes messaging and graphics which you can share on social media and with your contacts to help spread the word. SHARE KIT
Preconceived - March 8th, 6am ET / 12pm CET a film about the anti-abortion movement and the frightening grip it has on women pursuing their reproductive freedom. Part of the Feminist Hackathon.
Tuesday, March 17th, 1pm EDT / 7pm CET - Trad Wives: Rebranding the Patriarchy
Let’s connect the dots between these “lifestyle” influencers who bake cakes and tell you how great it is to be a stay at home mom, and Turning Point USA and Project 2025. We support stay-at-home moms! But we also know this rising trend is not a coincidence.
FB Live Global Women’s Caucus - March 25, 2pm ET/ 7pm CET - It's Women's History Month and the Global Women's Caucus is doing what we do best: getting loud. For our March Facebook Live, we're taking over the conversation. We're talking about the issues that shape our lives right now: reproductive rights, economic justice, threats to democracy, and what women, at home AND abroad, are doing to fight back and win. Join us live on Facebook.
The March Cauldron - March 29, 1pm ET / 7pm CET - Join our monthly drop in conversation. This month we will venture into the uncomfortable culture of misogyny, unleashed by the #MeToo movement and reignited in full force by Jeffrey Epstein. Content Warning: This event addresses topics of sexual harassment and sexual assault/abuse. These topics can be triggering for some individuals. Please take care as needed and feel free to take a break / leave the event if necessary.
Books Abroad - April 26, 10am ET/4pm CET. This month, join us to read (or reread) Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. In light of Jeffrey Epstein's horrors, and the pedophiliac culture, reading and discussing Lolita anew can be an instructive and interesting adventure. Epstein kept a first edition of Lolita in one of his mansions and named his private plane after the girl Humbert groomed and raped. Regardless of Epstein's apparent identification with Humbert, he more closely can be identified with the Marquis de Sade.
VOLUNTEERS: Please fill out this form & join us!
Yes, we are greedy - we always want more. But the fact is, we are turning anxiety and anger into creativity, action and joy. Here are skills we are always seeking:
Graphic Designers: If you have design skills and marketing experience, please join our team. We are in the process of launching a new 2026 campaign that will inspire you and everyone else. Prior experience in Canva is helpful!
Copy Writers: Have you worked in digital advertising? Come join our team.
Content Creators: Did you know video boosts the algorithm? Help us break through the noise and join our great team of content makers. Let’s populate the internet with powerful images and videos of women speaking truth.
Volunteer Coordinator: We’ve got a huge and growing team. If you’re a people person, help us stay organized and on point.
Tech Expertise: Our global helpdesk could use some assistance. If you are comfortable with technology and willing to devote some time, please reach out.
GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV) - Phone bank bulletin!
As of this writing, just over 5% of our global DA membership have requested their ballots. That’s a perilously small statistic for any year, but especially for one this critical. Our phone banking campaigns have started within certain countries - and they could use your help. Please get trained and let us know when you’re ready to roll.
Sign up for training today!
RSVP
NEWS
We curate so you don’t have to. Keeping it small this month because these are so important.
The Heritage Foundation Wants to Send American Women Back Half A Century - Jessica Grose, NYT - We can’t and we won’t let them.
Ezra Klein Show - The Infrastructure of Jeffrey Epstein’s Power - An incredibly helpful breakdown of all the issues at play. A must-listen.
SOCIAL MEDIA
….and remember to request your ballot!
