Together, we can end gender-based violence against women and girls.
Global Rights for Women provides legal reform and systems change support through a survivor-centered coordinated community response that prioritizes equality and safety.
At least 1 in 3 women in the world are victims of domestic and sexual assault.
WHO, Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018.
An organization dedicated exclusively to a woman’s human right to be free from violence.
This injustice and so many others convinced our founder and Executive Director, Cheryl Thomas, acclaimed human rights attorney, that women need an organization dedicated exclusively to their human right to be free from violence. Where survivor’s voices and experiences are the basis for legal reform and systemic change.
Since 2014, our global partnerships include 60+ women’s nongovernmental organizations, government agencies and U.S. Embassies, the United Nations, and global and local experts on violence against women. These trusted partnerships have advanced laws, values and practices aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls.
Together, we’ve impacted more than 65 million women with improved laws, policies and practices, and we will continue our work until all women are provided the human right to live free from gender-based violence.
Our Team
Programs Staff
Cheryl Thomas
Founder and Executive Director
Since 1993, Cheryl has worked with partners around the world to promote women’s human rights and achieve effective reform on violence against women.
Melissa Scaia
Director of International Training
Melissa brings a wealth of experience as the former executive director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs (DAIP), also known as “the Duluth Model.”
Director of Systems Advocacy
Laura started the first Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI). As a founder of the Sexual Violence Justice Institute, she has written, consulted, and trained extensively on the multi-agency, multi-disciplinary response to sexual assault.
Program Coordinator
Mingyu recently graduated with a Master of Public Policy degree concentrating on gender policy and international education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She holds a great interest in empowering underprivileged women in vulnerable situations through enhancing their exposure to educational and economic opportunities.
Program Administrative Associate
Lachlan is a recent graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison having majored in Political Science. Lachlan is passionate about international relations, political advocacy and interpersonal communication.
Humphrey Fellow Professional Affiliate
Aurece Aubrey Bahala is a training expert and program coordinator with the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, a policy, research, and training center in southern Philippines. She will engage with organizations that have global expertise with empowering marginalized groups to assert their rights and collective interests in governance, institution-building and policymaking.
Pathways to family peace Staff
Pathways Program Manager
Hunter graduated with her Master’s from Lindenwood University in Criminal Justice Administration. She found a passion in helping victims of violence seek justice.
Pathways to Family Peace Facilitator
Jon is recognized internationally for groundbreaking work conducting men’s non-violence batterer intervention programming.
Development & Communications Staff
Finance Manager
Christy has a Finance Degree and worked with high net worth clients and their businesses at U.S. Bank Private Client Group and before that in Credit Administration at Marquette Bank.
Communications Manager
Patricia’s career has been focused on working with mission-driven organizations seeking to tell their stories through partnership and collaboration.
Director of Development
Sara brings over 10 years of experience in driving organizational growth, including nonprofit consulting and management for organizations in Minnesota, Washington D.C. and abroad.
Administrative Associate
Sophia graduated from Chapman University. She is passionate about creating sustainable solutions to end global gender-based conflict and tackle international policy reform.
Hanna Nussair
Social Media Consultant
Hanna graduated with her Master of Human Rights from the University of Minnesota. Hanna is interested in the role of communication in promoting feminist causes, and has worked on numerous issues such as gender-based violence, education and social inclusion for women and girls.
help end violence for women and girls
Join the team
CONSULTANT EXPERT TRAINERS
Judge Kathryn Quaintance
Kay Arola
Carol Arthur
Marcus Brunning
Judge Elizabeth Cutter
Gabrielle Davis
Rhonda Martinson
Scott Miller
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lynn Anderson, President, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Holiday Companies
Rebecca J. Bentzinger, Certified Clinical Pastoral Educator, UnityPoint Health
Kari Bjorhus, Development and Communications Committee Chair
Jane Blaney, Associate General Counsel, Faegre Drinker
Kathryn Goodwin Brackney, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Holly Eng, Vice President, VP Global Law: Business Operations, Sustainability & Communications, Cargill
Imani Jaafar, Director, Lead Risk Consultant, Target Corporation
Jim Jacobson, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Medica (retired)
Imrana Jalal, Special Project Facilitator, Asian Development Bank
Kelley Lindes, Board Member
Rachel Pollock, Governance Committee Chair, Associate General Counsel, Meritex
Christina Ruhinda, Executive Director, Tanzania Network of Legal Aid Providers
Sally Spence, Global Studies Program Specialist, Office of Global Studies, St. Catherine University
Sujata Warrier, Training and Technical Assistance Director, Battered Women’s Justice Project
In Memoriam
Bob Hamilton, Chief Operating Officer, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. (1957-2023)
Ann Newhall, Chief Operating Officer, Rural Cellular Corporation (1951-2015)
Join the movement
Join the global movement to end gender-based violence.
Get updates from the Global Rights for Women team about the work around the world to ensure justice for survivors and how you can advocate for ending gender-based violence in your community.