Born: 1953 (Jaffa, Israel)
Biography:
Iris Stern Levi (born May 11, 1953) is an Israeli social activist focused on issues of women’s and human rights. She is co-founder of the non-profit organizations Her Academy (2016) and Turning the Tables (2011), both of which work to provide vocational training for women who are survivors of prostitution and violence. Stern Levi is also on the board of Coalition of Women for Peace, co-director of the Testimony Tribunal of Women Victims of Sexual Assault, and was the volunteer coordinator for the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center for 16 years. She is the recipient of the 2018 Sussman-Joint Award.
Background
Stern Levi was born on May 11, 1953, in Jaffa, and moved to Australia with her family at an early age. In 1970, at the age of 18, she was sent by her parents to live with relatives in Tel Aviv. Stern Levi studied art and is a graduate of the group guidance program at Tel Aviv University.
In the 1990s, Stern Levi lived in Amsterdam for three years. During this time, lacking a studio to work in, she sought something meaningful to occupy her time and became aware of the plight of Bosnian women during and in the aftermath of the Bosnian War. Many of them suffered harm, ranging from rape as a weapon of war to rape by the men returning from the front, and human trafficking. This exposure to the suffering of women from oppressed groups or victims of violence served as a catalyst for her activism.
Activism for Women
Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center
In 1997, Stern Levi began volunteering at the Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Within a year, she was recruited into a professional position. For 16 years, Stern Levi served as the volunteer network coordinator, managing a group of approximately 200 volunteers and overseeing intake, training, and schedules. Her dedication to supporting and assisting survivors of sexual assault significantly contributed to the center’s mission.
Testimony Tribunal of Women Victims of Sexual Assault
Stern Levi is one of the founders of the Testimony Tribunal of Women Victims of Sexual Assault project. The idea behind the tribunal is based on similar initiatives around the world, such as the 1976 International Tribunal on Crimes against Women, which were established by women who realized that the mechanisms of law and government do not serve the needs and goals of women on issues of sexual violence. These tribunals, though not official bodies with enforcement power, are designed to raise awareness of issues neglected by official systems and the media. Furthermore, they aim to enhance solidarity between women victims of violence and other crimes.
Turning the Tables
In 2011, Stern Levi co-founded Turning the Tables, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing vocational training for women who are survivors of prostitution and violence. The organization’s goal is to empower these women by teaching them valuable skills that can lead to economic independence and a path towards a better life. Through Turning the Tables, Stern Levi continues to make a significant impact in the lives of countless women, offering them hope and the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Iris Stern Levi has been a tireless advocate for women’s rights and has dedicated her life to supporting survivors of sexual assault and violence. Her unwavering commitment to these causes has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but also had a profound influence on Israeli society. By establishing organizations like Her Academy and Turning the Tables, Stern Levi has created a network of support and resources for women in need, helping to break the cycle of violence and empower these women to create a brighter future for themselves. Her work has reshaped the conversation around women’s issues and serves as an inspiration for future generations of activists and changemakers.
Awards:
– 2018 Sussman-Joint Award