Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation Make Gift to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation Make Transformative Gift to Episcopal Relief & Development to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls

Press Release

November 25, 2019

The Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia Family Foundation has contributed a $1 million gift to Episcopal Relief & Development to support and expand the organization’s programs to help prevent violence against women and girls worldwide.

“Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to reduce violence against women and girls is having a transformative impact on the lives of women and their communities,” said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. “The generosity and love for those around the world expressed by the Muglia Family through this gift are deeply inspiring to all of us working together for lasting change.”

Long-time supporters of Episcopal Relief & Development, Laura Ellen and Robert Muglia believe they have a responsibility to help empower women to thrive. “I have seen firsthand how Episcopal Relief & Development creates long-term, sustainable change for the most vulnerable people in communities around the world,” stated Laura Ellen Muglia, who has served on the board of directors for the organization since 2016. “We are honored to be a part of this ground-breaking and hugely important program.”

Episcopal Relief & Development’s initiatives to promote gender equality and to end violence against women and girls are one of the organization’s key program priorities. In Liberia, a partnership with the humanitarian arm of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, supported by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Islamic Relief USA and other funders, encourages and trains local faith leaders such as priests and imams to speak out against violence and to change cultural norms in their communities. In 2018, this program was awarded a second grant from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women to expand its work to ensure that every woman is treated with dignity and respect.

“Our long-standing partners in Liberia, Burundi, Honduras, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia recognize that violence against women and girls remains a huge barrier to the growth and development of communities,” said Chiseche Mibenge, the newly-appointed Director of Gender Initiatives for Episcopal Relief & Development. “Through experiential learning, faith and youth leaders address their own entrenched religious and cultural biases that subordinate women and girls, and are empowered to advocate for the rights of survivors.”

“When women succeed, communities thrive. We are delighted to announce this generous gift from the Muglia Family Foundation as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of  Violence Against Women around the world, ” said Robert Radtke, President & CEO for Episcopal Relief & Development. “We are deeply grateful to Laura Ellen and Bob for their continued support and passion to empower women.”

For more information about Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to eliminate violence against women and girls, visit www.episcopalrelief.org.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.