A Life of Love - with Iliriana Gashi

Alice tells the emotional story behind her favourite ‘Share A hug necklace’ which created when she went to Kosovo with the charity Women For Women International nine years ago. Iliriana Gashi, the Director of the charity in Kosova, joins us to tell us about the  extraordinary work she does to make sure that womens stories are heard, especially those who have been sexually violated.  A medical doctor by training, Iliriana has found her calling working with women in need, by teaching them about income generation, their health and how to network and build their community. She’s helped over 35,000 women since 1999 to rebuild their lives after war. In this emotional chat, Ilirana shares her own experience of being a refugee and how it feels to lose your identity and how we all need more empathy for people who are displaced. Having seen so much hardship and the horrors of war, she truly shines a light of hope. She shares the special pieces that mean the most to her, including the ring her parents gave her when she qualified as a doctor, a card her son made her for mother’s day when her family had found safety in Switzerland, a dried rose and a necklace, both presents from inspirational women. She says that living with love is the thing that has seen her through. If you’re inspired by this chat, (as we certainly were) head to @womenforwomenTo view our guests' special bits, please follow us on Instagram @showusyourbitspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.