Society is in a stage of adolescence, and equality between women and men is a necessary condition for growth, Tahirih Founder and Executive Director Layli Miller-Muro told an audience Oct. 15 at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.

More than 275 guests recently gathered at the Houstonian Hotel to celebrate Tahirih’s impact in Greater Houston. Honorees included Michele “Mitch” Gibbons, an attorney with Jones Day and a dedicated Tahirih volunteer. Gibbons received Tahirih’s 2013 Advocacy Award at the Houston Gala. Photo courtesy of Nicolai McCrary

When Anne Chandler travels around Houston, she doesn’t see the same city you and I see.

Pro bono professional services are a vital resource for Tahirih and allow the non-profit to protect hundreds of women and girls from violence every year.

Working as a paralegal at Tahirih helped me to recognize a deep strength that is inherent to women. I realized this especially working on a case with a client where I had to write out her story. Hearing from her firsthand about why she refused to be subjected to violence, including her motivation to protect her children, sincerely moved me. Many clients told me how they are educating their sons to treat women with respect. Throughout the year, I witnessed the potential and power of women and how they can influence the world if they are allowed to be a bigger part of it.

Tahirih Justice Center praises the United States Senate’s passage yesterday of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act.

The award is a reflection of Tahirih’s record of efficiency, excellence, good governance and ethics, and fiscal responsibility, and Tahirih was selected for the honor from a field of more than 200 organizations.