Mira Yusef, Monsoon-United Asian Women of Iowa

(20 min) Monsoon-United Asian Women of Iowa (MUAWI) is a non-profit committed to helping families of Asian descent in Iowa. The organization’s long-term mission is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault by promoting the social, economic, and political self-determination of all women.

In this interview, Executive Director Mira Yusef discusses the foundation and ongoing work of MUAWI. She describes their innovative work that bridges intergenerational perspectives about gender and violence, and empowers Asian youth to frame their experiences with violence in their own terms. The work of MAUWI generates culturally-appropriate prevention messages, and fosters critical community conversations about rape and domestic violence.

This interview was recorded by phone on November 17, 2009.