Meet Abigail Erickson
If you spend any time at Platt Park, chances are you have seen Abigail Erickson wearing her six month old son Will in a front pack while pushing her daughter Lucy on the swings. What you might not know, however, is that Abigail is a champion in the women's rights and anti-violence movement. She works for the International Rescue Committee on the Women's Protection and Empowerment team.
How did you get started on your career? Was there a sentinel point in your life that led you down this path?
I have worked in the women’s rights and anti violence movement for close to 20 years, starting my career at the Durango Planned Parenthood center when I was 19 years old. I worked for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains for six years, managing our health center in Cortez Colorado and eventually becoming the Senior Public Affairs Coordinator based in Denver. I was able to combine my love of travel and Southeast Asia with my passion for women’s health and rights, when I moved to Thailand in 2002 and worked for Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand, and an HIV/AIDS organization, Health and Development Networks. In 2005 I returned to the US to complete my MSW at the University of Chicago, and returned to the border Thai-Burma border where for three years I ran IRCs Gender-Based Violence prevention and response programs in the Karenni refugee camps. I speak Thai, and some Burmese.
It appears that you have travelled globally as part of IRC. Can you talk about your most recent trip or one that stands out in your mind?
I spent six years living in Thailand as well has traveled (for work) extensively throughout East Africa. I lived for 2 months in Jijiga, Ethiopia (on the border with Somaliland) working in the Somalia refugee camps. Overall what stands out in my mind is the commonality across women, particularly mothers. We have the same worries about our children’s health and wellbeing, and deep feelings of love and pride. And I have always been deeply struck by the strength and resilience of the women I work with - these women flee war, live in the most challenging environments imaginable, risk daily threats of violence, and yet protect their babies, fight hard to meet their families basic needs, and still can find hope and believe in a better tomorrow. These women are remarkable; I have been humbled and learned greatly from the teachers I have met along the way.
What do you want people to know about your organization? What ways can neighbors and parents get involved and show support?
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. I work with the IRC’s Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) team, and we are recognized globally as a leader in preventing and responding to violence against women. The IRC WPE team has programs in over 20 countries including: Mali, Niger, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, North Caucuses, Kenya, Liberia, Nepal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Thailand, Syria, Turkey and Uganda.
Our comprehensive and innovative programs focus on providing care to women who have experienced violence as well as tackling the root causes of abuse. The key elements of our work help restore the dignity of survivors and create opportunities for women and girls to rebuild and transform their lives.
The best way to get involved is to learn about the world’s crises and conflicts and support the agencies who are helping communities survive, cope and rebuild. Check out our web site at: http://www.rescue.org/about.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? How long have you been a parent?
After a decade long hiatus from Colorado, we moved back to Platt Park two years ago. We have owned our home in Platt Park since 2005, however have lived in Thailand and DC before moving back in 2012. My husband and I moved back with our daughter Lucy, who was born in DC, when she was three months old. Since then, we have had a 2nd child, a sweet baby boy, Will, who is now six months old.