Women and Girls
There are often barriers to a woman’s growth and development, particularly the ongoing violence against women that takes place in many parts of the world.
Our work to empower and promote the rights of women and children focuses on four key areas:
Promoting Gender Equality
Our work with communities focuses on how to balance the power structure between women and men, and encourage shared decision-making in household and other roles. We help ensure that women’s rights are recognized and protected and define specific actions that can address discrimination, violence and other forms of abuse. We also collaborate with local community members, faith leaders and other partners to integrate these strategies into all aspects of the lives of women and girls including their education, earning potential and health.
Creating Economic Stability
Data shows that when women have more financial earning power and the ability to decide how finances are managed, they bring positive economic change to the lives of their children, families and communities. Our programs encourage women to actively participate in financial decisions and to earn an income so they are able to provide food and health care for their families, as well as educate their children. Women participate in Savings with Education (SwE) groups, which offer critical financial and business training as well as small business loans to individuals and groups. The SwE groups develop micro-insurance products, village banks and cooperatives for people without access to traditional financial markets and institutions.
Cultivating Women Leaders
When women take leadership roles, they can influence family and community life and encourage the equal distribution of resources. Our work strengthens and elevates women’s voices individually and collectively so that they become active in decision-making at a local and national level. This shift plays a significant part in changing long-held attitudes, values and beliefs. We work with communities to ensure those in power are accountable to women. Our programs also invest in institutional change that supports transformative leadership positions for women and encourages them to serve as role models for girls.
Ending Violence Against Women
Violence has a devastating impact on family and community structures. By reinforcing existing inequality, it undermines the health, dignity, security and independence of those affected. It also greatly contributes to the cycle of poverty. Survivors, spouses and their communities work together to address trauma and promote healing, which leads them to become more resilient. We collaborate with local leaders to help prevent violence and respond to those impacted. In addition, we are contributing to research which highlights the ways that faith leaders can galvanize real social and cultural change. Our work engages community and faith leaders to take action and speak out against violence. Our programs play a pivotal role in creating interfaith networks which provide tools, skills and support for leaders to challenge the attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate injustice and discrimination.
OUR OTHER PRIORITIES:
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
DISASTER RESPONSE