As we approach International Women’s Day – March 8 – the global call to action resonates louder than ever: “Invest in women: Accelerate Progress.” This year’s theme reinforces the critical role that women play in driving change across our society.

Through recognizing, supporting and investing in women’s education, health and economic empowerment, and leadership, we unlock a world that is healthier and more prosperous, and shepherd communities toward a more just and equitable future.

PWS&D is committed to investing in women through our projects:

• In Guatemala, PWS&D works with local partners to support Indigenous women as they fight prejudices about their leadership abilities. Through workshops, women learn greater self-esteem and strengthen their voices at the institutional level.

• With our local partner in India, PWS&D supports outreach to women and girls to provide them with the tools they need to access appropriate health care and address issues of gender, empowerment, and sexual and reproductive rights.

• In Malawi,  PWS&D provides scholarships for girls to attend Neno Girls Secondary School. These scholarships enable girls to stay in school and access a quality education. According to the United Nations, every additional year of school a girl attains increases her eventual wages by 10-20%. Education encourages them to marry later and have fewer children, increasing opportunities for gender equity to be realized. 

PWS&D is also pleased to partner with KAIROS on their Women of Courage: Women, Peace and Security initiative. In conflict and post-conflict situations, women are often victimized through gender inequity, poverty, racism, military conflict and sexual violence. However, women and many women-led organizations play an essential role in human rights and processes for peace, justice and reparations. The Women of Courage initiative works with partners in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Israel/Palestine, the Philippines and South Sudan to end gender-based violence in militarized conflict and increase women’s participation in peacebuilding processes.

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When we invest in women, we invest in a better world where opportunities are more equitable and progress is more inclusive.