|
Economic Security
Women perform two-thirds of all labor and produce more than half of the
world's food. Yet, women own only about one percent of the world's assets,
and represent 70 percent of those living in absolute poverty. We support
efforts that increase women's ability to contribute to and benefit from
economic growth and development.
Violence Against Women
The abuse of women and girls is endemic in most societies around the world.
One in three women will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise
violated in her lifetime. Rape as a weapon of war is a feature of conflicts
from Sudan to Iraq. We support programs that offer immediate services to
victims of violence, raise awareness about their rights and advocate for an
end to all forms of violence.
Education
Two-thirds of the world's uneducated children are girls, and two-thirds of
the world's illiterate adults are women. Numerous studies have demonstrated
that educating women and girls is the single most effective strategy to
ensure the well-being and health of children, and the long-term success of
developing economies. We invest in programs that ensure access to education
for women and girls at all stages of their lives.
Health
In developing countries maternal mortality is the leading cause of death for
women of reproductive age. Women and girls lack access to the most basic
health care services and are at the highest risk for contracting sexually
transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Our grants educate women about
basic health and sanitation practices, demand government accountability for
ensuring good public health policy and provide critical services to the most
under-served populations.
Leadership
Although women make up 51 percent of the world’s population, they hold only
16 percent of parliamentary and congressional seats worldwide. Their presence
in corporate and civic leadership positions remains limited by entrenched
gender bias. Women’s civic and political participation is essential to the
achievement of open and democratic societies. We support women’s leadership
in civic organizations, in local government and in decision-making bodies at
the highest levels of governance.
|
