Three reasons why we focus on the empowerment of women and girls
Why does Foxglove focus on projects supporting the empowerment of women and girls?
It’s easy really.
There are three key factors at work:
1. Inequity Factor.
In numeric terms, ‘Women hold up half the sky’ but in many Developing World countries, women and girls are the most persecuted members of the community. In 2017, the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. The incidence of domestic violence against women, limited gains in maternal health, and depressingly low levels of access to global assets and resources, confirm a rising gender inequity. When you add the overwhelming lack of representation of women in positions of power, then the need to prioritise women and girl projects is both valid and essential.
2. Generosity Factor.
For every dollar that a woman receives, she will share 80cents with those about her. Not just extended family but neighbours and community. It means that any gains experienced by women are shared gains. Everyone benefits. And this not only improves the living conditions of others but raises their hopes and aspirations that life can be better.
3. Effectiveness Factor.
When a woman makes her way out of poverty, she takes five to nine others with her. It’s a startling statistic. For the most part, it’s a reflection of the integral importance of women to the progress and provision of her family. A woman will give all that she has to make sure her children get a better chance at life. And she will work every dollar and every opportunity to see how it can provide that chance against all odds. At heart, she’s a believer driven by hard work and desperation to make something out of nothing.
Back to blog