| Supporting Disadvantaged Women Around The Globe |
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March 8 marks the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) –a day we celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future. Many working women have marked this day since the early 20th century to highlight their solidarity in the fight for equal, economical, and political rights with men. IWD is now an official holiday in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. For many men, it has now become tradition to honor their mothers, wives, sisters, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts to recognize their achievements.
The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. More women have entered the professional work force, have a right to vote, and have political and economical autonomy. Nonetheless, despite what some may think, women around the world have not yet won the battle for equality. Many women, especially in third world countries, still fight for the right to vote, for the right to be recognized as persons, for a right to equal pay, and for the right to attain political and economical freedom.
In Tanzania, where half the population makes less than one dollar a day, IDRF is providing women with soft loans and business and leadership training to improve their socio-economic standing. Women learn about income generation principles, book keeping, saving, credit management, group management, leadership, gender relations, and HIV/AIDS protection, all of which has allowed them to improve their business and income as well as has allowed them to repay their loans. Furthermore, IDRF has contributed a great deal to assisting women in Afghanistan. Afghan women have been shown to be involved in many production and income generating activities and to contribute to household income, yet few own resources such as land and livestock. IDRF's past projects in Afghanistan have assisted women with the provision of skills, knowledge and support in health, education, and income generating activities. IDRF continues to support these and others women empowerment projects to ensure women living in underprivileged areas a brighter future.
This Women’s Day, help support women around the globe by donating to
one of IDRF’s Women Empowerment projects. Your generosity will help
women struggling with poverty, illiteracy, injustice, and preventable
diseases to reach for equality and sustainability in their communities.
They too can make a difference in their communities and be recognized
for their struggles and commitment. To view IDRF’s women empowerment
projects or to make a donation, click here.
Select the photo gallery below to view some of IDRF's woman beneficiaries around the world:
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