Rights that promote a position of legal and social equality of women with men.

Women's rights in Afghanistan has improved drastically since the Karzai administration began its rule approximately ten years ago. Even so, violence against women today is still high, as women struggle to gain their freedom and recreate a society that was primarily male dominant.

Who runs/works for the organization?
Tony Gambino: Interim Chief Executive Officer, Julianna Lindsey: Vice President, Programs, Brita Fernandez Schmidt: Executive Director-UK, Antoinette Uwimana: Country Director, Rwanda, Ngozi Uchenna Eze: Country Director, Nigeria

What is their objective/mission (who/what/where)?
In countries affected by conflict and war, Women for Women International supports the most underprivileged  women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support. By using skills, knowledge, and resources, she is able to create sustainable change for herself, her family, and community.

What strategies/programs/projects are they using to meet this objective?
Through this program, women find inspiration and strength to transform their lives. During a 12 month period, women come together in classes of 25 to learn critical skills and access new resources. With a curriculum that meets them where they are, women begin their journey to achieve these four outcomes:

• Earn and save money – Women learn basic business skills and a vocational skill with earning power in their local markets. They begin to save and receive support to establish cooperatives after graduation.

• Develop health and well-being – Women learn how to manage their health, including reproductive health and stress management. They also learn about the importance of good hygiene and nutrition for their families. They are connected with local healthcare providers.

• Influence decisions in their homes and communities – Women learn their fundamental rights and those recognized in their countries, and are encouraged to educate other women. They learn the importance of civic participation, voting, and negotiation.

• Connect to networks for support and advocacy – Women build support networks. They share ideas and resources, invest in business together, and help each other find solutions to common challenges.

Beyond the classroom, women are encouraging to others, creating ripple effects in their families and their communities.  For instance, women increase their average daily income from $0.41 when they enroll in the yearlong program to $1.98 two years after completing it. The overwhelming majority invest their savings in growing their small business and in their children.

Why are these strategies effective or ineffective?
Women from war-torn regions can overcome poverty and marginalization.  With support and life-changing skills, they can increase their household incomes, raise healthier families, and create sustainable change.

How is this organization funded?

• Donations
• Sponsors
• Fundraisers

How can you get involved?
There are many ways that someone interested in helping out could contribute to this program. A few examples are becoming a Women for Women International Ambassador, sponsoring a sister with 30 dollars a month, hosting events or organizing fundraisers.

Contact information:

• T: 202-737-7705
• F: 202-737-7709
• Email general@womenforwomen.org for general inquiries.
• Email finance@womenforwomen.org or call (202) 521-0016 or 1 (888) 504-3247 for questions about your account.

Who runs/works for the organization?
Colin Klippenstein and Caitlyn Banman as well as some volunteers and several paid employees.

What is their objective/mission (who/what/where)?
Our goals for this organization is to provide under privileged women living in Afghanistan with a way out. Whether their obstacles include controlling fathers, abusive husbands, or extreme poverty, they can come to us to find help and hope for their futures.

What strategies/programs/projects are they using to meet this objective?
Our organization provides a safe place for women in the form of a school/shelter. They can come for any reason, whether they need food, a warm bed for the night, even medical help. After they have gotten comfortable, they can begin attending classes at the school if they choose, and learn skills that they will need in life and that will help them become the Women of the Future.

Why are these strategies effective or ineffective?
Women can come to us any hour of the day or night for help with any of their needs. Once they realize what we can help them do in their lives, or even the lives of family and friends, hopefully they will decide to join us in our schooling program and begin to make those changes.

How is this organization funded?

• Donations
• Fundraisers

How can you get involved?
You can help this program in several ways, for example; the obvious donations, hosting fundraisers/events, or in more in depth ways like becoming a teacher, cook, nurse at the school/shelter full time.

Contact information:

• T: 1-204-388-1234
• F: 1-204-388-5678

Who runs/works for the organization?
International President: Adilia Caravaca,Vice-presidents:Kerstin Grebäck, Martha Jean Baker, Joy Ada Onyesoh, Lorraine Mirham, International Treasurer: Nancy Ramsden, Secretary General: Madeleine Rees

What is their objective/mission (who/what/where)?
To bring together women of different political views and philosophical and religious backgrounds determined to study and make known the causes of war and work for a permanent peace and to unite women worldwide who oppose oppression and exploitation.

What strategies/programs/projects are they using to meet this objective?
A focus on education, information, and participation at the international level leads to concrete organising and activism around the world, giving us global and local ownership over the issues upon which we work.

Why are these strategies effective or ineffective?
WILPF's values are hailed and adopted by some of the world's most powerful leaders. They have organized dialogues between women in the Middle East, sent groups of women to North and South Vietnam to oppose the war, and worked closely with the United Nations to try to ensure a permanent change for women's peace and security.

How is this organization funded?

• Donations
• Fundraisers

How can you get involved?
To join WILPF you must become a member of either a national section or a regional branch. If WILPF is not already present in your country, you can join WILPF International as an international member – or create your own Section!

Contact information:

• T: 1-212-682-1265
• F: 1-212-286-8211