Mary’s journey is a powerful example of how opportunity and support can transform lives. For many years, Mary could not read or write, a challenge that severely limited her confidence and opportunities. Everyday tasks like signing her name or helping her children with homework felt impossible.

When she joined our literacy program, Mary began learning how to read and write. Step by step, she gained the skills she once thought were out of reach. Alongside literacy, she also participated in our microloan program, which equipped her with financial knowledge, entrepreneurship skills, and the ability to support her family through small business ventures.

Through these combined opportunities, Mary discovered her voice and her confidence. She began engaging more in community activities, taking on small leadership responsibilities, and soon became recognized as a woman who could guide and inspire others.

Today, Mary proudly serves as a Woman Councilor in Amuru District, representing her community with dignity and determination.

Reflecting on her journey, Mary says:

“I never believed I could be a leader. Learning to read, write, and manage money opened my eyes to what I can achieve. Now I stand before my community with confidence.”

Mary’s story is proof that investing in women’s education and empowerment creates leaders who drive real change.

Together, we can support women to rise, lead, and transform their lives and communities.

GWRC is a one-stop center providing essential support, information and resources to women, girls and families across the region. The goal of this initiative is to create democratic space providing women current and critical information, community meeting space, legal resources, and computer and life skill trainings.

It’s About Dignity, PERIOD.

Irene remembers the days when her period brought more than just physical discomfort it came with shame, missed school, and the constant fear of staining her clothes in public. Without access to proper menstrual products, Irene had to stay home from school for several days each month. This not only disrupted her education but also affected at her self esteem.

That changed when Irene began receiving Lucky Girl Pads through the HPI Initiative at her school. With consistent access to high-quality, eco-friendly pads, Irene is able to consistently attend school. “For the first time, I could go to school during my period without worry,” she says. “It gave me freedom.”

But Irene’s journey didn’t stop there. Inspired by how much her life changed, she made a bold choice to join the team producing Lucky Girl Pads. Today, Irene is not only ensuring she never lacks menstrual products, but she is also helping thousands of other girls stay in school, just like her.

I used to hide during my period. Now I stand tall, proud to be part of something that changes lives every day.

— Irene

Her story is one of resilience, dignity, and the power of community-driven change.

Support our mission to end period poverty — one pad, one girl, one future at a time.

Today, I celebrate Mother’s Day with joy! I’m moving into my permanent house, which I built using my savings over the past five years. I set two goals when I joined WGEF: (1) to educate all my children, and (2) to build a decent house. I have achieved both. All my children are in school—one graduated this year—and today, I’m entering my new home. Thank you, WGEF, for empowering my family.

— Nancy, WGEF Gulu

One of the strongest connections is that of being a mother ~ which can mean many things ~ all of our clients are mothers. They are taking care of their children, children who were orphaned because of a long conflict, taking care of their families and each other, taking care of the land, water, and their communities.

Every conversation I have with our members involves children – our clients are proud to send their children to school consistently, WGEF helps women, families, and communities transform by becoming their own advocates and creating their own solutions to move themselves forward. This year, we are thinking of women and families affected by conflict, famine, and genocide; WGEF stands with and supports women in Gaza, Sudan, DRC, Haiti, and everywhere injustice and violence occurs. One cannot support gender justice for some but not for others; human rights are universal for all.

— Karen Sugar, WGEF Founder & Executive Director

Food is one of the most basic of human needs. Consistent access to a balanced diet is essential for both growth and development of the young, as well as for general health throughout one’s life. Although food is mostly plentiful, malnutrition, and even famine, continue. The contradiction between plentiful global food supplies and widespread malnutrition and hunger arises from conflict, instability, climate chaos, and politics.

Women’s Global Empowerment Fund understands that for vulnerable communities and countries in the Global South, local food economies must be supported; small and medium stakeholders must be valued, and as the majority of food producers in Africa, women farmers must be respected. Local food economies are the best way to tackle food insecurity and ecological breakdown.

In 2012, we implemented our Agriculture and Agribusiness Initiative and have seen important increases in food security, food diversity, sustainable environmental and land practices, securing the seed exchange and staved off challenges from Monsanto and other Agribusiness giants.

Over 7800+ women farmers, suppliers, and distributors are not only feeding themselves and their families, but their villages, regions, nations and beyond. At this perilous time, we are supporting women fleeing violence and hunger in Sudan and South Sudan, but we cannot do this without you.

As we all navigate uncertain times and funding cuts, we hope you will continue to support and be inspired by Women’s Global. Our work to ensure food security, economic opportunity, menstrual health, justice and leadership development goes on, but we need your ongoing support!

Please join our food revolution by donating today!