“Empowerment for women and girls is progress for all.”

Women’s Global clients celebrated International Women’s Day in Gulu, Uganda on March 4-8 with a series of debates, discussions, and mentoring sessions for girls. On March 8, in recognition of IWD 2015, women (and men) marched for equality, justice and each other.

Kelly McDonald of Fashion Project, an innovative company that frames fashion as a force for good, relays her first experience visiting Uganda. Learn more about her journey here!

As we made the six-hour drive from the capital to Gulu, everything felt like it was falling into place. I had never been somewhere so entirely different from home that still felt so comfortable. Before leaving, I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting myself into; I watched the news, did plenty of research, and chatted with friends who had volunteered elsewhere in Africa. I felt confident, knowledgeable, and prepared, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Every preconceived notion and first-world misconception I had of Africa was shattered. After living amidst conflict for so many years, I expected the survivors to be a broken and bitter people, but I have never felt so genuinely welcomed by a community. Irene, who worked at our hotel, hugged us every time we saw her. Joyce, a WGEF client and force to be reckoned with, invited us into her home and called us her daughters. The city I call home the rest of the year is big and cold, and people hardly smile at each other. This was culture shock in the very best way.

Check out Rent The Runway’s blog featuring WGEF & Founder, Karen Sugar as one of their favorite women-led charities!

We are honored to be featured in a story by Westword in their blog – please read and be inspired!

Years ago, in what she calls a moment of brilliance or insanity, Karen Sugar decided to start an international development organization for women. Sugar began by looking for a location where women had the most critical need for empowerment, but she soon realized that the location wasn’t as important as the bond between women. “It didn’t matter where I went, because I know as women we’re all connected,” Sugar explains. “As women, we all have similar experiences as we walk the planet, whether it’s discrimination or abuse, physical or emotional. Although our lives look different, we can relate to being a woman.”

It’s Here! WGEF’s 2014 client survey, highlighting the critical impact of our program for women and families in northern Uganda! The results show:

• 67% of respondents report their children are in school more consistently
• Increases in food security, including nutrition and frequency
• 93% report increase of peace in their households

Read the survey and be inspired