Women's Global Empowerment Fund
Literacy Program Update
This year, our goal is to continue to grow and expanded opportunity for adult literacy leaning to more women in Gulu. 216 women are participating at 2 learning centers in Gulu. Our program is reflective to the needs of women in the community and offers children the opportunity for early child development.
For the month of July women participate once a week to allow them time to attend to their agro business in this weeding period.
Impact on Beneficiaries:
- The training has improved social communication for learners working in markets, they bargain well with their customers which has reduced on loses in their business and improved income.
- Women are participating in other social programs provided by the government which has e improved their participation in policy formulation at lower levels hence fostering leadership development among learners at this time in Uganda there are country wide consultation for many political aspirants for the upcoming general election early next year in Feb 2016 women are participating in this process and they can present their proposals..
- All learners can read and write their names, they can read this has built their self esteem
- The basic business skills (business planning, and marketing). 2 model functional learning field have been set where women in the program experiment on best agro practices which include fruit and vegetable growing this has improved household income and nutrition all learners has a model garden at their homes.
“Illiteracy disempowered me for long time, and al
most killed my ambitions as it does for many women in our community, for long I could not tell my views always feared but this is no more. When you lean so many things changes in your life a feel of being important, and the willingness to stop self isolation Is what I have discovered and I’m a happier and powerful woman than ever before.”
Thank you for the opportunity,
Mary Okeny –WGEF Client Gulu
An Update from Gulu
new clients; conducted 3 GBV (gender based violence) sessions that comprised of our clients together with their husbands (partners) to address gender issues and domestic violence; also to educate men about our program and its benefit to their families. In total 47 men 55 women attended the sessions and all was successful with men committing to tell their fellow men in the community about the benefit of Credit plus program. Below is a success story from one of group headed by Christine together with photos of the different trainings. Program Director
Also in July, our intern from the University of North Carolina, Ella, and team organised a soccer match between child mothers and girls in Gulu prison and WGEF. The team including staff and our clients and was organized inside the prison and was attended by hundreds. It was fun and was a great opportunity to share the pressing needs of women in prisons.From Scratch to a Business Owner
Christine is 32 years old and lives in Gulu Town. She is married with 3 children two of them currently in school. For the past 3 year she was undergoing training with different Financial institutions in preparation to get some Capital (loan) to help her open a restaurant but to her disappointment whenever she finished the trainings, its became so had to get a security to guarantee her loan, simply because of her status in community her and her husband are discriminated because they were former captives during the insurgency often referred to as (Rebels). “It was great joining WGEF program that helped us form a 5 member group, trained for only some weeks and the only security is ourselves in the group, all my members we share common challenges and this has enabled us to come together. We started a group restaurant using a loan of $140 from WGEF. Our business is 1 year now and has expanded, we have employed 2 helpers to help serve our clients better”.
“To explain the benefits is had, but I feel that I can now freely interact with my community by serving them the discrimination is no more just in a short period. 2 of my children go to school and my husband is supportive after having attended WGEF training together, our success in business is changing our community perception towards many of our category making me so proud. At least we have a program that allows us to make our choices, and give us financial support to help us realize our goals”
– Christine Ayaat- Client Gulu
Next Ten Challenge Partnership with the Huff Post
You now its been a good day when Arianna Huffington, media mogul and powerhouse, tweets about your good work. We at Women’s Global Empowerment Fund were lucky enough to catch Huffington’s eye as a part of the Next Ten Challenge. In partnership with Crowdrise, an online crowdfunding platform, the Huffington Post is celebrating its tenth anniversary by highlighting the ten major issues that will shape the next decade. One of those issues is “Empowering Women to End Poverty”. Women’s Global was selected as one of the organization’s making real progress in providing women the tools they need to end poverty in their communities. Read more about the Next Ten Challenge here!
Welcome Spring with Women’s Global
Join Women’s Global Empowerment Fund for our annual Spring Luncheon at RedLine Gallery. Reserve your seat with your donation of $60 here! A special guest will join the luncheon to share her stories as an entrepreneur and community leader in Gulu, Uganda.
Save the Date
Wednesday, May 6 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
RedLine Gallery, Denver
Reserve your seat today – space is limited!
Q&A with Urban Decay Cosmetics and WGEF’s Karen Sugar!
Q: What does women’s empowerment mean to you?
A: In its simplest form, it suggests one is able to access resources, make choices, challenge inequality through participation and determine life outcomes. For me the concept gives life to the idea that a woman can be an agent of change, determining her own future.
When I worked in a shelter in Atlanta, I learned that being poor is not just about not having money, it’s about not having choices.
Q: What female figure would you say has inspired you the most?
A: My father was both mother and father to me; he was the most influential person in my life. He taught me to care about others, to follow my heart always, and enjoy life. He also taught me to not be afraid to struggle.
Some of my favorite women, who I have learned from and fuel my passion are Betty Freidan, Gloria Steinem, Marion Wright Edelman, Wangari Maathai, Arduhnti Roy. They are all true warriors for justice and equality.
Q: Where did your passion for women’s empowerment come from?
A: I have spent pretty much my entire life committed to social justice; believing in equality and human rights. While I have spent my life focused on women and believe wholeheartedly that women are natural leaders (and when given opportunities, play an important role in their communities and countries, rising above poverty with dignity), I also know that only when all human beings are imbued with dignity, justice and human rights can we truly say we are empowered.
Q: What has working with Women’s Global Empowerment Fund taught you?
A: I have learned more than I ever thought possible. I have seen the elusive concept of sisterhood, alive and vibrant; the resiliency of the human spirit, even through dark and unimaginable times; and the beauty of what can happen when women work together to create opportunities based on equality and respect. I have become a more enlightened and hopeful person.
Q: If you could leave behind one thing as your legacy, what would it be?
A: While I am asked that question from time to time, I try to avoid it whenever possible. But today I can say simply, fighting for human rights for all is worth it, and one person can make a difference. We can all make a difference, in small and big ways, and they are all important.
Q: What can we do to spread awareness for women’s empowerment?
A: Support organizations (hopefully WGEF!), and movements that focus on elevating women’s voices. That provides mechanisms for women to address inequality and challenge systemic failures.
My hope is that through The UltraViolet Edge initiative and the collaboration between Urban Decay, Wende and her team, WGEF will grow in capacity and create a greater awareness of our program, clients and successes.
Q: What gives you an edge?
A: Hands down, passion. I have a great passion for equality and women’s empowerment, making my work a true privilege. Also, Urban Decay, is giving WGEF a major edge. Their belief and support is invaluable!
