Empowering women

In May 2010, women leaders from across Bangladesh participated in the Third Women's Convention of The Hunger Project-Bangladesh's Unleashed Women Network. They celebrated their many achievements which included stopping 645 early marriages, testing 13,357 tube wells for arsenic and building sanitary latrines for 7,445 families.

Mrs. Bassine Kane has seven children and is the Chair of the Ndiollofen Village Women's Organization in The Hunger Project's Sam Contor Epicenter in Senegal. The results she achieved through her bio sorrel (organic hibiscus) farm helped to influence the local authorities' commitment to award land to other village women's organizations and increased women's access to fertile land.

Comfort Aniniwa was used to the ups and downs of subsistence farming. She was unable to picture a brighter future for herself, or her family. When THP-Ghana gave her the skills, financial freedom and encouragement to start her own business, things started looking up. Now, Miss Comfort Abena Aniniwa is becoming more "comfortable" every day - truly living up to her name!

In early March, the Indian upper legislative body passed a constitutional amendment that would require that women hold 33 percent of seats in federal and state legislative assemblies. If passed into law, this amendment would change the landscape of women's rights in India.

The theme of International Women's Day (March 8) this year is "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All." At the heart of The Hunger Project's work is the fundamental belief that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," (Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and the commitment to advance the fulfillment of these rights so people can live free from hunger and poverty.

Tarcila Rivera Zea, president of Chirapaq, The Hunger Project's partner organization in Peru, has been awarded with the Women's Order of Merit given by the Ministry of Women and Social Development in Peru in recognition of her commitment to assert and defend indigenous peoples and women's rights.

On a recent visit to Mesqan Epicenter, THP staff conducted a survey among Microfinance Program participants to assess the program's performance and get insights on ways to improve it. The women shared about the difference THP has made in their lives. "Now, we have a beautiful meeting hall within the epicenter building, the health clinic provides services within a few minutes' walk, our children--particularly our daughters--attend school without any fear or hindrance."

Margarita Ruiz, the State Coordinator for Chiapas for The Hunger Project-Mexico, was awarded the "State Prize for Youth" from the state of Chiapas. Margarita was cited for her work in community mobilization and received the award on December 14, 2009.

A workshop with THP-Peru partner organization, Chirapaq, inspired Ashaninka to transform her life. It changed her ideas about the role women could play in her society. Today, she is happier, more empowered within her family and a leader in her commuinity.

A resilient spirit and a nearby THP epicenter enabled Mary Liwonde to move forward after the death of her son. Today, she enjoys financial security, renewed hope for the future and national recognition for her work.