Women's Empowerment
Elsa and Shireen at a workshop in South Africa learning methods to stand up to domestic violence.
Women stand to gain the most, and when they gain, their children gain.
1.4 billion people are recognized as living in extreme poverty. Over 900 million are women.
Interlocking problems of illiteracy, limited rights, unequal wages, and poor health- combined with patriarchal systems and social customs-all challenge women’s ability to break free from a life of poverty.
Obstacles to Women’s Empowerment
While women often enjoy little power in the community or the home, they control children’s diet, health and education. They are often heads of households when men migrate to mines, cities or seasonal work. Some are divorced, disowned or widowed. Women stand to gain the most in any initiative, and when they gain, their children gain.
Increase Opportunities for Women
As women are pivotal to poverty alleviation, IDEX works with many groups to increase the opportunities open to women through training and resources. These include:
- Skills building for economic development and microfinance
- Workshops on health and nutrition
- Training on natural resource management, sustainable agriculture and water security
IDEX partners are empowering women to exercise their rights by strengthening their economic, social, and political participation. Find out more.
Blog
IDEX NewsFlash, March 10, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.