Women Thrive Worldwide

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beneficiary-2011-q1-logo-wtwWomen Thrive Worldwide is the leading non-profit organization shaping U.S. policy to help women in developing countries lift themselves out of poverty. Women Thrive develops, shapes, and advocates for policies that foster economic opportunity for women living in poverty. They focus on making U.S. international assistance and trade programs prioritize women. They bring together a diverse coalition of over 50 organizations and 25,000 individuals united in the belief that women are the key to ending global poverty, and that empowering them is not only right, it’s also the most effective long-term solution to world poverty.

Why Women?

Worldwide, women are at greatest risk of being poor. Research and experience have also shown that women in poor countries are more likely to use their income for food, healthcare and education for their children, helping to lift entire communities out of poverty. However, women face unequal social and economic barriers that prevent them from earning a living and supporting their families. Women Thrive works to ensure that U.S. policy is addressing these barriers and supporting women’s efforts to find their own path out of poverty.

Why focus on U.S. Policy?

As a major world power, donor, and trading partner, U.S. international assistance and trade policies have a huge impact on women in poor countries, both directly and through the messages we send. A few words on a piece of paper can mean the difference between surviving and starving for some of the world’s poorest women and families. While direct assistance programs for the poor are very important, positive policy change is crucial for long-term change. If U.S. assistance and trade policies do not address the unique barriers women face, they will not reach the women who need them and will be only half as effective as they could be. Women Thrive Worldwide believes that through prioritizing women in programs the U.S. is already running — often by changing a few words in a piece of legislation — we can spread opportunity to millions of women and families living in poverty and help end poverty for good.