Investing in women: beyond the rhetoric
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DONOR ISABEL ALLENDE ISABEL ALLENDE FOUNDATION Sausalito, California Donor since 2004 The Global Fund is the perfect fit for my founda- tion. In many places in the world, where my foundation can- not supervise or evaluate projects, we can trust the Global Fund to do the work.The Global Fund is an informed and committed partner.Their on- the-ground presence in Chile assures us that our grants are being made wisely and with great compassion. They are making profound changes at the grassroots level and their pres- ence is needed and deeply felt in Chile. The positive effect of empowering women is immediately felt in the family, the community and eventually at a national level. I value the Global Fund’s incredible optimism and energy, its dynamic leadership, its capacity to act locally but with a global vision and a big heart.The Global Fund is the best example of what can be achieved when women are empow- ered: they can move the world! GRANTEE RED CHILENA CONTRA LA VIOLENCIA DOMESTICA Y SEXUAL Santiago, Chile At the same time that thousands were marching to protest violence against women, a 36-year-old woman was raped and murdered by her husband across town. This ironic tragedy on November 25, 2004, highlights the pressing issue of domestic violence that has only recently gained visibility in Chile. According to the National Service for Women in Chile, at least 70 women die in the country annually at the hands of their spouses. And according to the Inter-American Development Bank, almost 60% of women who live with their partners suffer some sort of domestic violence. To counter this injustice, The Chilean Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is providing community education on violence against women. This network of 35 groups and three individuals links prominent women’s rights organiza- tions from seven of Chile’s 13 regions. Together they monitor and publicize the state’s domestic violence legisla- tion, and participate in the Inter-minis- terial Commission on Domestic Violence, “to include a gender perspec- tive in state programs and actions to combat intra-family violence.” An $11,000 grant from the Global Fund fortifies the network’s expansion of its annual civic engagement cam- paigns, workshops on national and international women’s human rights, and media outreach. PROFILES 20
Global Fund’s Latin American/Caribbean advisors meeting in Chile with a ceremony. 80% of Latin American women are ineligi- ble for social security in the form of either health care or pensions.
CALL TO ACTION: In the last five years, the Global Fund has increased its support to women worker rights groups by 30%. RESPONSE
: In urban areas of Chile, 50% of women have suffered violence from their partners.
CALL TO ACTION: Last year, the Global Fund supported 47 women’s groups who are combating vio- lence against women in 18 Latin American and Caribbean countries. RESPONSE: 21
Based on yearly flows, the Philippines has surpassed Mexico as the largest source of migrant labor in the world.
CALL TO ACTION: The Global Fund awarded more than $500,000 to women’s groups advancing economic and environmental justice in Asia and Oceania in the past year. RESPONSE: 22
Bone cancer, memory loss, uterine bleeding and hypertension—some of the 25 illnesses that women workers of Texas Instruments (TI) in the Philippines allegedly suffered. The reason: pro- longed exposure to hazardous chemicals used to produce microchips.The women participated in a conference convened by Global Fund grantee, Kaisa Ka
challenges policies and practices that increase profits by reducing workers’ salaries and violating their rights.To promote export-led growth, the Philippines has set up Export Processing Zones that are “no union, no strike” areas. Such economic growth strategies depend largely on wage discrimi- nation against women, and prohibition of union and labor organizing. Kaisa Ka seeks justice for women suffering from chemical-induced illness by challeng- ing multinational corporations. The majority of Asia’s factory workers are young women who are leaving rural areas within their own countries or crossing borders. In addition to factory work, women migrants work as domestics or caregivers. Governments often encourage their migration because of the huge remittances that flow to the home economies.Yet, by leaving their own countries, workers become more vulnerable to economic, physical and sexual exploitation. Lacking legal documents, many are forced to abide by un- ethical demands of employers, or face being deported. Groups such as Pergerakan Sosial Perempuan in Jawa Timur, Indonesia use radio programs and workshops to educate and prepare women to avoid these constant risks. Laboring for
Justice ASIA &
OCEANIA 23
ADVISOR CAROLYN FROHMADER Rozny Park,Tasmania Advisor since 2005 A nurse by train- ing, Carolyn Frohmader has dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and fostering the empowerment of disabled women. Carolyn emphasizes that empowerment means that women with disabilities understand their rights as citizens and participate in changing their social and political conditions. Under her direction, Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) has become internationally acclaimed as a leader in advocating the rights of women with disabilities. Carolyn explains that the Global Fund for Women has supported WWDA during conserva- tive political times in Australia, around human rights violations that the government refused to denounce, such as the unlawful sterilization of disabled women and girls.WWDA’s advocacy led to a Senate resolution to review the protective measures that are supposed to prevent such occurrences. Deeply moved by the Global Fund’s support, Carolyn served as an informal advisor for many years, and in 2005, became a formal advisor because she wanted to expand the reach of the Global Fund. Indeed, her commitment and contributions have been invaluable to our grantmaking on the continent. DONOR INDA STAGG Leesburg,Virginia Member, Corazón Network since 2004 I am a born again Christian and for a number of years felt that I should tithe. I knew that there were people in real need, but I didn’t know how to find them. And if I did find them, what could I do about it? In November of 2004, I read an article in Oprah magazine about the Global Fund’s advisor Mu Sochua and her efforts to help victims of sex trafficking in Cambodia. I knew that the Global Fund for Women was what I was looking for. I thought, “I waste hundreds of dollars every month on meaningless things.” I knew that I needed to redirect this money to something meaningful – something that changes lives. And so, I did. Before giving to the Global Fund, I read everything available on the Internet regarding its reputation and focus.What I found was an organization that is efficient, with a clear understanding of its mission. I know that any donation I give will be used, to the extent possible, to directly help women in need. GRANTEE LEGAL AID DIVISION OF SHAANXI WOMEN’S FEDERATION Xi’an, China In the heart of China, the Legal Aid Division of Shaanxi Women’s Feder- ation is advancing the rights of rural women, many of them migrant work- ers. The organization has built a huge network of legal professionals and vol- unteers who are advising thousands of domestic and sexual violence sur- vivors, and broadening women’s awareness of their legal rights. In response to a lack of sexual and reproductive health information for migrant women, the Legal Aid Division is focusing new efforts on HIV/AIDS awareness. A 2004 government survey of the province reported that 51% of known AIDS cases were among migrant workers. In their own research, the Legal Aid Division found that migrant women living with HIV/AIDS face rampant discrimination and poor living conditions. The Division subsequently launched the “Love and Care” cam- paign, which includes HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention training courses aimed at migrant women farmers. The Global Fund is honored to support the groundbreaking efforts of the Legal Aid Division to respond to the increasing rate of HIV in China with a $10,900 grant in 2004.
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women gain information on health care and income generation. In Bangladesh, fewer than 20% of married women have heard of AIDS. UNAIDS CALL TO ACTION: Last year, the Global Fund awarded $230,000 in grants to 20 women’s organiza- tions advancing reproductive and sexual health, rights and awareness in Asia and Oceania. RESPONSE
: Only 12% of girls in Cambodia enroll in secondary school.
CALL TO ACTION: Since our founding, the Global Fund has awarded nearly $1.2 million to women’s groups in Asia and Oceania that are increasing access to education for women and girls. RESPONSE: 25
Every day in Europe, one out of five women experiences domestic violence. The Council of Europe CALL TO ACTION: The Global Fund increased its support to women’s groups working to eliminate domestic violence and support survivors in Europe and former Soviet States by 74% in one year. RESPONSE: 26
In the past year, several post-Soviet states have undergone a wave of popular democracy building. Witness changes in the power structure in both Kyrgyzstan and Georgia (see profile on page 28). Kyrgyzstan’s March revolution forced out the old regime and promises a greater involvement of women in political life, if women’s groups can get to the decision-making table when decisions about the government are made.To that end, women’s groups such as the Forum of Women’s NGOs of Kyrgyzstan are actively lobbying for women’s rights and persuading journalists to write articles that encourage women’s political activity. In Ukraine, during November 2004, millions of women and men stood night and day, in Kiev and other cities, to protest fraudulent elections. Dubbed the Orange Revolution, their efforts led to new elections and a new coalition government. Even as the new government undergoes shifts, we are inspired by the commitment of women’s organizations to the democratic process. In post-Soviet states, women’s groups are starkly aware of the struggles endured by their neighbors in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This past year, the Turkmen President banned all nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), shut down hospitals and closed the country to international couriers such as Federal Express and DHL. In Uzbekistan on May 13, 2005, the President ordered police to shoot into a crowd of peaceful protestors in the northern town of Andijon, killing hundreds of people. Such harsh response to civil disobedience led to the closure of many human rights organiza- tions, making it more difficult for women’s rights groups to function. Rising Up for Democracy EUROPE and FORMER SOVIET STATES 27
ADVISOR BILJANA KASIC Zagreb, Croatia Advisor since 2000 Based in Croatia, Global Fund Advisor Biljana Kasic’s vision and expert advice have strengthened our grantmaking in the Balkans for the past five years. One of the leaders of the feminist anti-war movement, she has been instrumental in maintaining links among women in the Balkans after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Biljana’s work is grounded in the belief that one of the keys to achieving a world in which feminist ideals are realized is through the leadership and empow- erment of young women.This commitment led her to establish the
which just celebrated its tenth year anniversary.The center, a long-time Global Fund grantee, is the first and only independent educational center in Croatia that fosters women’s political participation and teaches women’s human rights. Under Biljana’s leadership, it has grown into an influential organization that also trains women leaders in academia and the government to bring a gender lens to their work.
SRINIJA SRINIVASAN Palo Alto, California, Donor since 2004 “Injustice any- where is a threat to justice every- where.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.’s words have never been truer than in today’s interconnected world. I give because it combines a focused com- mitment to social justice and human rights with a truly global footprint. The Global Fund’s approach to grantmaking is strategic and empow- ering.The staff identifies exceptional, committed organizations who exhibit a demonstrated readiness to have a meaningful impact on their commu- nities.The grants awarded offer a powerful combination of financial support while trusting that the grantees know best how to put the funds to work. By respectfully pro- moting independence, rather than inviting dependence, this model helps communities foster lasting, positive change.
As a donor, I am proud to help provide the stability and predictability needed in order for the Global Fund to envision and reach its highest potential.
WOMEN’S FUND IN GEORGIA Tbilisi, Georgia The 2004 Rose Revolution succeeded in part thanks to women’s participa- tion. Now the Women’s Fund in Georgia is shaking up the country’s legal structure and reclaiming women’s historic connection to philan- thropy. For centuries, women in the Caucasus advanced education and cul- ture, and created charities. However, during Soviet rule, this tradition was defined as a bourgeois relic and forced underground. The Fund grew out of the Educa- tional Cooperation and Development Center, a women’s organization formed in 1998 that built strong ties with women’s groups and local businesses. The group developed experience with grantmaking when it received a $20,000 Partnership Grant from the Global Fund in 2002 that it regranted to 12 small women’s NGOs in remote locations. To engage the private sector in funding women’s organizations, the group is advocating for legislative changes that will allow individuals and companies to make tax-deductible gifts to NGOs. Such incentives are currently non-existent in the region. The Global Fund is proud to have awarded a $50,000 grant to the Georgian Women’s Fund. As the group states, “for Georgian women, philan- thropy is the power which helps them make a choice dictated by both heart and mind. Only this kind of independ- ent choice gives women the chance to fulfill their principles, rights and responsibilities.” PROFILES 28
participate in human rights training. Only 7.3% of US philanthropic dollars directly benefit women internationally. Foundation Center CALL TO ACTION: The Global Fund for Women awarded $675,000 to local, regional and national women’s funds in 15 countries last year. RESPONSE: In Kazakhstan, women’s representation in parliament has decreased since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
CALL TO ACTION: Last year, 44% of the Global Fund’s grant- making in Europe and former Soviet states was devoted to expanding the civic and political participation of women in the region. RESPONSE: 29 The participation of women in government in the Middle East and North Africa is the lowest of any region of the world.
CALL TO ACTION: 50% of the Global Fund’s grantmaking in the Middle East and North Africa is dedicated to supporting groups who are expanding women’s political and civic roles. RESPONSE: 30
In April 2005, the Global Fund embarked on an unprecedented outreach trip to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Twenty-eight Global Fund Board members, staff and donors met with nearly 200 women’s organizations in nine countries, inspiring mutual learning for actualizing women’s human rights. During our travels, it became clear to all participants that women throughout the MENA region have a rich history of fighting for their rights. The trip ended in Cairo, Egypt, where we were generously hosted by a prominent women’s organi- zation and grantee, the Association for the Devel- opment and Enhancement of Women. From our encounters with women’s groups, we learned how societal taboos in many MENA coun- tries have prevented a significant public discourse on several issues, such as lack of employment for women, the failure of political systems to include women and the prevalence of domestic violence. While little statistical evidence exists about domestic violence in the region, increasing numbers of women’s groups are applying for grants to build shelters and provide counseling to survivors. Domes- tic violence is often compounded in occupied areas, such as Iraq and Palestine, where military strife escalates domestic turmoil.Working in the West Bank, the Family Defense Society protects and supports survivors, and promotes awareness among Palestinian police and religious authorities. Women are also demanding political rights in the face of religious fundamentalism. In several countries in the region, family laws deprive women of equal rights in the home. Algerian women are considered minors under the guardianship of their husbands or male relatives. In Lebanon, 15 different religious courts administer inconsistent, and often discrimina- tory judgments on issues of marriage, divorce, and child custody.Yet, women’s groups are succeeding in bringing about legal reforms. In Morocco, a coalition of women’s organizations, including the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women , successfully advocated for one of the most progres- sive family codes in the region, granting women equal rights and responsibilities in all family matters. Demanding a Voice
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA 31 DONOR GRACE JACKSON New York, New York Anne Firth Murray Circle Donor since 2005 As a feminist and a pacifist since my teens, I was outraged by our attack on Iraq in March 2003, and by the glaring absence of women, not only from policy-making forums in every coun- try involved, but even from the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan. I could do nothing to stop the war, but I could contribute to the ongoing struggle to advance women’s rights throughout the world. I have therefore, at age 86, set up a $100,000 fund in my will to provide an annual grant, in perpetuity, to organizations working to improve the political, civil, and economic rights of women—particularly in Muslim countries. After careful research, I chose the Global Fund for Women as the most experienced and productive organization to administer this fund. I was especially impressed by the diversity of the groups they support, and by the optimal use they make of small grants, such as mine. Although I am grateful to all the women over the centuries who have fought for women’s rights and for peace, I wish to dedicate my fund to two of them: to Jeannette Rankin, the first woman ever elected to the United States Congress (in 1917), and the only member of Congress to vote against our entry into both World War I and World War II; and to Meena, founder of the Revolu- tionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), who was assassinated in 1987 by Afghan gov- ernment agents and their fundamen- talist accomplices because of her heroic struggle for women’s rights and for human rights. Download 2.88 Mb. Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: 
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