Women for Women International

Women for Women International 
Kate’s Island Shop is inspired by the brave work of this organization. We are in awe of the resilience of the survivors, by the increasing attention being brought to this issue, and the hope that we are beginning to achieve change. 
Since 1993, Women for Women International has helped more than 478,000 marginalized women in countries affected by war and conflict. They serve women in 8 countries by offering support, tools, and access to life-changing skills to move from crisis and poverty to stability and economic self-sufficiency. 
With 400 staff and trainers around the world, this global team is united in their belief that stronger women build stronger nations, and is committed to helping women achieve their goals and realize their dreams, by listening to and working directly with them to ensure their programs respond to their needs.
The mission of Women for Women International is to bring women together in a safe space to learn life, business, and vocational skills. 
Women increase their ability to earn an income with new skills that are in-demand. They learn about their legal rights, and become knowledgeable about health and nutrition. The result: stronger, self-sufficient women who are able to create sustainable change for themselves, their families, and their community.
Women are at the center of their approach, working with those living in the hardest places in the world, helping them realize their own power. Through in-depth assessments, they target ultra-poor and vulnerable women then meet them where they are. 
Some statistics to consider:
1 in 3 women still experience sexual violence globally. At its root is a lack of understanding of how brutally devastating sexual violence and abuse is – alongside the systemic undervaluing of women. 
Worldwide, as many as 650 million women alive today married before they turned 18.
At least 200 million women and girls aged 15-49 have undergone female genital mutilation in the 30 countries with representative data on prevalence. In most of these countries, the majority of girls were cut before age five. More than 20 million women and girls in just seven countries (Egypt, Sudan, Guinea, Djibouti, Kenya, Yemen and Nigeria) have undergone female genital mutilation by a health care provider.

Approximately 15 million adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) worldwide have experienced forced sex (forced sexual intercourse or other sexual acts) at some point in their life. In the vast majority of countries, adolescent girls are most at risk of forced sex by a current/former husband, partner or boyfriend. Based on data from 30 countries, only one percent ever sought professional help
We are a women owned business whose mission is to not only uplift and encourage the women we encounter on a daily basis, but to be a voice for women who cannot speak for themselves, and our goal is to live in a world where human suffering is nonexistent. Sunday, March 8th is International Women’s Day, and we are asking you to encourage women in your area by supporting their businesses. Or, go to www.womenforwomen.org to learn more about supporting globally. Together, we can be the change...