Women inspiring women

International Women's Day

On March 8th, we celebrate women around the world.

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International Women's Day

March 8th, International Women’s Day, is a day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also an important day to reflect on the gender inequality that persists, the progress that’s been made, and the work that needs to continue.

Throughout the month of March, with the theme of #WomenInspiringWomen, we will highlight stories of women supporting and inspiring one another, and contributing to the development and strength of their communities.

Please join us in this month-long celebration of International Women’s Day and follow along on our social media channels:

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Fighting for women’s rights through ‘sisterhood bonds’ in Colombia

The women leaders organizing and fighting for greater women’s rights in Colombia’s coastal Pacific region are setting a path of freedom for the younger generation

MEET THE WOMEN OF FUNDACION ACUA

Women, mothers become ‘agents of community transformation’ in Cameroon

Odette Kamanzi says it was her heart – and the women she worked with on past placements – that called her back to Cameroon for her third volunteer placement.

MEET ODETTE

Better livelihoods for women and youth in Tanzania

Jolenta's hope for the future is that women and youth can improve their livelihoods through gained knowledge and skills investment.

MEET JOLENTA

Fighting gender inequality in Peru and working for a better world

In her role as program manger with Cuso International, Elena supports four partner organizations in Peru, strengthening their women’s rights initiatives, programs, and advocacy work.

MEET ELENA

Harvesting security

Learn how Teresa is sharing her knowledge and skills to help other women gain food security and financial stability in Honduras.

MEET TERESA

Cultivating independence in Benin

Nadette wants to see more young women in Benin take up farming. When she’s not tending to her own plot, she's teaching other women the tools of the trade.

MEET NADETTE

When Women are Empowered, Everyone Benefits

Since 2017, the armed conflict between the Cameroon Armed Forces and armed separatist groups, known as the Ambazonia War or the Cameroon Civil War, has affected Cameroon’s Anglophone region. The ongoing violence has had catastrophic impacts on the civilian population. Many live in terror and uncertainty, almost half a million people have been either displaced or forced to migrate to neighbouring Nigeria, and thousands of lives have been claimed. This…

Silenced in Peru: When Defending Human Rights Becomes a Crime

“It’s like a gag order.” That’s how Pilar  García, country representative for Cuso International in Peru, describes a new law in that country that targets non-profit organizations to prevent them from supporting projects that promote human rights, gender equality or LGBTQ+. The new law, which went into effect in April, expands the powers of the…

From Tenants to Owners, Women in Benin Are Securing Their Rights and Future

The morning sun rose over the land of Benin, casting a golden glow on the land  Assana Abdoulaye had tended for decades. For years, Assana and the women in Sinendé had planted, harvested, and labored – always tenants, never owners. The land they worked was passed down through generations of men, and women like Assana…

DRC: Talents Pluriels Project empowers women entrepreneurs

Edith Matondo and Lysette Kavira grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo where women did not have access to the same opportunities as men. Lysette, who was born in Kisangani, believes the difficulties faced by women in other parts of DRC include equal access to positions and opportunities. “In some parts of the DRC,…

Ethiopian educational program opens Fatuma’s door to medical school

When 18-year-old Fatuma walked across a high school graduation stage this spring, it brought her one step closer to her ultimate goal: becoming a doctor. It’s a dream that once seemed far-off, growing up in Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz Regional State (BGR) which is fraught with ethnic conflict and development challenges. Fatuma’s family has no regular…

Training helps increase awareness of menstruation hygiene in Benin

Puberty can be a frightening and confusing time for any girl, especially when the topic is considered taboo. Fortunately, one program in Parakou, Benin is trying to change that. From February 27 to March 3, a Cuso International partner implemented a micro-project where women and men learned about menstruation and safe sexual intimacy and women…

Program improves quality of life for young girls and boys in rural Colombia

For children in the mountainous village of La Marina, in Tuluá, Colombia, relating to their peers and their family environment can be difficult. An increase in gender-based violence and the presence of structural machismo is negatively impacting their quality of life. The rural community is also vulnerable to recurring armed conflict. With a lack of…

Growing crops and a better quality of life in Peru

In Peru, women experience higher levels of poverty and unemployment compared to men. They receive less pay, lack access to land, and many are survivors of domestic abuse. Local organization Hatun Willaqkukuna, an ally of Cuso International partner Manuela Ramos Movement, is working to improve women’s rights as well as sexual and reproductive health. Fostering…

Gender equity program in Ethiopian schools turns Sebrina into an aspiring lawyer

Despite a difficult start to high school, 18-year-old Sebrina walked across the graduation stage to cheers from her family this spring. “Today is a really big thing,” says Sebrina. “My family are really happy.” For Sebrina and other young women in Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz Regional State (BGR), earning a high school diploma is no small…

Education support program changing women’s lives in Tanzania

Hapyness was committed to getting an education before an unexpected pregnancy forced her to withdraw from school, leaving her future in jeopardy. Facing life as an uneducated single mom in her teens, she was dangerously close to adding to already alarming statistics in Tanzania’s Shinyanga region. A 2015/2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) report…
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