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:

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

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.

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.

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.

Harvesting security

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

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.

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…

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…

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…

Gender equality 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…

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…

Farming programs in Northern Benin aim to bring independence for women

In Benin, women are often overlooked when it comes to land ownership. This leads to challenges when they try to farm so they can generate revenue for their families. Cuso…

Creating career opportunities for women in Cameroon

In a remote village in southern Cameroon, most women stay at home to care for their families. But Thérèse Kaldjob, 21, wanted something different. She yearned for a life beyond…

Awareness and training on sexual and reproductive health helping to remove taboo in DRC

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sexual and reproductive health is a sensitive issue. Cuso International local partner organization, Afia Mama has been working in all provinces of…

A decades-long tradition of giving

When Darlene and Mark Johnson began their lives together as a young couple, one of their first acts was to reflect on the values they held in common, and to…

Tanzanian women and youth are harvesting hope as well as crops

Donatila is heartened by the growth she’s seeing in Tanzania – growth in crops; growth in agricultural and business skills; and growth in the social and economic wellbeing of women…