Worldwide: Power to Change Fund

Background

Throughout the world 62 million girls do not attend primary school and about two thirds of all illiterate persons are female. Their job opportunities are extremely low, especially in the least developed countries. Women therefore often find themselves in precarious and poorly paid working conditions or they do not find employment at all. Women’s involvement in politics is equally limited, making it difficult for women to have any impact on political decisions.

The World YWCA has set itself the aim of providing training for women and of strengthening their leadership skills so that they can accept responsibilities in matters of sexual and reproductive health, the prevention of violence and the promotion of peace and human rights.

The goals of the various micro-projects and planned activities are to promote social, economic, cultural, religious and political rights for women and girls as well as equal rights through a representation of interests.

An example: Health care for displaced mothers

The YWCA in Botswana provides schooling for pregnant teenagers and young mothers, so that they can take exams and find their way back into the normal educational system. Child care facilities are provided during lessons. Courses include subjects such as sexual and reproductive health, HIV and Aids, nursing, maternity and child protection and advice as well as skills to earn a livelihood, such as arts and craft or batik printing.

Finding concrete answers to local problem

In all, between 90 and 150 projects are supported with amounts between US$ 10’000 and US$ 25’000. At the same time national associations are encouraged to integrate such projects into their national strategy and thus to boost their long-term sustainability.

YWCA Belize works together with hairdressing and beauty salons in Belmopan (capital of Belize). In these salons, boxes with free condoms were set with the aim of easier access, as these infrastructures are highly frequented by adolescents and young adults. In addition all costumers are informed about the risks of HIV and AIDS while getting their haircut or beauty treatment done. Belize shares the award with YWCA Canada, who seeks access to 12 -17 year old girls via an online community.