“Achieving real equality for women and eradicating gender-based violence can transform the world in many ways” stressed Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA. “The highest and most powerful good that we can do is to invest in local women’s grassroots movements who are creating social and societal change”

This was the main message during the roundtable discussion on gender-based violence, hosted by Global Washington on July 19, 2019. The event was well-attended by Women of the World members and other local philanthropists.

Women around the world are disproportionately impacted by poverty and gender-based violence. Nunn highlighted astounding statistics, starting from the missing 100 million girls and women killed through gendercide and sex-selective abortion, and the 14 million girls married before the age of 18, to the 4 million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year.

In an effort to address these issues, CARE has launched various initiatives aimed at empowering women and engaging boys and men in gender equality actions.

For example, CARE supports the representation of women from South Sudan in peacekeeping efforts with the United Nations and shaping their capacities to be long-term change agents.

In Jordan, CARE created the Women Syrian Council, composed of Syrian women refugees who are working together as leaders and representatives to help advocate for refugee and women’s rights.

In Egypt, male tuk-tuk drivers were mobilized as emissaries and ambassadors to make public spaces and transportation safe for women.

Read the full article about the roundtable with Michelle Nunn by Global Washington.