International Women's Day – March 8th
USAID Celebrates Achievements in Women’s Health
Women Transforming Development
These Afghan women sorting raisins have joined the workforce in their country at a USAID-funded factory.
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True transformational development depends on peace, security, good governance, competent leaders and smart economic growth. Research and experience have shown that progress toward this kind of development is not possible without the full and equal participation of women.
Women are half the world’s population and they bear and rear the next generation.Women produce more than half the food in many developing countries, they are often mainstays of families and communities and they serve as an important force in conflict mitigation and reconciliation.
We frequently see women as victims of violence, as not having equal rights, as less educated than men and as victims of human traffickers and warring parties during conflict. But, we also need to recognize their strengths and contributions to societies.
A girl in a relief camp for survivors of Pakistan’s 2005 earthquake carries bread to her family tent. Photo: Masako Imaoka / OnAsia
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Today women are leading countries, working to combat violence, seeking education for themselves and their children, training for economic opportunities, providing economic support to children and caring for others in distress.The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is committed to women’s equality and empowerment not only because it is just, but also because it is the shortest road to transformational development. And, that goal must be embraced by men and women together.
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