Thank you to those who joined our Global Teleconference March 5 with our Global Program Executive Director Karen Sherman and Dr. Grace Fisiy, Agribusiness Specialist. The turn out was great because of amazing supporters like you! During the call we discussed the current global food crisis which has forced 100 million people into extreme poverty causing food prices and every day necessities to double over the past year. Families are left wondering where they’ll find the next meal.
But women are fighting back. In our organic farming program they are acquiring skills that will allow them to end the food crisis forever. They will learn how to use sustainable farming practices to grow crops that can help feed their families, earn an income and move from victim to survivor.
If you are interested in more information about our program and what we are doing to eradicate hunger in their countries.
Sudan: Read about our farming initiative in Sudan
Rwanda: Read about our farming initiative in Rwanda
Read more about Dr. Grace Fisiy
Thank you to everyone who hosted an event to celebrate this special day and helped raise awareness about the global food crisis. We saw many house parties, open dialogues about violence against women, art exhibits and Run's for Run for Congo Women! 
Marie-Claire, Rwanda:
After surviving the 1994 genocide in
Rwanda, Marie-Claire learned that her husband had infected her with the HIV virus, which she’d then unknowingly passed on to her daughter, Bobette. Marie-Claire couldn’t afford medicine to save her daughter, or her husband, who was too sick to work. Life seemed hopeless.
With Women for Women International, Marie-Claire went through rights awareness training and was given direct cash assistance. She learned how to prevent further transmission of the virus and encouraged other women to get tested.
With the women in her group, Marie-Claire saved a few dollars each month until they were able to buy an electric mill. Now they run a milling business together, sharing the profits.
Upon realizing the success of her business, and recognizing the power of education, Marie-Claire opened a kindergarten in her village and taught 50 children to read and write. That kindergarten is still open and being run by local teachers.
Marie-Claire is "barely recognizable" from the woman who entered the program to the woman she is today - a smiling, energetic, healthy, confident woman, who makes enough money to buy medicine for her family, and can always put food on the table.
Program Graduate Success Story: Marie-Claire, her husband and her daughter Bobette, were all diagnosed with HIV in 2005. But we are happy to report that they are all doing well and even recently wed legally in their country.
Rwanda:
Women in Rwanda who participate in CIFI (Commercial and Integrated Farming Program) have the potential to more than triple their income.
Bosnia & Herzegovina:
We have distributed 6,000 microcredit loans! These critical loans help women start businesses ranging from agriculture to home design.
What is International Women's Day?
Join the Movement.
On International Women's Day, women around the world join together in celebration of the intelligence, strength, courage and beauty of women. Since 1908 this has been a day to celebrate the achievements of women around the world without regard to their national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political differences.
To honor this day, on March 8 our Women for Women International offices around the world hold events ranging from quiet and reflective meetings to loud and festive celebrations. This year – maybe more than ever – the women we serve are in dire circumstances. Women in Sudan, Nigeria and other countries where we work are reporting about the rise in food prices. Staples like rice and beans have doubled in about a year – leaving families hungry and wondering where their next meal will come from.
