international

Celebrating International Women’s Day With Our Sister Fund Nirnaya

Posted on by Mariah Craven

international-womens-day In the spring of 1998, two women’s funds were launched 8,000 miles apart. In Washington, DC, a group of women established Washington Area Women’s Foundation, while in Andhra Pradesh, India, three women founded Nirnaya. Both organizations were started completely independent of one another, but we are deeply connected by our beliefs in the incredible potential of women and girls, our missions to invest in the economic security of women who live in poverty, and our shared emphasis on engaging donors who understand the importance and impact of investing in women and girls.

In observance of International Women’s Day, which is on March 8, we’re sharing a story written by Dr. Supriya Rao that ran in a recent issue of Nirnaya’s newsletter. The names and locations in the story may be unfamiliar, but you will likely recognize many of the themes and emotions. They are universal, and a reminder that everyone has the capacity to be a catalyst for great change.

The Tale of a Tribute
It is uncommon to find an individual that radiates beauty, intelligence, compassion and with a quick sense of humour at the seasoned age of 83. Pramila Nanda is one such person. The eldest of five siblings, Pramila took on the role of looking after her brothers and sisters very early in age. She graduated from the University of Delhi with a degree in Physics, married Mohan Nanda, an officer in the Indian Air Force and spent a few years as a homemaker. In 1958, after the passing of her husband, Pramila decided to begin a career in writing.

Pramila was among the earliest women writers to comment about life and events in the city of Hyderabad. She wrote about the lives of prominent women in the city and her articles featured regularly in magazines like Eve’s weekly and Femina. After working 30 years [in writing, public relations and advertising], Pramila finally retired in 1988, soon after which she lost her parents and more unexpectedly, her younger sister Shyamala.

Pramila Nanda_fr NirnayaEighteen years younger than Pramila, Shyamala was more like a daughter to Pramila and Mohan Nanda. Her sudden illness and death were extremely difficult to deal with for Pramila. But she continued to persevere and look for more positive ways in which she could still experience the strong bond of love she shared with her sister. She stayed in touch with Shyamala’s friend, Indira Jena, founder trustee of Nirnaya. She grew inspired by Nirnaya’s work and was especially touched by Vikasini [School], the free girl child education programme for girl children of Addagutta slum in Secunderabad.

In 2004, Pramila asked if she could start a scholarship scheme for the students of Vikasini School in the memory of her sister. She donated a sum of two lakhs [about $4,500], which along with [other donations was invested in bonds], the interest of which goes to support the scholarship awardee, after she has completed [5th grade] at Vikasini, to study in a well reputed private school…. Currently the Shyamala Pai Memorial Scholarship supports the high school education of Swapna from the Addagutta slum in Secunderabad. Swapna’s dream from age nine was to become a “Collector” and ensure the improvement of slum areas, similar to the one she lives in. Having battled tuberculosis during the past three years and yet performing extremely well in the [10th grade] examinations… she is now in [grade] 11.

[T]he Shyamala Pai Memorial Scholarship is not just a tribute fund; it is the miraculous interspersing of three women’s lives; across class, across three generations and even across the seeming barrier of death. Each of these women has inspired and enhanced the lives of the others, either purposefully or inadvertently. The love, friendship, generosity, courage and determination of these women have culminated in a wonderful philanthropic initiative, indeed a delightful tribute to all of them!

Celebrating All of Our Naana's on International Women's Day

Posted on by Julliet Boye

JB_GrandmotherI was born and raised in Ghana in a society where, traditionally, a woman’s role in the community was limited to motherhood. Only a few had the audacity to transcend social expectations and affect the lives of other women around them. My grandmother was one of them.

I saw my grandmother lead and inspire. I saw a great teacher who devoted her life to transforming the lives of young women in her community. As the leader of the women’s group at her local church, Naana, as everyone affectionately called her, became the mother many people wished they had. She counseled women of all ages with various life issues – some coming from low-income households, single-mothers, and teenage mothers. For them, she offered hope. As a young girl, I could hardly understand what she talked about, but I grew up with a constant reminder of the smile that wiped the tears off the women’s cheeks and carefully tucked it onto my memory.

My grandmother took care of her family and worked as a volunteer pastor. And though she had no formal training, most people considered her a teacher and a counselor. I became convinced that hers was the most important profession; no matter how informal the setting, she was still very effective. My grandmother’s counseling sessions did not end in her makeshift office at the church premises. Women in our neighborhood sat next to her for hours in my family’s living room. She prayed with those who needed prayer, she shared her Christian faith and offered hope. Some women needed to learn vocations like cooking, sewing and handmade crafts. My Naana taught them all of that and so much more.

As a young girl, nothing made a bigger impression on me than my grandmother’s ability to connect with other women from different ethnic and tribal backgrounds, social and academic statuses, and with religious differences. When I was old enough to understand the wisdom in her words, I found out how the best teaching moments are in sharing one’s life lessons and the wisdom gained from those experiences. Also, Naana not only shared lessons learned, through her connections she helped some of the women gain apprenticeships and work with local traders who found their skills very valuable, thereby helping them gain economic security. For them, this teacher didn’t only impart knowledge to them; Naana had given them a lifelong desire for hard work and dignity. Most importantly, she had given them hope.

Since joining Washington Area Women’s Foundation, I’ve learned that there are many Naanas right here in our community. They teach every day. They inspire in every moment. They challenge us all to commit ourselves to our vocations – any vocation – and give it our best effort. They give us the audacity to believe in our own futures, and to contribute to the community around us. They validate the Ghanaian proverb, “Obi nnim a, obi kyere,” which means: “If one does not know, another man teaches him.”

My grandmother’s work and impact were all the more impressive because she was redefining her role in our community and getting other women to think about theirs, too. My mother, for instance, opened her own business, a story that I shared last year on International Women’s Day. And as it turns out, Naana was ahead of her time. Now, when I go back to visit Ghana, I’m amazed by all of the progress. The women I grew up with are lawyers and engineers in addition to having families – or choosing not to. We are Naana’s legacy; the result of her investments in our community.

Mother Teresa once shared her thoughts about seemingly insignificant actions: “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” My Naana understood her value even as a “drop”. The Women’s Foundation celebrates the value of women like my grandmother Naana. We celebrate the commitment that women all over the world make to positively impact someone else’s life in spite of their own challenges.

Julliet Boye is the development associate at The Women’s Foundation.

U.S. Lags in Rankings of Best Places to be a Mother

Posted on by Mariah Craven

Where would you rank the United States on a list of the best places in the world to be a mother?  Would you be surprised that in a recent study, the U.S. didn’t crack the top 10 countries? Or even the top 20?  According to Save the Children’s 2012 Mothers’ Index, the U.S. placed 25th on the list.  That’s a six spot improvement over last year’s ranking, but still below countries like Norway (#1), Australia (#7), Slovenia (#13), Greece (#20) and Belarus (#24).

“A woman in the US is more than seven times as likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause in her lifetime than a woman in Italy or Ireland,” said Carolyn Miles, president & CEO of Save the Children.  “When it comes to the number of children enrolled in preschools or the political status of women, the United States also places in the bottom 10 countries of the developed world.”

The U.S. is also one of the only countries in the world that doesn’t guarantee working mothers paid leave.

My initial reaction to the findings of the study was shock. Surely in a nation with more wealth, knowledge and opportunities than most, mothers would be provided with excellent healthcare, access to early education and prospects to lead their communities.  The truth is, however, that these opportunities aren’t open to everyone, and the proof is right here in our own region.

A report published by Washington Area Women’s Foundation shows that our region is marked by significant disparities in receipt of prenatal care.  And once women in our region give birth, they often find that early education is expensive and sometimes ineffective.  Across the DC metro area, center-based child care can account for one-third to half of a single mother’s income.  And even though research has shown that preschool programs are crucial to the future educational success of children – especially those who live in low-income households – enrollment in public preschools remains low.  Just 14 percent of four-year-olds in Virginia, 35 percent in Maryland and 40 percent in DC were enrolled in public preschools.

This spring, motherhood briefly became a hot button issue in the presidential campaign.  Presidential candidates noted that it is a tough and important job and one candidate’s wife called motherhood a “glorious” crown.  It’s only been a few weeks, but the campaigns have already moved beyond the motherhood rhetoric, leaving a serious unsolved problem behind.  A better support system for mothers and their children would go a long way in making the U.S. a better place for us all.

Survivor blaming: South Africa and D.C. have more in common than you think.

Posted on by Stephanie Psaki

A woman accuses an older, politically powerful man of raping her.  He denies the charges, and offers to pay her off to drop them. When she persists, his defense lawyers put her sexual history on trial, including her experience of child sexual assault. They accuse her of lying about being a lesbian. They add that her behavior, including sending him text messages and wearing revealing clothing, were an invitation for sex. Supporters of the perpetrator stand outside the courthouse with signs saying, “How much did they pay you, bitch?” He is acquitted and returns to his everyday life. She and her family are forced to relocate due to death threats.  Source.

It could be a snapshot from anywhere in the U.S., but this particular scene unfolded in South Africa between 2004 and 2006, and the accused was Jacob Zuma, who was inaugurated last week as South Africa’s new President.

This trial had another unfortunate twist: the accuser, nicknamed Khwezi (star) by her supporters, was HIV positive.  Despite his previous role as head of South Africa’s National AIDS Council, when asked the (irrelevant) question of whether he was worried about contracting HIV, Mr. Zuma testified that, "Chances were very slim you could get the disease” from having unprotected sex with an HIV positive woman, and that he showered after having sex with her to "minimize the risk of contracting the disease," grossly misleading statements that have perpetuated myths and possibly cost lives.

Despite a persistent cloud of scandal, Jacob Zuma has remained popular in South Africa due to his ties to Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement, his role as the country’s first post-apartheid Zulu leader, and what many describe as his charisma.

Regardless of the verdict – or whether it was rendered after a fair trial – Mr. Zuma’s response to the charges provide alarming evidence of how he will approach South Africa’s women – and particularly the growing pandemic of violence against women – during his term. Also disturbing is the lack of attention in domestic and international media to the rape accusation, Zuma’s response, and its implications.

South Africa has been called the rape capital of the world, with an estimated half a million women raped every year. It is also home to the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world – approximately six million.

So why hasn’t Zuma’s complicity in perpetuating these twin pandemics prevented him from assuming leadership?

The short answer is democracy, and by all accounts this was a fair election. In fact, the African National Congress – Zuma’s party – won by nearly 50 percentage points. But as advocates of women’s health and empowerment in Washington, D.C., we should be concerned about the more difficult answer.

Because the women of D.C. are also suffering from the twin pandemics of violence and HIV/AIDS.

Survivor blaming at home

Recent surveys indicate that between 10-15 percent of women in the U.S. are raped in their lifetimes, while an additional three percent of women report surviving attempted rape (stats here and here).  This amounts to a woman being raped every two minutes in the U.S.

The statistics on sexual assault in D.C. are much harder to come by. 

According to the DC Metropolitan Police Department, there were 375 reported cases of sexual assault in 2008. 

But Denise Snyder, Executive Director of the DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC), puts this statistic in perspective, explaining, “The general belief is that about 10 percent of rape survivors ever report the incident to police, so if you multiply this number by 10, you are probably getting closer to the truth in D.C.”

DCRCC’s rape crisis hotline received over 3,200 calls during the 2007-2008 fiscal year, but Snyder points out that crisis hotlines, “are not even the primary contact for most rape survivors, who are more likely to tell their family and friends after an incident occurs.”

There are many reasons for the overwhelming failure to prevent and address sexual violence globally, in the U.S., and in D.C. Unfortunately one of the most important reasons might be that policy-makers – and the public in general – just don’t believe its happening.

Survivor blaming is a term used by advocates and researchers working to combat sexual violence to describe the tendency – of law enforcement agencies, legal systems, and even family, friends and acquaintances – to doubt or blame the survivor of sexual violence.

In reality, it is very rare for a woman or man to lie about being raped. The Rape Crisis Federation of Europe estimates that false reports of rape occur at the same rate as other crimes – only about two percent of the time, which means that 98 out of 100 women and men are telling the truth when they say they were raped.  And it makes sense, given the continued re-traumatization that survivors must undergo when they do come forward, as evidenced by Jacob Zuma and his supporters’ treatment of Khwezi.

As a former volunteer hotline and hospital counselor for the DC Rape Crisis Center, I witnessed the devastating impact of survivor blaming on women and men in D.C. who were grappling with their experiences of sexual violence. The frequency with which I heard phrases such as, “Thank you for believing me”, or “Why did this happen to me?” underlined the all too common experience of disclosing an incident of sexual violence only to be met with doubt and blame.

A recent study conducted with U.S. college students found that negative social reactions (e.g. blame, stigmatization) of family members and friends toward a rape survivor reduced other people’s support, reduced blame for the perpetrator, and reduced sympathy for rape survivors in general.  The same study found that people were more likely to blame survivors of date rape than stranger rape, and that men were more likely to sympathize with the perpetrator than the rape survivor.

Another recent study, "Effects of Offender Motivation, Victim Gender, and Participant Gender on Perceptions of Rape Victims and Offenders"– also conducted with U.S. college students – found that participants were less likely to describe an event as rape and more likely to blame the victim when they were told the perpetrator’s motivation was sexual rather than violent.

Our tendency toward survivor blaming – often relieving the perpetrator of responsibility – goes a long way in explaining why so few incidents of sexual assault are ever reported to police.
As a rape crisis counselor, I was also responsible for having the difficult conversation with survivors about whether it was worth pressing charges, given the fact that only six percent of rapists ever spend a day in jail, and the inevitable negative impact on her or his life, including exposure of their sexual history and other destructive attempts by the perpetrator’s defenders to call their character into question.

Allowing this cycle of victimization to continue for survivors of sexual violence is unacceptable in itself.

More broadly, when survivors can’t come forward to a supportive and empowering environment, we as a community lose the opportunity to provide them with needed services, identify and convict rapists, and prevent sexual violence in the future.

So if we are serious about combating sexual violence, if we do not want to see one out of six women in the next generation spend their lives trying to recover from this trauma, then our first step must be to start believing the survivors.

Unfortunately, they are telling the truth.

As Khwezi insisted after (now President) Zuma was acquitted, “I am not mad. I am not incapable of understanding the difference between consensual and non-consensual sex. The fact that I have been raped multiple times does not make me mad.  It means there is something very wrong with our world and our society.

Stephanie Psaki has an MPh from the Harvard School of Public Health. In 2007, she spent two months in Durban, South Africa conducting research on women’s empowerment and sexual partnering behavior among university students. She also had the privilege of volunteering for the DC Rape Crisis Center, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation, as a hotline and hospital counselor from 2004 to 2006.

From Afghanistan to Bank of America, thanks to a Goodwill training program.

Posted on by Gwen Rubinstein

Goodwill of Greater Washington offers numerous programs in addition to the Women in Construction program that The Women’s Foundation supports.

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending a graduation ceremony for the most recent learners in Goodwill’s Bank Skills Training Program.  I left so inspired by all of the graduates and how far they had come. 

Especially moving were remarks by one student in particular, Susan Jelanizada, who told the story of her path to Goodwill and a new job in banking, which began in Afghanistan.

I share her remarks here because I think they can also inspire other women and girls and demonstrate the power of the programs that support their journeys to financial independence and economic security–whether those journeys begin in Arlington or Afghanistan.

Susan says:
 
“… Only a few years ago, women in my homeland of Afghanistan were denied any access to education or a meaningful role in society. Women and, to some extent, men, were barred from any meaningful education or professional pursuits. Girls were not allowed to continue any form of formal education beyond age 13.  Boys could only study at the ultra-conservative and extremist madrasas. My family and I were fortunate enough to have left Afghanistan and avoided the brutal realities of daily life under the extremist regime. Nonetheless, living in Pakistan was no picnic, either.

We faced many challenges living in Pakistan, including a language and some cultural barriers. However, life there offered us something that we could not get back home: access to basic education. We worked hard, and we took advantage of whatever opportunities were available.

While I count myself as one of the lucky few who has had the privilege of migrating to the United States, starting life anew has not been easy.

First, there is the culture shock.  America is a place where people enjoy freedoms unheard of in my homeland.  It is also a much different environment as far as the culture and norms are concerned. It was especially difficult for me as the oldest child in the family to leave my family and live all by myself for the first time. And this was not just a few miles away from home, but thousands of miles away. We value our family greatly in my culture and visit one another pretty often. Social life in Afghanistan tends to be more intimate and families tend to have close relations with one another.  Furthermore, it is quite untraditional for an Afghan woman to live by herself and away from her family in Afghanistan. 

However, I believe living away from my family has made me stronger and given me opportunities as well as challenges to grow and succeed in ways impossible back home.

My experiences have helped me develop a certain level of interest and appreciation for education and yearn for a brighter future; however, it was very hard for me to find the way how to do it.  I was not sure how to start the new life in the United States, how to pursue my career and my goals.  I didn’t know anything about the culture and environment.

I tried to apply for jobs online, but somehow I did not get a positive response. Maybe it is because I did not have work experience in the U.S., or maybe I didn’t know how to make my resume according to the job opening.

Finally, feeling disappointed and exhausted, I asked my employee specialist at the Department of Social Services of Fairfax County to let me know if there were training programs to prepare me for a job.

I had never thought about banking before coming to Goodwill, but after sharing my work experience with David, the Bank Skills Trainer, I found out that I had done all the jobs and had the skills that are needed in a bank for a teller.

I was so impressed by the service and training I received from Goodwill.

It has helped me to achieve my goals and start my new career in banking.  At Goodwill, we have learned about banking terminology and jargon.

Besides this, David helped us in making our resumes and prepared us for interviews.

I personally really liked the practice interview part where we really received constructive feedback from the recruiters. The practice prepared me to pass the real interview at the job fair and, luckily, I received an offer to work with Bank of America on the day of the job fair.

I count myself a successful person because I have never given up in life, despite all the ups and downs. I always believed in myself and knew that ‘I can do it.’  I am happy and proud to have been part of this class where I got to know all the wonderful people who are graduating today, as well as the volunteers from so many banks.

In closing, I would like to thank Goodwill for providing such training programs that help people start their careers. Thank you to David for being so nice and helpful with all of us and thanks to Valerie for helping us and providing us extra support.

Thanks to all of the Goodwill team for giving us a chance to achieve our career goals.

Gwen Rubinstein is a program officer at The Women’s Foundation. 

Fun Friday Reading: The global (or your local) gender gap.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

For some fun Friday reading, the World Economic Forum  has just released its report on the 2007 Global Gender Gap.  Feministing is hosting a dialogue in comments about the strengths and shortcomings of the report.

For a take on a more local picture of the gender outlook, check out our Portrait Project, the only comprehensive study of many of the same topics–health, education and economics–specific to women and girls in the Washington metropolitan area.

Whatever your Friday Fun Reading, enjoy your weekend!

The Dalai Lama gets it.

Posted on by Jennifer Cortner

At The Women’s Foundation, we have a phrase for men who support our mission.  We call them guys who get it.

We’re lucky to have many wonderful, supportive men in our camp here in our local area, including Leroy Pingho, Ralph Boyd, Jr. and Frederic L. Ballard, Jr.

This past Sunday’s Washington Post has a wonderful and thoughtful article in the Outlook section written by the Dalai Lama, titled, "My Vision of a Compassionate Future. "

He writes so eloquently about how we, as a global community, can and must bring about a more peaceful world through non-violent, pro-active approaches to social change. He tells us that we need to instill a sense of caring for others, to tap our compassion, and to teach our children to develop their brains and their hearts.

He goes on to write: "To promote greater compassion, we must pay special attention to the role of women. Given that mothers carry the fetus for months within their own bodies, from a biological point of view women in general may possess greater sensitivity of heart and capacity for empathy. My first teacher of love and compassion was my own mother, who provided me with maximum love. I do not mean to reinforce in any way the traditional view that a woman’s place is confined to the home. I believe that the time has come for women to take more active roles in all domains of human society, in an age in which education and the capacities of the mind, not physical strength, define leadership. This could help create a more equitable and compassionate society."

This paragraph nearly jumped off the page for me. The Dalai Lama speaks of something that we at The Women’s Foundation have known for a long time: that the world would be a much better place if women were given equitable opportunities and a chance to reach their full potential.

The Dalai Lama is definitely a guy who gets it.

Jennifer Cortner is president of EFX Media and serves on The Women’s Foundation’s board of directors and as the chair of the communications committee.  Our committees are just one of many ways that you can get involved in our work and making sure the women of our region get a chance to reach their full potential.  There’s a place for everyone at The Women’s Foundation.  Find yours today.

Dr. Helene Gayle: I'm thrilled to join you at the Leadership Luncheon!

Posted on by Dr. Helene Gayle

Dear Friends of Washington Area Women’s Foundation, 

Thank you for inviting me to join you as a speaker, along with Ambassador Swanee Hunt, at your upcoming Leadership Luncheon. I was honored to be asked to step in for Sheila Johnson because it is always a pleasure for me to share the company of like-minded women and men who understand the benefit and value of investing in women and girls as a means to make our communities healthier, stronger, more vibrant places to live and work.

As president and CEO of CARE, an international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, and a public health advocate and researcher, I know firsthand that making communities healthier, wealthier and wiser begins with women. That when a woman gains power, she, her husband, her children and her extended family benefit for a lifetime. Women are one of the greatest untapped natural resource in fighting global poverty.

I am very much looking forward to joining your ongoing conversation around how investing in women and girls is an investment in better communities—and to sharing my experience in applying this approach on a global scale.

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle MD, MPH
President and Chief Executive Officer
CARE

Don’t miss Dr. Helene Gayle’s conversation with Ambassador Swanee Hunt on October 10, 2007.  Purchase your tickets or sponsorship today!

The revolution will begin with women.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s International Humanitarian Symposium and awards ceremony.  The event this year was themed, "The Changing Face of Philanthropy: Evolution or Revolution?"

I couldn’t help but be pleased to note that throughout the symposium and dinner discussions–formal and informal–that there was an important subtext. 

That it seems that practitioners of community development, of philanthropy, of effective giving and nonprofit work are coming around to the idea that yes, philanthropy and development are evolving, and that women are very much at the heart of this evolution.

And that they’re talking about it no longer like it’s new, or different or a maybe-this-is-something-to-think-about sort of idea on the margins.

That they’re talking about it like an accepted tenet, a truth, that has finally arrived. 

That the revolution will, most likely, begin with women.

Rock on.

Just  a few tidbits and examples to get hopeful about:

The winner of this year’s Hilton prize was Tostan, an NGO working throughout Africa to promote human rights, and by extension women’s rights, and is revolutionizing issues around early marriage and female genital mutilation and changing the way women, and people throughout Africa, think about themselves.

Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE, spoke earlier in the day about CARE’s new I am Powerful campaign, and its acknowledgement of the role of women in building stronger communities around the world.  And about how CARE has restructured its work to place women and girls front and center in their efforts.  Because they know that empowering women and girls works to empower entire communities.

The keynote speaker, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, addressed the role of women in development, citing them as a backbone of their communities, as the force of change.  His exact words will be available here, soon.

Indeed, the revolution–to reduce poverty and improve our communities and the lives of its children–will begin with women.

It already has.  

And this isn’t just true in Africa or Asia or the Middle East.  It’s true here, too.  To find out how we’re bringing the revolution home, just Ask Us How.  Because for nearly 10 years, we’ve been improving the Washington metropolitan area by investing in women and girls. 

Because whether in Angola or Anacostia, Sri Lanka or Silver Spring, the revolution, and true change, will, inevitably, begin with women.

Join us to help bring the revolution home.

A Tanzanian take on the Portrait Project.

Posted on by Sherell

In an idle moment, a new idea popped into my head, which was to randomly select any area of the world, and profile the status of women in that particular region (in relation to women’s leadership and health and safety), sort of like a mini Portrait Project. This was a quick, fun way to see what’s going on with women outside of my home, and it’s fitting as The Women’s Foundation is in the process of reviewing Leadership Awards, which focuses on health and safety this round.

So, how was I going to pick the place? Well, I closed my eyes and placed my finger on my huge wall map. When I opened my eyes, my index finger was on Tanzania, between Mozambique and Kenya. I made way for the Internet to do some quick, surface research on the status of women in Tanzania, to evaluate female leadership roles and their health and safety.

What I found (at the risk of sounding naïve) disappointed me. Admittedly, I’ve never read or learned much about Tanzania up to this point, so I was a little optimistic that as other parts of the world are making pretty significant strides in terms of the rights and position of women, Tanzania was too. Alas, my Google search turned up numerous articles- none hinting at a large number of empowered, healthy women.

As for health, a 1993 study by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations highlighted the rising number of female headed households that suffer from lacking farming systems, malnutrition and unhealthy laborious conditions with little income. While this data is quite outdated, 13 years isn’t that long ago. The farming situation that adversely affects women has continued to worsen.

Pauline Kisanga’s paper, principal nutritionist at the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre, explains that while women are responsible for 70 percent of food crop production, they have no say in the decision-making process for how resources are allocated (far from the leadership roles I was looking for). If they had a voice, they could provide input on better technology to advance from the traditional hand hoe, debate how to use income, etc.

Instead, women aren’t eating enough, eating well, or feeling well.

When our bodies are deprived of something as simple as Vitamin A, our eye-sight and immune systems are at risk of failure. Children face a greater risk of blindness, malaria, diarrhea, and measles. The 1993 FAO study showed that 6.1 percent of the population suffered from Vitamin A deficiency, with more women than men suffering because they tended to eat less than men in times of need. I can only imagine that this number has increased.

Water proved a significant barrier also. Babies died because water was unsanitary. Women were not delivering under hygienic conditions. Thankfully, water conditions are improving.

Childbirth and pregnancy complications have continued to be worsening problems. In 1990, the maternal mortality rate was 770 per 100,000 live births, and 8,700 women died from pregnancy complications. In 2000, for every 100,000 babies, about 1,500 women died. Future leaders don’t have much of a chance- they are dying at birth or early childhood.

Not to mention the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on women. United Planet re-visits the issue of victims of HIV/AIDS entering prostitution in order to make money. Of course, this does nothing to help with the disease or aid in the prevention of it.

Why the deteriorating health conditions? Well for one thing, there isn’t enough education on safe births. Many women don’t trust hospitals; they’re scared they will face some sort of operation and opt to give natural birth in their homes. There aren’t enough health care professionals, and there isn’t enough money invested in public health initiatives.

As for safety, I was surprised to see that as recent as 1997, while I was living my safe, life filled with the typical teenage perils, Amnesty International was criticizing Tanzania for failing to try derailing the persecutions occurring against women accused of witch craft. I thought the witch-hunts ended at some point in the 18th century, but am now learning of “modern” witch-hunts in Tanzania.

Women are allowed to partake in government activities and positions, but their numbers are low.

One good, or better, thing noted was the progress in laws impacting women’s safety. In 1971, the Law of Marriage Act unified laws of marriage and divorce and mandated that wives in polygamous marriages are notified of such, divorces be formally concluded and registered, and that “wife-beating” be prohibited. Of course, these issues are still a problem, as a law is just mere writing in a book without actual action put behind it. Still, it was good to see something somewhat positive. How the status of women’s safety in marriage is now, I’m not sure, but my guess is that it’s not too positive.

These are preventative diseases and deaths that are plaguing the people, particularly women, of Tanzania.

So what can I do? What’s next?

Well for one thing, I can learn more about nonprofit agencies that do work in support of increasing advocacy and direct service to Tanzania. I can strategically invest in these organizations. I can get involved in advocacy efforts about these issues.

A good thing about working at The Women’s Foundation is that you really do learn ways to help, instead of just learning what’s going on. I know how to take the next step instead of just reading some news and feeling bad. I target areas that I’m especially interested in seeing improve, and I invest in them.

In an effort to become more aware of issues such as these, little map projects like this can be done all the time! It takes so little time to pull up some research and helpful books to check out.

And it works for issues here, too…it’s amazing to me sometimes how there can be all of these realities going on in varying areas of Washington, or our region, that I don’t always think about because my life is concentrated only in certain areas. The Portrait Project has helped me get a grasp on that, and on ways to help locally.

And provided a model for looking at women’s lives and realities and the best way to invest in a way that really enables true understanding and a needs-based approach.

So that when we’re investing in women, we’re not just throwing a pin at a map–we’re really doing what works and making our community better.