Daring to Lead: Women as Change Agents
dnorris10 October 23rd, 2005
Investing in women and supporting their efforts to bring about change at the grassroots level is the mission of the Global Fund for Women and the dream of its leader, Kavita Ramdas. Speaking Thursday evening in McGaw Chapel, Ramdas addressed the topic of “Women as Change Agents” as part of the 2005 Wooster Forum, whose theme is “Integrity: Local Actions and Global Reactions.”
“Small grants lead to big change,” said Ramdas, president and chief executive officer of the organization. “Women must be heard in order for things to change.”
The Global Fund helps to facilitate change through grants that seed, strengthen and link women’s rights groups that address such issues as gender-based violence; economic and environmental justice; health, sexual, and reproductive rights; civic and political participation; access to education; and social change philanthropy.
“People often refer to these as women’s issues, but they are really basic human rights issues,” said Ramdas. “Our goal is to provide resources at the local level for women who have a vision about how they would like to change the world.”
Since its founding in 1987, the Global Fund for Women has granted more than $42 million to nearly 2,800 women’s groups in 162 countries. This has enabled each organization to apply the funds to address the specific needs of women in their communities. Last year alone, the organization awarded $7.3 million in grants.
Ramdas warned about the danger of ignoring women and their potential as leaders, particularly on issues dealing with disaster, hunger, and peace. “Women are demanding to have a place at the table,” said Ramdas. “It is important for them to have a voice and a choice on all issues.”