Holiday Giving Program: Spotlight on #Determined Women

Global Fund for Women’s #Determined campaign spotlights what women around the world are doing to establish gender equality and to empower other women and girls. Through January 15th, we’re contributing $5 from each Holiday Set sold to Global Fund for Women. Below, we’ve introduced just a few of these women, and we encourage you to read about all of them and the work they’re doing.

Perla Almaden, age 50, of Mindanao, Philippines. To support her family, Perla started her own business with the help of the Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation. Her success as an entrepreneur enabled her to send her three children to school. She provides volunteer typhoon relief, and continues to speak about equal economic opportunity and the importance of financial independence for women.

Yera Sali Youl, age 45, of Burkina Faso. With the help of the Association for the Advancement of Women in Gaoua, Yeri was able to leave a forced arranged marriage. She learned to read and write, and even studied solar power in India. She was able to bring solar power to her community in Burkina Faso, where she continues to advocate for an end to forced arranged marriage and female genital mutilation.

Asipa Musaeva, age 68, of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Asipa’s injuries from an accident left her with a disability as a teenager. After facing years of discrimination in the workplace and from her own government, Asipa became an activist for disabled women’s rights. Through the organization she founded, she has helped create laws that support disabled women, and has fought to include disabled women in Kyrgyzstan's political life.

Gloria Marina Icu Puluc, age 32, of Comalapa, Guatemala. Gloria grew up in an abusive environment with responsibility of caring for her younger siblings, and had limited access to education. Despite all this, she was able to learn nursing and midwifery skills through the Asociación Civil de Comadronas Tradicionales de Chimaltenango. She continues to advocate for women’s rights in Guatemala, including freedom from violence and access to education.

Global Fund for Women’s partners and grantee organizations--like the ones that have helped Perla, Yera, Asipa and Gloria--are empowering women around the world. We hope you’ll be inspired to read more about the work many other women are doing with help from Global Fund for Women.

Shop Holiday Sets to support their efforts.