MISSION FOCUS:

To empower a woman is to empower a family. To empower a family is to empower a community. To empower a community is to empower a nation. Studies have shown that the economic empowerment of women has been proven to have a crucial impact that extends for generations. American Baptist Women’s Ministries is directly involved in the economic empowerment of women through
grants to organizations and microloans to individuals, allowing women to support themselves, their families, and their communities.

 
For Your Study

• UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women)—Economic Empowerment. See the UN’s international commitments supporting women’s economic empowerment.
• Kristof, Nicholas D., and Sheryl WuDunn. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. Vintage, 2010.

  
Taking Action

• Donations to the Women and Girls Mission Fund help support the economic empowerment of women and girls.
• Visit the websites of the following organizations to explore their work in economic empowerment. Perhaps you or your women’s ministries will find ways to be involved:  The Criterion Institute, Ecumenical Church Loan Fund International, Bread for the World, Church World Service, Heifer International, Kiva.
• Study your own community. Who are the vulnerable women and girls in your area? Are there projects already in existence that could use your time or financial support? If not, how might you or your women’s ministry be called to reach out a helping hand?