can support maternal and natal health programs for women and babies can support vocational training for vulnerable women can help widows and their orphaned children gain access to invaluable resources
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How You Help Empower Women
When living conditions worsen for vulnerable communities, they worsen at even higher rates for women. In destitute circumstances, many women are left widowed, making them the sole providers for themselves and their families. Helping empower women is essential to development across the globe, and providing access to equal opportunities and resources is integral to our mission.
Around the world, we’re helping women become leaders, not only in their homes but in their communities. In 2024 alone, IRUSA implemented 32 projects across 17 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Take a look at Shazia’s success story!
Shazia's Story
Afghanistan
Having lost everything to a house fire, Shazia and her family were forced to settle in a one-room mud house. Shazia is the family’s sole breadwinner, with her husband currently unemployed and finding it difficult to find work.
“The fire had taken away everything we owned, leaving us worried about our future. Both my husband and I were unemployed, which made it difficult to get through each day and night. The rent for the house was a constant struggle, and we couldn’t afford enough food.”
Shazia started a small business that was generating around $28 a month. Through IRUSA, Shazia participated in an eight-day small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) training course. After completing the training, she received a financial grant of 60,000 Afs (approx. $850) to expand and sustain her business. Now, Shazia’s business generates $84 a month.
“I have assumed the role of supporting my family’s needs by working hard. Thanks to the income I have generated, I was able to invest and purchase 10 chickens, enabling me to sell their eggs and generate additional income.”
Our Dedication to Women’s Programming
At IRUSA, we’re truly dedicated to building programming that helps uplift women and provides access to the tools they need to build better lives for themselves and for generations to come.
A few of our interventions include:
- Enhancing the socio-economic empowerment of 450 women-led families in the provinces of Balkh, Herat, and Bamyan in Afghanistan through skill-based training and small business development
- Helping vulnerable populations in Jigjiga, Ethiopia including women build sustainable livelihoods through skill-based training and small business development
- Helping improve the socio-economic status of vulnerable groups including women through access to microfinance activities in Beledweyn, Somalia
- Helping break the cycle of poverty for vulnerable families in Mali through the promotion of women in community-level decision-making
By donating to IRUSA’s Development Fund, you support important programs for women and more!
Help empower women like Shazia. Donate today.