Women's Economic Empowerment

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Question to answer in your video:

Why should I be concerned about women's economic empowerment?

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MEDA will be using your video to help bring awareness to the issue of women’s economic empowerment.

You do not have to focus your video on MEDA, but it is requested that you use our logo or mention us in the script as one organization that is working worldwide on women’s economic empowerment. We highly value your perspective and opinion on this issue.

Assume that your audience is your fellow students and that they know very little about women’s economic empowerment and how it affects everyone worldwide.

Be creative - there is great information on the web and in world events that can help reinforce your ideas and thoughts in your video.

Research note: MEDA has programs in Pakistan, Ghana and Haiti related to women’s economic empowerment.

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About Women’s Economic Empowerment

The world is awakening to a powerful truth: “Women and girls are not the problem; they are the solution.”

-    Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women

Women around the world have the same desires, dreams and hopes. But for many, even the simple things in life are out of reach … food, water, shelter, clothing, an education.

In the developing world, life is particularly difficult for women and girls. When food is scarce and money is tight, they are the last to eat, get health care or go to school.

Women face barriers to employment, as well as cultural norms that keep them confined to their homes.

But here at MEDA, we are breaking through these barriers.  

We can teach them how to farm, how to read, run a business or even open a bank account. We can help women operate their own business within their own culture. Even a small amount of extra household income goes a long way.

When women have more money in their hands, their children’s health and nutrition improves.

Through economic empowerment, women flourish as they earn an income

Economic empowerment opens doors to a brighter future and fills women with hope. But just as importantly, it can bring real change:

• Daughters can go to school … not just sons. 
• Families can eat two meals a day … not just one.