Blog 9

Women for Women International

http://www.womenforwomen.org/about-women-for-women/victims-to-survivors.php

Women for Women international is a non-profit organization that reaches into international boundaries to help women suffering from the effects of war. Afghanistan, Bosnia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and Nigeria are just a few of the countries where Women for Women International have been able to help women who have lost their home, food supply, family support, and suffered from many other loses caused by war. Beginning with something as simple as a food and clothing source, and advancing toward job training and microlending programs, women are supplied the “bootstraps” they need to help pick of the shattered pieces of their lives.

Sponsoring a women is one way to contribute funds to this organization. One of the benefits of becoming a sponsor with Women for Women is being able to communicate directly with the person receiving your funds. Generally, the recipient will write a letter of gratitude and will follow throughout the process letting you know how she is progressing. Many women who are able to become independent entrepreneurs eventually become leaders in their community. All of which starts with a small contribution of about $30.

The reason why Women for Women International focuses on primarily women is because women are often left out of the post war benefits governments offer to soldiers and supporters. Women are often left with children and no job skills or a male family member to provide for them. Women for Women International help communities grow and governments acknowledge the intelligent and business savvy sills that women of their own country posses when given the proper education and skills to do so.

Response to readings...

Western perceptions of foreign women is a growing concern since globalization offers women more opportunities to learn about cultures outside their own. Americans have a strong since of right and wrong, often confusing different with wrong. Cultural sensitivity and cultural awareness is one way to help eliminate stereotypes and biases.