“I think we are living a very critical moment actually, now, in terms of the discussion of women, and in a transitional period of our economies.”

Zainab Salbi, founder and CEO, Women for Women International

2010 provided several instances that benefited numerous communities. Nations worked together to aid neighbors struck by natural disasters, and we watched as historic revolutions were born, showcasing the unquestionable truth of what collective action can produce. Though there were a few rough spots with our own economic recovery, political playground fights, continuing wars, and questions of what we’re doing wrong, this provided a perfect opportunity to examine exactly how we can make it right.

Looking back, I am excited by what we have accomplished. Our milestones towards the goal of gender equality from the foundation of UN Women, a branch of the United Nations promoting the forward movement to empowerment, to the creation of the Women’s Economic Opportunity Index documenting and better understanding the factors influencing their economic opportunities and obstacles. These are namely the areas where we are most confident.

With more partners, supporters, and information, the movement for women’s economic empowerment is at its strongest in history. Although these milestones are merely an “Ah-ha” moment from the top to what grassroots organizations and movements around the world have been working towards for decades, the unity among separate movements to create one tidal wave is what makes this moment different, a breakthrough.

The big picture is that women account for ten percent of the world’s income – sixty six percent of its workforce, fifty percent of its food production, and 1 percent of its property- ownership^* The realities that make these percentages are more complicated and their circumstances differ within the same regions. They also differ from country to country, which is why the movement for women’s empowerment is within organizations like CEN, whose programs develop basic life-skills, habits and mindsets to become more self-reliant, responding to the economic obstacles of women in the context of their communities.

bell hooks, an acclaimed author on women’s rights, describes the link of women to their economic empowerment, that “Most women know now what some knew when the [feminist] movement began, that work would not necessarily liberate us, but that this fact does not change the reality that economic self-sufficiency is needed if women are to be liberated.” In reality, we have seen that economic empowerment has the power to liberate individuals and their communities from many divisions that exist, especially those from gender. Where development is fostered to be long-term and sustainable, individuals are given a voice to vocalize and actualize their concerns, and the esteem to make necessary changes, their families are given the hope of a better future, and communities are given the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

On this 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, we renew our vision of providing rural communities the means to support themselves; encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship. By supporting initiatives to increase women’s access to markets and money management tools, and breaking through cultural and societal barriers that perpetuate gender inequalities, we fervently contribute to advancing healthier and more vibrant communities. And that is a breakthrough.

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