ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
learn about gender equality and economic rights. As of 2022, 1,000 girls have joined, including 15-year-old Radwa. “I used to be an introvert,” she says. “Now I’ve started to express myself and
SPOTLIGHT How SWEET it is! Rolling out the “green” carpet for women entrepreneurs. Egypt’s carpet exports amount to US$324 million annually. It’s big business – but not for everyone. Women contribute 80% of the production value, yet because of cultural norms that limit their ability to work outside the home, they are restricted to weaving, one of the most poorly compensated roles. In the second year of the five-year Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs
have better relations with my family.” We also started 48 women’s groups
for 960 women who developed strategies for changing cultural norms that limit women’s freedom. They received technical training to help them access markets. The next step is to offer financial-literacy and business-skills training, says Cheryl Joseph, a program manager at Plan International Canada who supports the project. “Developing peer connections helps women believe in their ability to make changes in their lives,” says Joseph. “We’re also seeing that men in the project want to be allies. [There are 1,000 boys in the Champions of Change Clubs.] We’re meeting people where they are and bringing them on a journey toward gender equality at their own pace.”
NEWS FEED – GHANA QUEEN BEES
One of the core feminist principles of the Women’s Voice and Leadership project is that Ghana’s women know what’s best for them. That’s why Plan International reached out to Ghana’s Queen Mothers. These female leaders work alongside chiefs to care for communities. While their influence was weakened during colonial times, Queen Mothers are reclaiming their place. “With no Queen Mothers, women’s voices at the palace were absent,” says one Queen Mother. After Plan International and partners worked with male chiefs and elders, the leaders mandated that all clans restore Queen Mothers to their traditional councils.
in Egypt (SWEET) project, we are continuing to raise awareness about the rights of women and girls so that one day the benefits will be more fairly distributed in the carpet industry. We started by launching Champions of Change Clubs, where girls
The World Economic Forum estimates that women earn 22% less than men .
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BY THE NUMBERS GIFTS OF HOPE
It just might be the most unique gift we have in our Gifts of Hope catalogue, which we launched 15 years ago. “It is certainly one of the most life changing,” says Emma Patterson, director of Gifts of Hope at Plan International Canada. “Goat milk provides
important protein for growing children, especially girls, and the sale of goat offspring means an income to pay for essentials – like an education – that open up opportunities for girls.” Hoofs down, we’re m-a-a-a-d about this gift!
$413 , 867 In fiscal 2022, the $80 Goat gift raised
2022 Annual Report | DIGEST 31
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