Many global communities are upheld by women. When empowered, women have proven to be social change agents with long-lasting, sustainable, and far-reaching impact.
Halil Demir, Executive Director of Zakat Foundation of America, presented at the Breaking Gender Barriers Conference organized by USAID office of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Washington DC this week.
Joining global development leaders in a conversation exploring the use of partnerships for advancing gender equality, Demir presented Zakat Foundation’s history of partnerships for creating gender-focused economic sustainability, mental wellbeing, and other services in some of the world's most troubled regions. He cited examples of Zakat Foundation’s work with local and culturally rooted partners, its ability to secure access and trust in some of the world’s most marginalized communities, and to gently navigate common obstacles and cultural sensitivities around mental health and other services for victims of highly stigmatized human crises such as war-time rape against women and girls.
Last year alone, Zakat Foundation lifted over 30,000 women out of poverty by giving them the tools to lead a self-reliant life through agriculture co-operatives, education, and entrepreneurship. Learn more about our livelihoods programs here and donate here.
