Our Mission

"The world is awakening to a powerful truth, women and girls are the solution."  

~ Nicholas Kristof, co-author Half The Sky

Are you willing to be part of a growing movement to overcome violence and social injustice in our world by empowering women? After reading the book, Half The Sky, a call-to-arms against culturally accepted abuse of women in underdeveloped countries, our women's book group in Portland, Oregon felt the need to help. We started a grassroots campaign to recruit support for oppressed women throughout the world. Inspiring others to action is our biggest challenge. We're simply asking...would you lend a woman $25 if you knew it could change her life?

"The key to alleviating poverty and achieving world stability lies in unleashing the potential of women" is the overriding message in this book by NYTimes columnist Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn. They quote former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan,

"It is impossible to realize our goals while discriminating against half the human race. As study after study has taught us, there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women."

They explain that one way to do that is to put more money in the hands of women who will use it to provide a better life for their children that ultimately benefits the entire community.Kiva, a non-profit organization featured in Half The Sky, whose mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty, inspired our bookgroup. The Kiva model is direct and effective. Individual Kiva lenders select a vetted entrepreneur to whom they want to make a loan. Once those funds are paid back into the lender's Kiva account, they can re-lend them. Over and over again. Kiva takes no cut. 100% of the funding goes to the entrepreneurs. Lenders with common interests can join a Kiva team to which they credit the loans they make. So our bookgroup created a Kiva team named "HALF THE SKY: Empowering Women" to rally support in making the world a safer place for women and girls.

Please accept this invitation to support our campaign dedicated to changing oppression into opportunity for women in underdeveloped countries, as well as inspiring women in developed countries to help create a more just world. All you need to do is join our Kiva team and make ONE $25 LOAN to a female entrepreneur of your choice. You can also help us by extending this invitation to your family and friends. Husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and boyfriends are welcome to join, too!