100 Years of Progress and Peril

In the past 100 years…

When the first International Women’s Day took place, women could vote in only two countries. Today, that right is virtually universal and women have now been elected to lead governments on every continent [1]

Women are participating in the workforce in ever increasing numbers and 67 countries have laws mandating equal pay for men and women [1]

Since 1980, the international Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was signed and ratified by all but seven countries [2]

But our work is far from complete...
Despite these causes for celebration on the International Women’s Day Centennial, there remain huge gaps in progress:

Of the world’s 130 million out-of-school youth, 70% are girls [3]

Though women perform 66% of the world’s work, they earn only 10% of the world’s income [4]

Women own only 1% of the world’s land [4]

On a global scale, 100 million girls are “missing” as a result of murder, neglect and selective abortion [5]

Of the 800,000 people trafficked across international borders each year, 80% are women and girls [6]

You can help!

We encourage you to help us empower thousands of Asia’s most vulnerable girls and women through our range of innovative, grassroots programs.  What’s more, you can match your gift by 30% this March 16th if you give to any of our projects featured on the Global Giving website. The pool of matching funds is limited and will run out fast – so mark your calendars and stop by early to claim your slice of the bonus!

You might also consider making a gift in honor of a special woman or girl in your life using GlobalGiving's tribute card feature.  Just choose a project from LO's list, enter your donation amount and click "give as a gift in honor/memory of someone" (the link next to the gift icon).  You can have your personalized tribute card emailed or mailed to that special gal or you can print it instantly from your computer (be sure to pay attention to the delivery options!).

Questions?  Please contact us at info@lotusoutreach.org or 888.831.9990.