Womankind Worldwide
Womankind Worldwide is an international women’s rights organisation working to support women and girls to improve their lives and communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It partners with women’s rights organisations on the ground, which are working to tackle the issues that affect women’s lives. In over 25 years, Womankind, together with its partners, has reached 20 million women, girls, men and boys across more than 70 countries.
Womankind and its partners support women directly – from providing refuges and counselling for survivors of violence, to leadership and business skills training. They also support women, their families and communities indirectly – by raising awareness of women’s rights and working to change legislation, policies and practice.
Womankind Mission and values
Womankind's vision
A fair world where being a woman does not limit choices, opportunities or rights.
Womankind's mission
Womankind works in partnership with women’s rights organisations to support women in Africa, Asia and Latin America to transform their lives and communities. They also work collectively to influence the policies and practices of government and non-governmental organisations through shared knowledge and experience.
Womankind's aims
- An end to violence against women and girls
- To increase women’s civil and political participation
- Equal access to and control over economic resources
They are able to pursue these aims through their partners and thanks to the people and organisations who provide them with financial support.
In addition to providing support for partners Womankind lobbies the UK government, donors, the UN, international agencies and the EU to develop policies and services which promote and protect women’s rights and development.
Projects and Partners
The charity currently works in partnership with 28 women’s rights organisations to challenge discrimination, end violence and improve the rights and choices of women and girls. With its partners it is reaching women and girls in 13 countries –
- Afghanistan
- Ethiopia
- Bolivia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Nepal
- Peru
- Sierra Leone
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Here are some of the highlights in 2014-2015 from Womankind’s work with its partners across Africa, Asia and Latin America…
31,500 young people in Bolivia have learnt about sexual and reproductive rights and violence against women thanks to training organised by Centro de Promoción de la Mujer Gregoria Apaza. Our Womankind’s partner has trained committees of young people who in turn have spread awareness among their peers. These individuals are now able to identify and challenge abuse of women’s rights
8,031 women have received free legal aid advice from the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, enabling them to make informed decisions and rebuild their lives free from violence
39 previously illiterate women who are members of community development councils joined Afghan Women’s Resource Centre literacy classes. Now that they can read and write they are able to effectively fulfil their role, strengthening women's leadership and contributing to community decisions
35 female journalists have received training from the Liberia Women’s Media Action Committee, building their skills and ability to report on women’s rights. Several of these women have now independently developed and produced programme ideas and news. This is improving media reporting on women’s rights which is very poor due to the male domination of Liberian media
795 women in Ethiopia are running businesses – such as petty trading and animal and poultry selling - thanks to the support of Siiqqee Women’s Development Association. This means the women can now afford to send their children to school and furnish and maintain their homes
One million people were reached through radio announcements aired by the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya on violence against women and girls, enabling individuals to learn about and assert their rights
40 Nepalese women were trained in candle making, embroidery, weaving and other skills by Women for Human Rights enabling them to earn an income and send their children to school
Videos
Ending violence against women and girls animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WfT7FjJnwk
Violence against women and girls is a global issue with 1 in 3 women across the world experiencing violence. Statistics show that the abuser is usually someone the woman knows: 38% of all murdered women are killed by their partners.
In 2014 Womankind produced an animation sharing the story of one woman, Meron, who took a stand to end violence. The animation focuses on preventing violence and the importance of women’s rights organisations in carrying out this long-term work.
BBC lifeline video- Womankind Worldwide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLjADpLgeLU
Angela Rippon travelleds to Sierra Leone in West Africa to present an appeal on behalf of Womankind Worldwide.
Patrons
Womankind’s patrons areKate Adie OBE, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Baroness Glenys Kinnock, Dr Kate Young.