On February 22, 2007, in Ghana, when the Speaker of the House announced that a groundbreaking domestic violence bill had finally passed, the female members of Parliament expressed great joy. Regardless of their political affiliation, they “flew their handkerchiefs and embraced each other,” reported the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs.

More than 4 years in the making, this victory came about thanks to the concerted efforts of organi-zations such as Global Fund grantee, the National Coalition on Domestic Violence Legislation. This network of 100 activists and human rights organizations joined forces with other women’s groups in Ghana to educate the public and pressure government agencies to take seriously the issue of violence against women and children. To support their work at a pivotal moment in their campaign, the Global Fund for Women awarded the NCDVL a Now or Never grant totaling $20,000. The organization used the funds to wage its successful campaign, which included the making and airing of a documentary on domestic violence.

Now the group will focus on educating women about how to use the new law to seek redress of violence. Through media outreach, strategic contacts with influential leaders, advocacy targeting Parliamentarians and community dialogues, the NCDVL continues to boldly raise visibility and awareness about an issue once ignored.

Created in 2003 during our Investing in Women Campaign, the Global Fund’s Now or Never Fund has allowed us to annually add $2 million to our grantmaking. These vitally needed funds are helping women to transform the structures that govern their lives. With the Now or Never Fund, we have been able to award sizeable grants — some as large as $150,000 — to organizations tackling major women’s rights issues. More than 200 grants in 70 countries totaling $4.6 million have ensured that women had a place at the important policy debates at the United Nations and within their countries. The funds have also helped women to create innovative solutions to building peace in war-torn countries.

Our successful Investing in Women Campaign also allowed us to create the Legacy Fund, the largest endowment dedicated exclusively to women’s rights internationally. Currently at $10 million, the Legacy Fund has enabled us to permanently and significantly expand our grantmaking capacity. Both the Legacy Fund and the Now or Never Fund were made possible by the generous support of hundreds of women and men around the world. We deeply appreciate your support in advancing women’s rights now, and for generations to come.