Warm Greetings from the Global Fund for Women! In the years since the terrible tragedy of September 11, all of us have learned more about the interdependence and connections that bind us across our global village. Perhaps no one appreciates these linkages more than women in grassroots communities who rely on them to deepen and strengthen their work. The Global Fund for Women is proud to be among the few foundations that actively support women's participation in international and national fora. This year, we awarded grants to many such initiatives—from the halls of the UN to the community centers of indigenous women.
We have also actively sought to expand and build closer ties among new networks—this past spring, as part of our Middle East and North Africa Initiative, the Global Fund led a multinational delegation on a historic outreach trip to nine countries in these regions. Our teams of board, staff and supporters met with nearly 200 local women's organizations and listened to women analyze the most pressing political and social justice issues facing the Middle East and North Africa. Women in these regions are major contributors to their societies—working in the fields, at home and in a variety of professions; but women are also disproportionately affected by poverty, violence and lack of education. Our trip helped generate many new proposals from North African and Middle Eastern women's groups working for peace, justice and equality.
Working across cultures and nationalities is especially vital to improving our shared environment. It seems clear that Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Wangari Maathai, is not alone in her passion to combine women's rights with environmental justice! In this issue of Raising our Voices, you will meet our sisters in Jordan, China, Panama and Kenya, including two Goldman Environmental Prize winners. They have successfully addressed a range of environmental problems despite challenges of war, conflict and their lack of political power. Their leadership and determination is helping to develop equitable and sustainable strategies that protect people and their local environments.
Kavita N. Ramdas, President & CEO
A heartfelt farewell to Amelia Wu, Vice President of Programs & Evaluation, who left the staff after the birth of her third daughter. Amelia began in 1998 as the program officer for Asia. During her time with the Global Fund, she expanded our network of international advisors, developed a feminist budgeting model, and ensured that our grantmaking adhered to our values of respect and trust. She approached her work with unwavering dedication and commitment to women's rights internationally. We wish Amelia all the best in the coming years.