Countdown to Convoy's International Women’s Day celebration

Welcome back! This week Convoy of Hope is hosting its 2025 International Women’s Day celebration! Women from all walks of life will gather at Convoy’s Global Headquarters for a time to learn, grow together, and advocate for women and girls around the world.?

We’re also bringing you powerful stories from the women and girls we have the honor of partnering with to break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for their futures. When you invest in these women and girls, you are directly impacting their homes, their communities, and the generations to come.?

Let’s jump right in.

Empowered women, empower women

Hundreds of women are set to arrive at Convoy’s Global Headquarters today for an electric and inspiring program honoring women around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in interactive experiences, hear from key speakers, and further the conversation around empowering women globally.?

This year’s attendees will hear from Kathy Ireland — business icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist — and enjoy a captivating performance from Hilary Scott, the Grammy Award winning lead singer of Lady A.?

On this special day and every day, we celebrate our partners. Convoy of Hope is proud to partner with several incredible organizations that are working to empower women and fight inequalities. One such partner, Days for Girls International , helps provide and deliver hygiene kits to natural disaster survivors. Convoy also has a long-standing partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. to provide free breast cancer screenings at dozens of Convoy’s Community Events every year.?

Follow along on Convoy:Women’s Instagram page for more highlights from Convoy’s International Women’s Day celebration!?

Where there's a will, there's a way

As a mother and a provider for her family, Aster was determined to keep fighting for her children. She washed clothing, fetched water, and baking injera — all to help make ends meet. But again and again, she lacked the financial stability to provide for her entire family.?

That’s when a door opened to new possibilities.?

When Convoy of Hope’s Women’s Empowerment program started a group in her community, she took a leap of faith to walk through the program.?

“We were trained with business startup training, life skills training, and … how to plan our work and how to conduct a market assessment before trying to sell our products. I see the advantage of planning and following the plan,” said Aster.??

After assessing the local community, she decided to start a business selling spices. As the business became more stable, both Aster and one of her children fell ill — threatening the future of her store. In the face of uncertainty, Aster decided she would not go down without a fight.?

“With a fighting spirit and a strong commitment to my dreams, I refused to give up my own business easily.”?

You can read more of Aster’s story and become an advocate for these women at convoyofhope.org/women.?

Raising her voice for change

In 2023, the UNICEF Middle East and North Africa office conducted a survey among more than 1,500 young girls and women in 17 countries regarding menstrual health and hygiene. The report shows that 30% of girls are missing some or all of school during their menstrual cycle. In some of these contexts, it’s considered shameful for young girls to experience their period, and they may not be able to afford hygienic menstrual products.?

In Nepal, Sita is a ninth-grade girl who attends school, plays sports, and enjoys singing. Her father is a blacksmith, but often struggles financially to fully provide for the entire family.?

Sita’s parents were not able to afford to feed her lunch or provide her with proper menstrual products during her cycle. Without the needed supplies, Sita would either stay home from school or would use a cloth as a makeshift pad.?

When Sita enrolled in Convoy’s Children’s Feeding and Girls’ Empowerment programs, her day-to-day life began to look a little different.?

“After joining the Convoy program all my problems are solved. I don’t have to be on an empty stomach in school, nor [do] I have to miss my school because of my monthly period.”?

Not only is she receiving nutritious meals to help her succeed in her studies, she is also learning her inherent worth and value.?

“From the Girls’ Empowerment program now, I’ve been strong to raise my voice against violence and discrimination against girls and women in my village.”

Through the group sessions, Sita is able to interact with other young girls in similar situations and begin to use her voice to make a difference in her community. In fact, Sita is one of thousands of girls who have been empowered, with more girls waiting for that same opportunity.?

By supporting Convoy of Hope’s Girls’ Empowerment program, you are helping girls like Sita gain access to education, safe menstrual products, and the confidence to be a leader in her own community.?

Learn more at convoyofhope.org/initiatives/womens-empowerment.

?That’s a wrap on this week’s Hope Makes It Happen! As you go, would you share this newsletter with your friends and co-workers? It gives more people the chance to get involved and make a difference. Thank you!