$1 million in loans in 1 week, to women entrepreneurs

There’s been so much talk lately about standing with women -- as strong voices in Hollywood, as leaders in business and as the backbone of communities.

But there’s a way you can take action, to send a message and empower women and girls around the world who just want the opportunity to build better lives for themselves.

In every corner of the globe, women entrepreneurs are breadwinners, changemakers, and transformational leaders. As their businesses and incomes grow, children’s health and education improve, jobs are created, poverty and hunger is reduced for everyone, and countries become stronger. Yet, the economic potential of women entrepreneurs globally remains largely untapped. The lack of access to finance is a persistent barrier that limits women’s ability to start or expand their businesses and fully participate in economic, social, and political life. This holds back women, their families, communities, and entire economies.

So join us in crowdfunding $1 million in loans, in 1 week, to women entrepreneurs by International Women’s Day on March 8.

That’s $1 million in funds that will help women build their businesses, expand their farms or get an education, gaining respect and self confidence along the way.

Just choose a woman to support at kiva.org/her and lend as little as $25. Remember, your $25 is a loan, not a donation like at most nonprofits.

As you are repaid, you can put that money back in your pocket or relend to another person. But we think once you’ve experienced what it’s like to change someone’s life, you’ll want to relend that $25 to support another woman and keep the cycle going!

Why is it so important to invest in women in this way?

• Women reinvest 80% of their income in the wellbeing and education of their families.
• With the same amount of land, women can increase crop yields by 20%, reducing world hunger for 150 million people.
• Women business owners set an example for the next generation of students and leaders. They blaze the trails of opportunity for generations to come.
• There is a significant gender gap in financial inclusion around the world. This applies to account ownership, savings and credit.

We know that when women have the opportunity to build a better lives for themselves and their families, they make it count.

So let’s make International Women’s Day count for them at kiva.org/her