It is my honour to take over the role of President of TIAW from Diane Tompson, who has, with our Board, dedicated herself over many years to ensuring that the work of empowering women continues and grows.
This year we have renewed our relationships with FINCA (www.finca.org) and made 3 contributions to their Emergency Fund. This fund is focussed on addressing the disproportionate financial impact of COVID -19 on women around the world. We have also donated twice to our new partner, Cufa (www.cufa.org.au), who are committed to ending poverty across the Asia-Pacific region. Our donations will support female village entrepreneurs and the delivery of financial education to women in Cambodia and Myanmar.
Women around the globe are fierce, determined, and dedicated; they lead their communities, and when financially empowered, they create good in the world. If, at this time of year, you are looking to assist women less fortunate than you, please go to https://www.tiaw.org/donate as we seek to raise $10,000 before the end of 2020. 100% of funds donated to TIAW go to our development partners whose proven programs have tangible outcomes that benefit women around the world. You can also help by making us your charity of choice on the AmazonSmile Program where you benefit others every time you shop on Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/04-2696929
While financial empowerment is the focus of our work, the work of our Awardees also empowers women in many other ways.
In particular, the Board and I would like to congratulate Natasha Stott Despoja AO, our Lifetime Awardee for 2019, on her appointment to the United Nations Committee for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW is often described as an ‘international bill of rights’ for women, enshrining the key principles for national action to end discrimination against women. We are delighted to celebrate Natasha as she is recognised once again for her lifetime commitment to empowering women to make a better world.
Donna Meredith
President
TIAW
Empowering Women; Changing the World
