Tag Archives: International Women’s Day

From the Field: Building Strong Foundations

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This weekly post shines a light on a handful of stories from Heifer.org’s “From the Field”From the Field section.

To make lasting changes, Heifer International continues to base its mission, to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth, on the 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development and Passing on the Gift (POG). By emphasizing community involvement, sharing and caring, Heifer’s approach lays the foundation for sustainable sources of food and income worldwide.

IWD in Nepal - Vickie Clarke

Nepali women celebrate their success on International Women’s Day as they march through their villages. Photo courtesy of Heifer International

Holding signs that read, “Women are the key to community development,” Nepali women celebrated International Women’s Day by marching together through their villages. Through accountability and leadership development, numerous women have established a deep commitment to the Cornerstones. More than 20,000 original families have benefited from this dedication in just over one year.

Heifer Philippines held 12 Cornerstones Workshops in that country’s Caraga region preparing participants for involvement in the area’s first dairy project. The project will reach 400 original partner families and another 800 families through POG. After the workshops, participants agreed that the Cornerstones helped them realize the value of working together and how to nuture that gift. 

Hmayak Najaryan, 40, of Khachaghbyur, Armenia, was trying to support his wife and two sons on little more than $100 a month. In partnership with Ashtarak Kat CJSC, Heifer Armenia provided alfalfa seeds, a milk cooling tank and artificially inseminated the family’s cow. Now Hmayak’s sons, who want to become educated professionals, have a stronger foundation on which to grow and dream.

Learn how you can help provide families with a strong foundation.

Gift Upcycled Flowers for International Women’s Day

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Every week we feature a fun and/or educational activity you can try at home or in the classroom.This week we are also honoring the women with whom Heifer works, who take the gifts of livestock and education to produce extraordinary results for themselves, their families and their communities. With this activity, kids can make an upcycled flower bouquet to honor their family and friends for International Women’s Day on March 8.

Create Your Own Upcycled Flowers

Photo credit: scraphacker.com

Photo credit: intimateweddings.com

 

Materials:

  • One paper egg carton
  • 12 pipe cleaners
  • 24 gauge wire
  • Buttons
  • Crayons, markers or paint
  • Floral tape (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Paper clips
  • Glue (wood, white or hot glue)

First, cut out the egg carton cups using scissors. Cut the cups into your favorite flower shapes. Next, color or paint the cups then let dry. Modge Podge can be used to produce a glossy finish.

Once your flowers are dry, use a paper clip to poke two holes through the back of the flower. Use 24 guage wire and pipe cleaner to create the flower’s stem. Push the wire and pipe cleaner up through one hole on the back of the flower, then bend and push back down through the egg cup. Use floral tape to wrap the wire and pipe cleaner flower stem.

To finish decorating your upcycled flower, use your choice of glue to add buttons, beads or gems to the center of the flower. Add a variety of colors and shapes to make a beautiful bouquet!

To see the full tutorial for this activity visit intimateweddings.com

International Women’s Day: Be Part of the Solution

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Editor’s note: Empowering women is at the core of Heifer International’s model for sustainable development. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, this week we are sharing stories of the women with whom Heifer works, who take the gifts of livestock and education to produce extraordinary results for themselves, their families and their communities.

International Women's Day - empowering women

Dang Hong Thuy, 47, and her daughter Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi, 17, hold a gosling near their home in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Heifer International.

Gender equity is central to Heifer’s success in eliminating hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. A family can more easily lift itself out of poverty when men and women learn to share and respect their roles and responsibilities. That’s why Heifer directly confronts gender equity in its 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development.

While women own less than one percent of the land in developing countries, they are responsible for producing 80 percent of the food. Heifer empowers women worldwide by investing in their families’ health, education, and nutrition.

International Women's Day - education of girls

Lidia Ingabire, age 8, of Rwanda, shows her mother Arodia Uwimbabazi, 32, what she’s done at school. Photo courtesy of Heifer International

Women are also more likely to pass on the gift of their education and success to their families. Heifer encourages girls to study math and science, and also supports female entrepreneurs. Training and workshops such as animal health, holistic community development, and fiber spinning ensure participants learn skills to build a solid foundation and become self-sufficient. Through Heifer’s work, women also collaborate to establish better communities and afford decent education for their children.

Heifer believes every woman has something to contribute to their families and communities, especially if they have been excluded or undervalued within the culture. The opinions and full participation from women leaders is a vehicle of change, which also fosters helpful interaction between neighbors.

Success stories like the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights and Socio-Economic Empowerment project in Cambodia, will continue to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Around the world, Heifer is working to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. A charitable gift to Heifer not only provides livestock and training, it gives hope and dignity to women as they improve their lives.

Be part of the solution with Heifer on International Women’s Day