Being on the ground in more than 50 nations worldwide, WFWPI staff and volunteers face the daily challenges of sustaining grassroots efforts to empower women and change lives. The micro implementation challenges WFWPI faces parallel the macro challenges of each nation committed to sustainable development...

It was and is more difficult for women to find jobs than men. In light of this circumstance, WFWP volunteers wanted to empower women in Senegal through technology and open the way to economic independence for women. To this end, WFWP established the Social Self-Support Assistance Center "JAMOO" in Dakar, in 1995. "JAMOO" means "Bringing Peace" in the local Wolof language.

In 1994, the first WFWP volunteer in Niger realized the country’s mortality rates for infants, children under five and pregnant women were the worst in the world. According to a 2006 UNICEF report, out of 1,000 children below age five, 253 die, ranking Niger fourth worst in the world. WFWP volunteers in Niger recognized that the health and medical fields were in dire need of support and development. We discovered through research conducted by a WFWP representative in 1999 with village women that most mothers lose 2 to 3 children by disease or accident before they reach maturity. WFWP volunteers began focusing on improving healthcare.

Small amounts of money in the hands of motivated women and their families make a lasting difference in lives by empowering women to start small, successful businesses. Financing for these endeavors came largely from project initiators’ own friends, family and community in the developed world. In addition, a young woman participant of a WFWP USA volunteer trip to Africa presented her experience in this inaugural service learning trip.

July 2-5, 2007 - Palais des Nation, UN HQ, Geneva.The Innovation Fair provided the opportunity for NGOs to showcase best practices and lessons learned through projects focused on fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

May 21 - 24, 2007 - Larnaka, Cyprus. Nearly 70 participants came from 14 Middle Eastern countries and Europe, as well as WFWP Japan. The diverse expertise and experience of participants who ranged from politicians, ministers, representatives of international organizations, educators, activists, and NGO leaders brought breadth and balance to the discussions.

Transforming Value Systems to Eliminate Violence and Discrimination Against and Enhance the Status of the Girl Child February 27, 2007 - UN HQ, New York

Education, A Key Element of Human Security and Sustainable Development September 6, 2006 1:15-2:45PM - Conference Room A, UN HQ, New York

Creating and Enabling Environment for Women’s Participation Co-sponsored by WFWPI and WFWP Taiwan - February 27, 2006 - UN HQ, New York

Intensifying HIV Prevention November 30, 2005 - UN HQ, New York