The charity One Woman at a Time was the focus for Soroptimists in South Lancashire Region at their recent meeting.
Founder Jean Anderson spoke movingly about the extreme challenges faced by girls in some communities. These include gender-based violence – forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and domestic abuse.
The charity’s mission is to empower women and girls who face these challenges by providing education, healthcare and – above all – support. This support enables them to break free and thrive. With the power to shape their own futures they can create lasting, positive change for themselves and their communities.
Jean told the Soroptimists that their focus is on Kenya and India. Working with local partners they offer grants and bursaries that give girls the chance to go to school, attend university, or take up vocational training. It’s about providing real choices and giving them the tools they need to build a better life.
For women who’ve experienced gender-based violence, One Woman at a Time offers more than just financial support. They fund access to psychological help, ensuring these women have a safe space to heal and rebuild their lives. The charity is built on a simple belief: listening to women is the first step to real change.
According to UNICEF’s current estimate, 650 million girls and women worldwide were married before their 18th birthday. Forced marriage is prevalent in many parts of the world, including Kenya and India.
The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 200 million women and girls are living with the consequences of FGM. Kenya and some regions in India have high rates of this violent – even deadly – practice.
UNESCO reports that 129 million girls are out of school each day – about 49 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya.