About the Situation
By the Numbers
Of illiterate adults worldwide, 2 out of 3 are women.
32 million girls are out of school around the world.
Women in developing countries are 15 times more likely to die giving birth than women in developed countries.
(Sources: United Nations and the U.S. government)
Women often suffer especially harsh conditions in impoverished communities. According to the World Health Organization, 800 women die every day from complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth, 99% of them in developing countries. Women have lower literacy rates than men in many countries, and often, when a child must leave school to perform work such as carrying water, girls are chosen to make this sacrifice. Improving the condition of women benefits not only women themselves but also their societies.
“[Women's literacy] improves livelihoods, leads to better child and maternal health, and favors girls’ access to education. In short, newly literate women have a positive ripple effect on all development indicators,” reports Irina Bokova, director-general of UNESCO, in the 2010 development report.
How Islamic Relief USA is Helping
Islamic Relief dedicates an increasing number of resources to improving education and health for women and girls. Recent programs have included education and income generation. In the United States, Islamic Relief supports several programs—including a women’s shelter—that empower survivors of domestic abuse.
Here’s a breakdown of some women’s programs Islamic Relief has supported:
LOOMS FOR WOMEN
CHILD FRIENDLY VILLAGE
NIGER EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE PROJECT
SMALL ENTERPRISE FOR RURAL WOMEN
COMMUNITY GRANT: WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC AND HOME CENTER
How You Can Help
Here are three ways you can help us empower women around the world.