Empowering Women of the World
Posted by Sheila Kelly, MS, RD on December 20, 2009
Anyone who knows me knows Skelly Publishing is all about empowerment. Since we are a profession of (mostly) women, my objective has always been, specifically, female empowerment (sorry all you male RDs and CDEs). I am passionate about helping women develop practical, marketable skills that help them achieve career and life satisfaction, and obtain self-sufficiency. Most importantly, I want them to have the confidence to sell themselves to their employers, potential clients, etc. and never accept less than what they deserve.
I love finding organizations whose goals are aligned with mine. One of these is Women for Women International. Their mission is to help women survivors of war rebuild their lives. This is actually a very modest description of what they do, though. In helping women in war-torn societies, they in effect are changing the very societies in which they live. Their ‘Theory of Change’ maintains that when women are well, sustain an income, are decision-makers, and have strong social networks and safety-nets, they are in a much stronger position to advocate for their rights. All of this, obviously, equals real empowerment.
I’ve been involved with this organization since 2004. I saw its founder, Zainab Salbi, on a talk show and was utterly captivated by her and her story. (Her book ‘Between Two Worlds’ remains one of the best I’ve ever read.) Upon learning that her organization was in Afghanistan, the Sudan, and Congo (among many others)–places where many charities who have been around for far longer, and do similar work, don’t dare to go–I thought ‘this girl is a serious badass.’ My second thought was ‘I have to meet her!’ Friends of ours were getting married and had requested a donation to charity in lieu of gifts, and on the spot, I went to her website and sponsored a woman as a wedding gift to my friends.
That was just the beginning of an amazing experience with W4W. In addition to sponsorship and other volunteering, I was a organizer and founder of the NYC Run for Congo Women, which raised almost $20,000 in our first run in 2007. Since then, Skelly Publishing has relocated to the LA-area, but we continue to sponsor the NYC run each year. Actually, I should say, YOU sponsor the run each year, as a portion of the proceeds from Skelly Publishing continuing education programs goes to support Women for Women and the Run for Congo Women.
Here’s why I love Women for Women:
–As a dietitian: Part of the education and training programs Women for Women provide give women participants education on health and nutrition, and how to grow and use local foods to feed their families better. It’s sustainability at its best.
–As an entrepreneur: W4W is committed to helping its women participants learn business and marketing skills, and how to be a leader in the community. By training women in skills that can be applied successfully in the local economy, and giving them seed money and support to start their own businesses, they ensure that these women are able to provide for their families (often, husbands and fathers have been killed in war, leaving the women with no means of support), as well as employ other women in their communities.
–As a data lover: yes, you know how I love it. Well, W4W does their research. They have legions of data showing that what they do works. Here are a few choice statistics: after graduating from the Women for Women International Program, globally, graduates report higher rights awareness (87%); self-confidence and decision-making abilities (52%); and community involvement (52%). In addition, 87% of participants in Rwanda reported health improvement, and there is a 99% repayment rate for the W4W microcredit program, which operates in Bosnia/Herzegovina.
So, if you’re looking for a charity to support this holiday season, please consider Women for Women. Also, if you choose to purchase a Skelly Publishing product, just know we’re doing some giving for you, too! 
Happy Holidays everyone!
