On This International Women's Day, Let's Recognize the Value of Investing in Women and Girls....For more than 100 years, people around the globe have been acknowledging this day -- March 8

Posted: 03/07/2015 11:30 pm EST

Rarely does a day go by when we're not reminded of the grave economic and political challenges facing our world. In the midst of these challenges, many community and world leaders are now recognizing what we at the Mona Foundation have known for over 15 years: Strategically investing in women and girls transforms communities and can heal the world.

Fighting for women and girl's rights

Today is a day to honor the women and girls who have been at the forefront of social change. For more than 100 years, people around the globe have been acknowledging this day -- March 8 -- as International Women's Day. We join with others to celebrate and recognize the contributions of women, from Aung San Suu Kyi to Susan B. Anthony to the women in trade unions who, a century ago, led the way to better working conditions for all Americans.

And while we recognize the advancements toward women's rights and gender equality, we also acknowledge that progress has been slow, and that women and girls still face excruciating poverty, sexual violence and lack of access to education.

The Mona Foundation invests in girls' education and in strengthening gender equality to alleviate poverty and empower communities. Our approach is confirmed by the United Nations, which reports that "investment in girls' education may be the highest return investment in the developing world." more