Why You Should Support Women's Funds in Asia

Published December 22, 2006 @ 04:41AM PT

I support FWAsia because I believe in Social Change.

"Why is Social Change important and how does it happen? …….. Social Change Kicks the Status Quo!
o    Social change can be a shift, alteration or reversal in the status quo, that brings about institutional or systematic change.  Common understandings about what is right and true can change.
o    Social change is embodied in new laws, procedures, and policies that alter the nature of institutions and, in time -  the hearts and minds of people. 
o    Social change affects how we treat each other (African Americans no longer have to give up their seats on buses to whites), what is considered “normal” (Girls can play competitive sports in school); and established ways of doing things (“Experts” are no longer trusted to make environmental decisions without community input).

What are the goals of social change organizing (or giving for social change)?
o    Aim at root causes, not symptoms
o    Build collective responses, not individual solutions to problems
o    Change attitudes, behavior, laws, policies and institutions to better reflect values of inclusion, fairness and diversity.
o    Insist on accountability and responsiveness in such institutions as government, large corporations and universities
o    Expand democracy by involving those closest to social problems in determining their solution.


         VISION + BELIEF + $ = Action for Social Change
Giving money to social change is fundamentally an act of vision.  It is a demonstration of belief in the possibility of a more just and equitable world.  Developing a commitment to social change requires a positive vision of the future and a belief that change is possible."

                                     Excerpts from Robin Hood was Right – A Guide to Giving your Money for Social Change  by Colins and Garner
 
Why  Women and Why Asia?

"You know the old saying: Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. But if you teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime. In the world of women's funds, the saying goes like this:

If you give a woman a fish, she will feed her family first and might possibly go hungry.

If you teach a woman to fish, she will feed her family until outside forces take away her fishing rights or pollute the lake.

If you help a woman buy the lake, she will feed her family, keep the lake environmentally clean and have something to pass on to future generations. We support women and girls who are ready to buy the lake. Join us! "  (From the Women's Funding Network)

FWAsia chose to work in Asia because we have lived there and we love it.  Even if you have no connection with Asia, you should consider supporting us. Asia will be the global leader in our futures and it is important that Asian women have a role in its development. A role for women is certain to lead to better, more peaceful, more democratic countries in the future, and that will benefit us all.

PS I might be biased, I founded this organization!