Women’s rights are an essential part of a just and equal society. Although significant progress has been made over the past decades, women worldwide still face inequality in various areas, from education and employment to political and social rights.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a crucial step towards sustainable development. Lendahand is committed to combating this inequality by supporting female entrepreneurs.
Why is gender equality important?
Gender equality is vital for the advancement of society. It ensures that women have equal opportunities in areas like work, education, and health, which positively impacts their families, communities, and the economy as a whole. When women can fully participate in society, poverty is reduced, and economic growth is boosted. Supporting female entrepreneurs directly contributes to a more inclusive economy, which is a core mission of Lendahand.
How big is the problem of gender inequality?
Gender inequality remains a significant global issue. According to World Bank data, women worldwide earn on average 20% less than men for the same work. In many developing countries, women lack access to the same resources and opportunities as men, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The International Labour Organization (ILO) teaches us that women are still underrepresented in formal employment and entrepreneurial activities in many countries, despite their enormous potential as leaders and innovators.
Research from Harvard shows that women in emerging economies invest 90 cents of every extra dollar they earn into their families and immediate surroundings. This translates into better education and healthcare, benefiting entire communities.
What can you do to improve women’s rights?
As an individual, there are several ways you can contribute to improving women’s rights and gender equality. First, you can make conscious consumer choices by supporting companies that are committed to gender equality. Additionally, you can participate in campaigns and initiatives focused on women's rights, such as raising awareness about gender equality.
When it comes to your investments, you can apply a gender lens. Gender-lens investing means considering the impact of your investment on women. By investing in female entrepreneurs, you provide them with the necessary resources and confidence to grow their businesses, ultimately benefiting entire communities.
How does Lendahand promote gender equality?
At Lendahand, we believe in the power of economic participation to empower women. By investing in female entrepreneurs in developing countries, we help them not only build their businesses but also create jobs within their communities.
Lendahand facilitates loans for female entrepreneurs, providing them with the financial resources they need to grow their businesses. We also support initiatives that focus on promoting gender equality, such as projects that offer education and vocational training for women.
There are various microfinance institutions that focus on supporting female entrepreneurs, in which you can invest through Lendahand. With the crowdfunding they raise, they support entrepreneurs like these four Kenyan women who, thanks to microfinance, can invest in their businesses.
Lendahand takes improving equal opportunities very seriously. This commitment was recognized by USAID, which granted our crowdfunding platform a $1.2 million subsidy. With USAID’s support, Lendahand has been working on opportunities and solutions to support more female entrepreneurs through our crowdfunding platform. You can read about the results of our joint efforts in our impact report.
Improve women’s rights with your investments at Lendahand
At Lendahand, we believe that economic independence is a powerful tool for women to improve their position in society. By investing in gender equality and female entrepreneurs, we contribute not only to their personal development but also to the economic growth of entire communities.
Start making an impact today by investing with Lendahand and be part of a movement that strengthens women's rights worldwide. Together, we can make a lasting impact.