International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the crucial role that empowerment plays in the lives of women and girls. This year’s theme ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ is a call to action that challenges us to dismantle barriers and cultivate an environment where women and girls can thrive across all sectors.
In alignment with this vision, Give2Asia’s efforts to support projects focused on women’s empowerment and inclusion shine, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities and fostering a more equitable world. Today, we celebrate the strides made by grantees and partners towards inclusion and recommit to the journey ahead, recognizing that the empowerment of women and girls is a pathway to a more just and thriving world.
The Power of Education and Technology
Based in Hong Kong, the Women’s Foundation Limited (TWF) is pioneering efforts to level the playing field for female students to venture into the traditionally male-dominated realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Research indicates that underprivileged girls in Hong Kong face significant challenges in embracing technology-related subjects and careers.
In 2023, Give2Asia facilitated a donor-advised grant (DAF) with State Street Foundation to support TWF’s Girls Go Tech (GGT) program, enriching the lives of over 1,300 young women with essential coding and STEM skills. Launched in 2015, GGT is dedicated to inspiring underprivileged secondary school girls to broaden their future career horizons, focusing not only on enhancing participants’ technical skills in coding and digital literacy but also on dismantling the long-standing stereotypes that have historically deterred women from entering these fields. The program’s tailored online learning platform and real-world opportunities like interview training and work shadowing are designed to dismantle stereotypes and build confidence, ensuring every girl can explore STEM without intimidation.
As champions of gender equality in education and technology, TWF is improving individual experiences and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. By breaking down the barriers that have historically excluded women from STEM, the GGT program embodies the spirit of inclusion, showing that when given equal opportunities, girls can not only participate but excel in these fields, paving the way for a more equitable future.
Fostering Equality in Sports
In Taiwan, the Taiwan Sport Forward Association (Taiwan FSA) is making remarkable strides toward fostering gender equality in sports, recognizing the transformative power of athletic engagement in empowering disadvantaged youths and female athletes. Its efforts are aimed at raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive sports culture in Taiwan through programs and educational initiatives. As a Give2Asia Friends Fund partner, Taiwan FSA receives contributions from US donors, further enabling it to implement a series of impactful initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion in the world of sports.
Taiwan FSA’s flagship initiative is the effort to elevate girls’ baseball in Taiwan to major league status. By addressing the technical, equipment, and logistical needs of Taiwan’s women’s baseball, the program aspires to not only improve the quality and visibility of the sport but also to challenge and change societal perceptions regarding women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sports. Another program, “Force for Boob,” focuses on providing sports underwear to female athletes in countries like India and Romania, addressing a basic but often overlooked aspect of women’s sports participation and comfort. This initiative supports the physical needs of female athletes and serves as a gesture of Taiwan’s sports diplomacy.
Through its diverse and targeted activities, the Taiwan FSA epitomizes the spirit of inclusion. By providing equal opportunities, support, and visibility for female athletes and disadvantaged youths, the association is not just transforming the sports landscape in Taiwan but is also contributing to a global movement towards a more equitable and inclusive sporting world.
From Awareness to Action
Reflecting on the impact of The Women’s Foundation Limited (TWF) in Hong Kong and Taiwan Sport Forward Association (Taiwan FSA) in Taiwan, the journey toward gender equality and women’s empowerment is both challenging and rewarding. These initiatives, supported by Give2Asia, exemplify the transformative power of community and philanthropy in driving significant change in the lives of women and girls.
Give2Asia serves as a bridge that connects donors with local projects like these to make a tangible difference. By facilitating grants like those for TWF’s Girls Go Tech Program and Taiwan FSA’s efforts to promote gender equality in sports, Give2Asia is at the forefront of efforts to inspire inclusion and empower underprivileged communities.
International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of the strides made towards gender equality but also a call to action for each of us to contribute to this ongoing struggle. Draw inspiration from resources like InternationalWomensDay.com and UNWomen.org. Consider joining Give2Asia’s mission by supporting gender equality initiatives or establishing a donor-advised fund tailored to your passion for empowering women and girls.