Giving women greater economic opportunity lifts families, communities, and countries out of poverty. Women Thrive Worldwide advocates for changes in U.S. policy that will have the greatest impact on reducing poverty through women. Because of this, our work has a ripple effect, often benefiting millions of women living in poverty at once.

Why U.S. Policy?
As a major world power, donor, and trading partner, U.S. international assistance and trade policies have a huge impact on women in poor countries - both directly and through the messages we send. A few words on a piece of paper can mean the difference between surviving and starving for some of the world's poorest women and families. While direct assistance programs for the poor are very important, positive policy change is crucial for long-term change.

If U.S. assistance and trade policies do not address the unique barriers women face, they will not reach the women who need them and will be only half as effective as they could be. By prioritizing women in programs the U.S. is already running - often by changing a few words in a piece of legislation - we can spread opportunity to millions of women and families living in poverty and help end poverty for good.