Empowering Women and Girls
Meridian partners with governments, civil society organizations, and NGOs worldwide to champion the empowerment of women and girls. Through our programs, women and girls enjoy increased access to world-class education, greater opportunities for entrepreneurship, and networks which support the fulfillment of their highest potential. These programs include:
- The African Women's Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP): A part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, that seeks to assist talented African women entrepreneurs to promote the growth of their businesses and create long-lasting partnerships and networks, both regionally and in the U.S.
- Women In Science (WiSci): Meridian joined the U.S. Department of State, Microsoft 4Afrika, Intel, AOL Charitable Foundation, the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up campaign, and the Rwanda Girls Initiative to open the first-ever Women in Science (WiSci) Girls STEAM Camp at the Gashora Girls Academy in Rwanda. The Camp provided high school girls from across Africa and the United States the unique opportunity to learn valuable skills in science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math (STEAM) fields, while enjoying a rich cross-cultural experience.
- International Women of Courage (IWOC): Each year, Meridian hosts the U.S. Secretary of State's International Women of Courage awardees - often at great personal risk. This prestigious Award recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women rights and empowerment.
- Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative: In support of the White House’s Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) created a new International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) entitled “W-GDP: Overcoming Barriers to Women’s Economic Participation.” Meridian International Center is honored to partner with DoS and USAID on this inaugural W-GDP exchange. The project focuses on Pillar III of the W-GDP initiative, exploring best practices for reducing restrictive legal, regulatory and cultural barriers to women’s full and free participation in the economy.
IVLP Impact Awardees - Empowering Women and Girls
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Empowering Women and Girls In the News
- Three Africans receive International Women of Courage Award
- Global Ties Network Hosts 2021 International Women of Courage
- IWOC Recipients and Massachusetts Nurses Association Talk Challenges and Organizing Amidst COVID-19
- We Are Vulnerable But We Have To Find the Courage
- Twitter Post: First Virtual W-GDP Reunion
- International Women of Courage 2021 Opening Ceremony