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Dear John:
Today is International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women while also acknowledging the need for greater gender equality worldwide. We’ve set a goal of raising $5,000 today to support more women and girls through legal change and advocacy, which has the potential to save lives.
One of the greatest roadblocks to gender equality are laws that prevent women and other marginalized genders from participating fully in the economy. Only 14 out of 190 economies achieved legal equality in 2023. We must do more to reform discriminatory laws that put women and girls at risk and deny them the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
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86 countries have laws that prevent women from working specific jobs due to factors like the time of day they’re performed. For example, in Madagascar, women are forbidden to work at night, except in family establishments. Such laws put women at an economic disadvantage, often trapping them in a cycle of poverty and forcing them to be financially dependent on male relatives or exploitative jobs.
Research shows that discriminatory laws are harmful to everyone, not just women. Gender equality is a critical step toward ending extreme poverty. If all women were to achieve full parity, the annual global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would increase by $28 trillion USD, or 26%, leading to more stable and prosperous nations and a better future for all.
This International Women’s Day, please show your support for women and girls everywhere with a contribution toward our $5,000 goal. An investment in women is an investment in us all. It’s in everyone’s best interest to help women succeed.
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Thanks in part to our advocacy and the hard work of our partners, women are no longer prohibited from working at night in Bolivia and France. And in the Bahamas, women now have equal inheritance rights to men. This is just a glimpse of what we’ve been able to accomplish in recent years, but our work is not done. Hundreds of laws still exist that limit women’s ability to participate fully in the economy, live freely and reach their full potential.
With your support this year, we will continue to track, review, and shine a light on sexist legislation. We have an unparalleled track record of reforming discriminatory laws worldwide, but our success depends on the generosity of people like you. Can we count on your support this International Women’s Day?
Thank you for your continued commitment and generosity. We couldn’t do this work without your support.
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In solidarity,
S. Mona Sinha
Global Executive Director
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P.S. Did you know that organizations serving women and girls only receive 1.8% of charitable giving in the U.S.? This area of work is severely underfunded, which is why we need your help! Every gift is appreciated, regardless of amount. Thank you!
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