Case Studies
Preventing Violence in NicaraguaYears of civil war hit the Waslala municipality particularly hard. The area is one of the poorest in Nicaragua and political instability created conditions where domestic and sexual violence thrived. | Building Economic Security in MiamiIn Miami's "Little Haiti," home to 60,000-70,000 Haitians, the average annual household income is just over $14,000 and the poverty rate exceeds 45%. | Strengthening Human Security in MemphisOver 80 percent of the people living in poverty in Memphis are women and children. It takes a lot of courage in such circumstances for a person to make changes that improve not only her life but the security of generations to come. |
Boosting Leadership in Rhode IslandWorking with a grant from the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, Karen Feldman realized that the best way to empower young adults was to situate them in positions of authority. | Improving Health Security in CaliforniaAccess to health services is a basic human right. Yet, around the world, women and girls are fighting to maintain and gain access to health services. In California, Proposition 85 was another potential barrier to women and girls’ health. | Fostering Civic Participation in TaiwanIn September 1997, Taipei City Hall forced the closure of licensed sex workers' establishments in the city -- a move that empowered the workers to become active and productive citizens. |
Building Human Security in ZimbabweA general lack of public services leaves women with fewer places to turn, whether they need health care, economic assistance or legal guidance. | Increasing Security in JamaicaThe terror of living as a lesbian, all-sexual, or gay man in Jamaica is very real. In the past five years, more than 30 gay men have been murdered. | Boosting Livelihoods in MississippiAfter Hurricane Katrina, Jackson, Miss. saw an influx of individuals looking for shelter and work. Dress for Success® Metro Jackson’s was able to provide support to the newcomers, a large number of whom were low-income women. |
Ensuring Human Rights in Chiapas, MexicoEver since she was a little girl, Maribel Villalobos Ruiz has been aware of gender issues. When she was five she attended community trainings with her mother, as both had survived psychological violence. | Increasing Economic Security in MexicoSince the moment Marcelina Bautista migrated to Mexico City, she has been involved in the world of domestic work. She was a domestic worker for many years and is thoroughly familiar with all of the pros and cons of the profession. | Raising Human Security in the Southeast U.S.More than three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the United States’ Gulf Coast, women’s funds continue to play a crucial role in rebuilding local communities. |
The Beauty Industry Gets a Makeover in CaliforniaOver the last 20 years, nail salon services have tripled, and cosmetology is now the fastest growing profession in California. Yet, many of the products used in salons are toxic – solvents and glues known or suspected to cause illness. |
