International Women's Day 2024

Today, we recognize International Women’s Day and the importance of empowered women in our families, communities, and countries. This year's IWD theme is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” ,and with a goal of gender equality by 2030 everyone must work together, through financial and institutional support, to reach this critical goal. We are proud to showcase one of the ways we invest in women to accelerate progress: nursing scholarships!

Scholarship recipients, selected by a committee of professional nurses, pursue their nursing degrees and impact their communities through skilled and compassionate care. Nursing scholars have represented ten countries, including the United States, Haiti, Malawi, Nepal, and Zambia. Some have no connection to our volunteer community health worker programs but are dedicated to supporting community health, like Chileshe Chunda, who shared: “Ever since I joined the health department, I have understood the importance of life. I would like to be given the opportunity to continue changing and saving lives.” Others have deep connections to our volunteer health worker colleagues and plan to take their expertise into the field, helping those in their community who lack access to care. Carol Chisenga, a third-year student, shared, “Being trained to be a lifesaver has really changed my life…I have so much passion for the community and, most importantly, the health of the vulnerable people whose health is not fully considered.”

We have seen firsthand how investing in and educating women can change communities. Elevating women in professional spaces and addressing education gaps has improved information access for others around them, as the nurses have shared their time and knowledge with patients, health workers, and home health clients. We are proud to support their professional aspirations and honored to partner with generous supporters who are passionate about investing in women!