SOS Children's Villages Celebrates International Women's Day 2019
"To educate a woman, is to educate a whole nation."
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness of the need to create a more fair and balanced world.
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to empowering girls around the world, ensuring they have the opportunities, support and confidence to achieve their dreams. Crucial for this is giving girls role models – successful, inspiring and ambitious women who make a difference in the lives of children, families and the communities around them.
From the very inception of SOS Children’s Villages, women have been crucial in launching the organization and turning SOS Children’s Villages from an innovative idea into a pioneering model. Today, women are leaders as village directors, as SOS mothers, as national directors, and at an international level.
Meet some of the inspiring women at SOS Children’s Villages who are empowering the next generation of young people to realize their full potential:
Gitta Trauernicht, V.P., SOS Children's Villages International
“We have a responsibility to ensure that no child is held back due to gender. We have a duty to empower the girls in SOS programs – to show them they can do and be anything they want.”
Olive Lumonya, National Director, SOS Children's Villages Uganda
“I strongly believe that steps have been taken all over the world on issues of accelerating gender parity. At SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, women have a significant impact, with hundreds of SOS mothers raising boys and girls who go on to positively impact the world.”
Malani, SOS mother, Sri Lanka
“I’m really happy, and I like to face all of the challenges and find solutions. I cannot express in words what it means to be an SOS mother.”
Jumana Abu-Hannoud, Managing Director, Gulf Area Office
“Gender equality is necessary for social and economic sustainability. Empowered women and mothers are strong role models for children.”
Kistie Singh, Village Director, SOS Children's Villages Canada
“It’s crucial that we demonstrate to children that men and women are able to achieve and succeed in life regardless of their gender. I can show the children and young people that as a woman, I’m able to lead and that they can too.”
Ana, SOS Children's Villages Guatemala
“I see myself practicing as a lawyer and with a family. I want to be happy, and I want the people around me to be happy. That’s my ultimate goal.”
Una, SOS Children's Villages, Bosnia and Herzegovina
"I have learned not to be a quiet person. I always say what I mean and what I want. Now I’m strong. I’m unstoppable."
Take a moment to join with SOS Children's Villages Canada and celebrate the women who make a world of difference in our own lives, and the lives of countless others across the globe.
Canadians wishing to help young people realize their full potential are encouraged to sponsor a child, sponsor a Village or make a one-time donation. Your support will help transform the lives of the most vulnerable.