COVID has global impact on women

Editor:

Canadians have witnessed how devastating COVID-19 is for Canadian families. Our experience pales in comparison to the poorest countries in the world. Worldwide, people in extreme poverty now live on less than $1 per day and women are often disproportionately affected. Lacking skills and resources, poor women are trapped in a cycle of poverty and struggle to feed their families.

Micro-entrepreneurship offers hope. PEI (Partnership for Economic Inclusion), a relatively new government program, and Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) are promising endeavors.

The Graduation Approach to micro-entrepreneurship seeks to assist in women’s development of knowledge and skills through a tangible asset transfer such as a goat, chickens and textiles. The training, coaching and support provided with this asset equip women with the self esteem and skills needed to establish sustainable economic provision for their families. Personally, I have witnessed this impact of microfinancing endeavors on my visit with “World Serve” to Cuba in 2016.

We can all make a difference! How you ask? Urge our government to embellish programs as PEI and allocate more resources to the type of microfinancing programs such as the Graduation Approach that have demonstrated success. Together with government support, we can build a world where women realize their potential and seek sustainable livelihoods intent on reduction of poverty. The ultimate reward for these women is to capably feed their families. How rewarding for us in Canada to experience a contribution toward making a difference in global impact!

Nina Hrycak PhD, MEd, BscN

Calgary