(New York) – The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) has launched a new global campaign calling on individuals and corporations to scale up investment in women building peace. Together with WPHF Global Advocate Kristen Bell and thirteen distinguished women entrepreneurs, influencers, philanthropists and youth activists from around the world, the WPHF Global Luminary Campaign spotlights the inspiring stories of women peacebuilders, humanitarians, and rights defenders – while calling on the private sector to support women who are forging a more peaceful and equal world for all.
“In today’s rapidly shifting partnership landscape, those of us committed to the promise of peace must remain steadfast in our shared vision to make peace a reality for all,” said Tonni Brodber, Head of the WPHF Secretariat. “Today we’re calling on everyone – from governments, philanthropists, corporations, and people just like you – to join us in solidarity with women who are risking so much to bring peace to their communities.”
Less than 1% of international aid ever makes it into the hands of women’s organizations working in crisis contexts, and that figure is only backsliding. As the UN’s only financing mechanism dedicated to supporting local women’s groups and women human rights defenders in conflict settings, WPHF provides flexible funding and capacity strengthening to women in over 46 crisis-affected countries working to transform their communities, respond to crisis, and build lasting peace.
Today, the world is seeing lifesaving foreign aid and critical funding for gender equality initiatives allocated for conflict and crisis settings at severe risk. While women and girls continue to bear the brunt of escalating crises worldwide, women and their local organizations are serving as the engines of peace and transformation in their communities. Across the globe, they are organizing to improve the impact of humanitarian aid, protect the fundamental rights of the most marginalized, and lift entire communities out of poverty. These women are demanding and deserve the world’s renewed attention, recognition, and support.
Time and time again it has been proven that women are at the heart of lasting peace.” said Brodber. “Support to WPHF means direct support to women on the frontlines who are building peace where it’s needed most. Now more than ever, we must step up and push forward the global movement for peace. The world needs us, and these Global Luminaries are answering the call. Will you?”
Find out more and join the WPHF Global Luminary movement at WPHFund.org/GlobalLuminaries.
