Important women play a pivotal role in philanthropy throughout the world. It is significant that successful individuals give back to those who are less fortunate. Famous women can speak to a large audience and show them the importance of philanthropy at all levels. Here are some inspirational stories of strong women who are making a difference in the world today:
Jennifer Atiku
Jennifer Atiku is one of the key leaders of the Gede Group. They are dedicated to eradicating HIV and AIDS in Africa. They go beyond just medical research because they provide total treatment and support to those in need. Since AIDS patients can be so heavily stigmatized in Africa, Gede offers counselling services so that patients do not lose hope, and have the best chance of recovery. As the wife of the former vice-president of Nigeria, Jennifer has made good use of her public presence by using it to help others. Gede provides clinical medical services that treat and help stop the spread of AIDS in Africa. They have also found that better education is an effective tool in preventing the disease and getting those affected to seek treatment immediately, rather than waiting in shame and fear.
Oprah
For many years, the Oprah Foundation has given to many different causes to empower women and young girls all over the world. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa helps provide an education and support to completely new generations of female entrepreneurs and leaders. With a large audience and following, Oprah also founded Oprah’s Angel Network that helps encourage people to give back to their community by organizing projects that can improve underprivileged neighbourhoods and combat poverty.
Melinda Gates
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation give grants and other support to combat the ravages of poverty and disease throughout the world. Melinda spends a lot of her time working with the foundation. One of their larger projects is to eradicate polio in disadvantaged areas and promote long-term economic development so that people can have improved lives and rise from poverty. Grants awarded include those to help find better cures for pneumonia, funding family planning initiatives, and financing emergency relief providers. The foundation encourages many organizations to find solutions to some of the world’s trying problems by offering substantial grants to help with research, infrastructure and more.
Creating change in your community
Big changes and improvements can start small. The women described above truly show what difference philanthropy can make. Their stories can be used for inspiration to start giving back in some way. For example, if you have a business maybe you could have a volunteer day or fundraiser for a local charity. Even hosting a raffle can raise a considerable amount of funds. Small changes add up to big ones. There is no better time than now to start thinking about how you can improve the quality of life of the people and environment that surrounds you every day.
Contributed by Amy
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