FITE organization, make a microloan and help correct the world imbalance

From
http://joinfite.org/about-fite/


"FITE is a global empowerment platform powered by Kiva.org, the nonprofit leader in microfinance, that is designed to foster Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship for women in the developing world. Our mission is to provide women entrepreneurs access to small loans that will help them start or grow a business; and to help educate the public at large about the benefits of empowering women entrepreneurs so that they “can hold up their half of the sky.” In just the first 2 years, we aim to help at least 25,000 women in this capacity. Leading thinkers in social development, including the World Bank, hail investing in women as “smart economics,” an untapped resource that can help solve many of the problems we see in our world today. Indeed, lending to women produces a positive ripple effect of improved health, education, and welfare for all household members.

"And yet, investments in women are not being made. Women are traditionally more likely to be denied a loan by a bank, and often face high levels of financial discrimination. More than 70% of people who live below the poverty line are women.

"FITE aims to change that, and is recruiting partners who are invested in creating change for women and communities around the globe.

"Dermalogica, the world’s preeminent professional skin care brand, is the founding partner for FITE, and has invested all the research and development to make FITE possible. From supporting creation of the platform, to being the first partner to create a retail connection with its FITE products, to rallying its tribe of over 100,000 successful women entrepreneurs worldwide to join FITE, Dermalogica has helped make the vision of FITE a reality.

"We hope more brands will join us! FITE is an open platform, where any company, organization or individual who wants to activate change for women and communities can get involved, make a measureable impact, and be recognized for their work.

"FITE promotes gender equality, stimulates local economies and empowers women to become active, involved and powerful change makers.

"For more information on one of our inspirations to launch the FITE program, see Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn’s informative book, Half the Sky. You can also watch Sheryl WuDunn’s talk at the TED Conference. (TOP)