On May 6, join us from the comfort of your home for an Evening of HOPE

This year's Evening of HOPE is virtual, but the change you will create for families in Sri Lanka is very real.

On May 6 be among HOPE friends joining us from the comfort of their homes to see what's possible through the lived experiences of Chamila, Nadeeka and Anula as they share stories of transformation from Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

Though this year's event may look different, it will have everything you know and love - the premiere of our new film, "HOPE in Sri Lanka", an online auction with over 100 items sourced from around the world and locally. There are even VIP packages available, filled with gourmet treats for your household to enjoy.

Get your tickets now at hope-international.com/eveningofhope

On World Water Day we celebrate with families and communities in Africa, Asia and The Americas who are enjoying the life-transforming power of clean water today.

Access to clean water along with improved hygiene, safe sanitation and locally available health clinics and medicines gives people the ability to chart their course out of poverty.

In one year alone, as many as 374,000 participants take steps out of poverty through water, health and hygiene initiatives funded by generous HOPE supporters.

On World Water Day we also take time to think of how we can help families and communities who have not yet gained access to clean water: 1 in 10 people in the world lack access to clean water. Clean water is especially important during these times. In some places in Africa, 75% of people lack access to basic hand washing facilities. In places where clean water is not yet available, women and girls spend up to four hours a day, every day, collecting water. When clean water is available, women and girls get their lives back.

Clean water is the beginning of big change for families experiencing poverty.

Make a difference on World Water Day

Celebrate International Women's Day by putting tools in the hands of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day, March 8, by launching In Her Hands, a fundraising campaign to raise $40,000 this month so 50 women can change their lives through a unique small business program made by women, for women.

For women participating in the small business program it is about more than earning an income; it is about the intentional integration of women into the economy through the encouragement of female entrepreneurship and leadership.

Sonia Bibi, a women entrepreneur in Pakistan, tells her story.
I became a widow when my husband died 15 years ago, I was only 40. I have four daughters and one son, all of whom were studying at that time and suddenly I had no income. So I began to work as a daily labourer, moulding bricks at a brickyard. But I was always worried about my safety there as I faced a lot of harassment as a single woman.

Someone from my village recommended I visit the office of Taangh Wasaib Organization (TWO), a HOPE and tell them about my story. I entered the program and started a business buying and selling goats.

How did the program help you?
In my toolkit I received a small grant to buy my first goats. Currently, I am doing animal trade on a small scale. I purchase goats from different villages at a lower price and sell them at the animal market. I also attend different training workshops organized by TWO which have built my skills and confidence to handle the needs of my business. My communication and bargaining skills are improving day by day. Now, I earn more than enough for all of my family expenses and have been able to expand my business activity. With the success of my business my family is eating good food, can access healthcare, my children are getting a good education, and we are not worried about the daily expenses anymore.

What are your hopes for the future?
I have a plan to establish my own animal farm in the future where the breeding also takes place - currently, I am reinvesting a portion of my profits to buy more goats.  I am also saving for my daughters’ weddings.  I hope for more prosperity at my home in the future.

What are you most proud of?
In a patriarchal society, I am the head of my family and am fulfilling all of family’s needs. I feel stronger and safer with the help of my business. I am becoming a successful businesswoman.

Join In Her Hands and help women in Pakistan change their lives.

Change Is In Her Hands

Empower 50 female entrepreneurs to change their lives in Sargodha, Pakistan through a unique small business program offered by women for women.

There is no shortage of capable women in Sargodha, only a shortage of opportunity for them to earn an income and participate equitably in the workforce.

Sobia is a talented seamstress, but the only jobs available pay too little to support her family. With her skills, Sobia knew she could start a thriving business.

In 2019, Sobia received business training and a custom toolkit complete with a sewing machine to get her started. Today, Sobia earns more than enough income to support her family of five and pay for her mother’s heart medication and her sibling’s school fees. Sobia dreams of starting a sewing centre to teach young women and help them start businesses – so they too, can support their families and chart their futures.

The unique small business program brings skilled women into small working groups where they create business plans, participate in leadership training and receive community mentorship. After their training, each woman entrepreneur handpicks items to build her toolkit; the missing pieces to launch her business.   

You can help put the tools in her hands to build a better future:

• $50 enables a small group of women to meet monthly for a year, supporting one another as they build their businesses
• $130 provides business and leadership training for each small group participant
• $250 provides networking meetings with heads of companies, non-profits and government departments to help participants grow their businesses
• $800 (or $65 per month) provides a custom toolkit for one female entrepreneur

DONATE