My mother and grandmother epitomized the power of unconditional love to shape lives through the generations. I see that same power at work in the organization I represent: Opportunity International. After 40 years of working to empower communities across the developing world, Opportunity International knows the power of moms everywhere! Working with over 5 million people, a large majority of which are women, we have found that moms everywhere are basically the same: they share a common desire to create a better world for their families and communities.
Worldwide, more than 1.5 billion people live in extreme poverty, 70 percent of whom are women. Despite the challenges these women face, they continue to inspire others with their unwavering motivation to provide a brighter future for their children. Research reveals that women are three times more likely to reinvest in their children and community. It’s a simple yet proven principle. Invest in one woman and impact the lives of many.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate moms around the world. From the US, to the developing world, mothers everywhere overcome challenges to provide for their families. Women like Felicitus Mmboge, a mother of three in Western Kenya who expanded her beauty products business with a loan from Opportunity International. Today, Felicitus continues to grow her business and has the funds to pay school fees for her children and an orphaned niece. One mother transforming life for herself, her family and the less fortunate in her community—that’s the power of one mother.
Similarly in Ghana, we see women like Edna Da Silva, a mother who opened a school with a loan from Opportunity International. Edna is now a leading figure in her community, providing education to most of the children in the village. This is the power of one mother changing the world; there are few forces more powerful.
Every year, Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of moms like Felicitus and Edna, and their selfless efforts to lift up those around them. This Mother’s Day, honor your mom with a special tribute patch on the Global Opportunity Quilt; a digital quilt comprised of patches purchased by the public to honor influential women in their lives. With gifts starting at $5, you can select from one of 20 patch designs, or create your own, and dedicate it to a special woman with an honorary message. Each tribute patch donated can be shared digitally and will be added to Opportunity’s virtual quilt, symbolizing a community of empowerment and opportunity.
I’m proud to be part of Opportunity International, a global organization helping to empower women like Felicitus and Edna through financial services and training. I have seen firsthand the power of one mother to unlock the potential within herself, her family, and her community. This Mother’s Day, join me to Invest in One, Honor Mom.
Written by Deborah Bowker, SVP Communications and Donor Experience
