dear friends,
This year saw us underscoring what it takes to lead during the turbulent times our world faces. Beyond the full inclusion of women and girls in society, we lifted up the finer nuances of voice and leadership, including spotlighting young women of color as changemakers, men's role in reducing violence against women, and the need to elect more women to office to effect more representative policy change. At Women Funded 2017, we honored eight women's foundations for their vision in establishing Young Women's Initiatives (YWI) which provide a platform for young women to create solutions and effect change in partnership with their local governments. We closed out our 6-year multi-state economic security initiative, the Partnership for Women's Prosperity, and released key findings in the “More than jobs: Women’s Economic Security Wraparound Strategies” report. Participating members helped women to eliminate debt, build savings, and access the basic needs - like reliable transportation, affordable housing and technology - that are essential to women's success in furthering their education and getting (and keeping) a good job. Because women's safety, economic security and equality won't happen without laws and policies that address women's realities, we continued this journey by establishing the Two Generation Advocacy Cohort. The cohort will secure fairer, smarter practices for families across four states including Colorado, Alabama, Arizona, and Texas. We look forward to another year of lifting up the voices of all who are a part of establishing gender equity. Thanks to each of you who are walking this journey with us.