USA (MNN) — On March 8, the world will celebrate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present and future.
What does this day mean for people like you?
Food for the Hungry (FH) believes there is untapped, God-given potential in the lives of poverty-stricken women around the world. This God-given, hidden potential has the power not only to eradicate poverty, but to promote a future inspired for change for upcoming generations of women.
From becoming an entrepreneur to overcoming gender-based violence, the women affiliated with FH have overcome many obstacles in their lifetime through the grace and power of God's love.
Although each story speaks volumes of hardship, transformation, and renewal, none are quite as simple as just being a mother and having the ability to feed your children every day.
Mukankusi Anathalia, a Rwandan woman stuck in poverty in the Bugesera District, lived day-to-day with her three adopted, malnourished children. They didn't know where their next meal would come from, and and they lived without any shelter.
Mukankusi has become a self-sustaining, single mother with three healthy children.
FH began a program called "Kitchen Gardens," or backyard gardening. It helped impoverished women to feed their families and sell produce for income. A kitchen garden is ideal for dry regions because they are filled with kitchen wastes, like vegetables and other compost materials. They require very little maintenance and remain humid with less watering.
The compost provides an abundance of nutrients. The produce grows vigorously.
Mukankusi successfully started a kitchen garden and began selling her vegetables in the market. With her profits, she applied for a small business loan and bought her own house.
Her three adopted children now have permanent shelter and are no longer malnourished.
Mukankusi has overcome a dire obstacle and is now an empowered businesswoman with the ability to provide for her family. Not only that, but because FH works through the local church, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared. That calls for a worldwide celebration.
Make a difference in the lives of women around the world and join FH for the International Women's Day 5K Walk/Run. If you aren't able to participate in the walk hosted by Food for the Hungry in Phoenix, Arizona, consider hosting your own event. Ask a few friends to walk 5k (approximately 3 miles) with you. Together, you can set your own fundraising goal.
If you'd like to help, click here.
