A Message from Board Member Sally Field

Powerful—passionate, tenacious…unconquerable! These are the women of Vital Voices' global network. They are local heroes who each day are changing the world around us. They understand their communities, the problems that block cooperation and progress, and they know better than anyone their society's potential to thrive and promote a healthier world. I hope that you will join me today in helping these remarkable women succeed with a generous contribution to Vital Voices!

Women are quite simply the best change agents in the world. I felt this power first-hand when I portrayed Norma Rae in Martin Ritt's award-winning film about real-life hero, Crystal Lee Sutton. Her efforts to unionize the textile factory where she worked in rural North Carolina not only changed her life forever, but also transformed the lives of all those around her. I knew then that when women are empowered and their human rights are respected they are the most powerful force for global transformation!

That's why I've been an active member of Vital Voices' global network since its founding by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton almost ten years ago. You see, like me, Vital Voices believes in the transformative value of women's full participation in society. We invest in emerging women leaders across the globe—pioneers in economic development, political participation and human rights in their countries and regions. We help them build the capabilities, connections and credibility needed to unlock their potential as catalysts of global progress.

These women take risks—sometimes life threatening—to fight for better lives and healthier communities. Each day, they work heroically to end violence against women and girls, economic isolation, conflict and corruption. They need us and we need them!

Your generous contribution today will help support our network of over 10,000 global leaders in 127 countries and enable us to reach thousands with the potential to bring stability and prosperity to their communities. Women like:

 

Adelaide Tega, Cameroon

Not unlike Norma Rae, Adelaide Tega was a typical trader in Douala's Sandaga Market, the largest in Central Africa. Even though women make up the majority of this market's traders—only two have ever been a part of its association for workers. Adelaide was determined to amplify their voices. Vital Voices mentored her in her quest for workers' rights, leading to her selection as the head of the market's Union des Commerçantes du Marché Sandaga—a workers association she formed with fellow traders. What began with a handful of women has grown into a force of nature with over 200 members who each day fight the good fight to overcome daily challenges, defend equal rights among traders and further economic growth!

 

Danielle Saint-Lot, Haiti

Danielle founded Femmes en Démocratie in 1998—a Vital Voices-inspired program to protect legal and human rights, and foster political and economic empowerment in one of the world's poorest countries. With our help, she has trained over 1,200 micro-entrepreneurs, developed a network of over 500 electoral observers, and organized what has become the most successful trade fair for female entrepreneurs. But she could not foresee the devastation that would level her beloved country when a massive earthquake hit in January 2010. Nor did she have any idea of the power she would unleash to effect positive change in the wake of that disaster. With her inimitable moxie, she is leading the way in protecting the legal and human rights of all those around her, fostering opportunities for their economic empowerment, and creating opportunity across social classes, municipalities and special interests. With the added burdens of the hurricane and a cholera epidemic, her efforts are needed now as never before!

These are just two stories among the thousands of Vital Voices who are inspiring and engaging countless others, expanding women's influence and their ranks. Their light shines on all those around them, too, increasing their impact in ways that are immeasurable and making our world more peaceful and just.

Please do all you can to support these women leaders today! With your contribution, you have my personal pledge that each and every dollar you send will be invested wisely as we work to build women's leadership and influence worldwide. Their voices—Vital Voices—are desperately needed in our world!

Thank you in advance for your generosity. I send you my best wishes for the coming holidays and for a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Warmest regards,

  

Sally Field

P.S. Vital Voices receives the highest efficiency rating for non profits from Charity Navigator! Your gift of any amount is fully tax deductible. Thank you!