Vital Voices was founded for women leaders and because of them. For 23 years, we’ve backed leaders on the front lines of change. This crisis doesn’t change that. But it does require that we adapt as an organization.

And so, in direct response to conversations with our network, we’re remodeling our support to ensure that we’re as effective, responsive and forward-thinking as possible.

As you read this, leaders in our network are reacting to spikes in gender-based violence; reworking small businesses to sustain economic shock; lobbying governments to protect the most vulnerable; and providing lifesaving care and supplies to affected areas.

Their communities will rely on them now, more than ever. And they can rely on us.

Together with our network and partners, we are immediately launching the Voices of Resilience Initiative — a comprehensive, updated approach to our work with four distinct aims:

1. Provide direct, critical resources. A new fund will provide urgent financial support to leaders in our network whose nonprofits or social enterprises are most at-risk. Our team will also deliver digitized programming, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to technical skills training.
2. Connect our global network virtually. Creating a space for solution sharing is crucial at this moment. That’s why we’re going virtual — integrating a collaboration and shared learning hub that will enable our network of 18,000 leaders across 182 countries and territories to come together, exchange solutions and continue to innovate.
3. Amplify women’s voices. We will elevate unheard stories from the ground in a dynamic new daily podcast series. By sharing what’s working and what isn’t in diverse communities, we can accelerate global progress and shine a light on women’s leadership in crisis.
4. Mobilize collective action. Vital Voices leaders often initiate influential international campaigns, from #BringBackOurGirls to Arab Spring solidarity movements. We have no doubt that our network will be a source of bold, creative action, so we’re ready to provide the support our leaders need to realize plans for collective action.

Vital Voices invests in women leaders to improve the world. We have two decades of proof that our strategy works. These might be unprecedented times, but our resolve is steady. With this refined approach, we’re ready to get to work.

In solidarity,

Alyse Nelson

As a part of our ongoing efforts to support the women leaders in our global network, we’ve gathered resources, trainings and skill-building initiatives into an online platform for their continued leadership development.