At mothers2mothers (m2m), we witness the power of investing in women each and every day.  Through our Mentor Mother Model, m2m trains and employs local women living with HIV as community health workers (CHWs). In turn, these women unlocks a ripple effect of change—creating health and opportunity for the women and families they serve across sub-Saharan Africa, and also for themselves and their own families  

That is why when we saw the United Nations theme for this year’s International Women’s Day—Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress—we knew this was a conversation that deserved more than a day. So, we decided to dedicate a whole month to the topic.  We invited friends, supporters, frontline staff, partners, policymakers, and more to join the conversation on our digital channels and share why investing in women fuels progress. It turns out, everyone had a lot to say. The overwhelming response was truly gratifying. 

Here’s what we learned.  

1. Investing in women is investment in the future 

Anita Worlidge, Founder of Anita’s List and Founding Member of m2m’s The Mothers’ Collective, highlighted how women are the “bedrock of future generations” through the way women “raise, nurture, and nourish those in their orbit.” Dr Sara Kayat, NHS Doctor and TV Personality, agreed, highlighting that investment in women’s health leads to improved child outcomes because “healthy mothers are better equipped to care for their children, and lead by example.” And Sabena Solomon, Head of Impact Partnerships at GSK Global Health spoke of the wider ripple effect: “Investing in the health, and potential, of women and girls accelerates progress that positively impacts families, communities, and countries.” 

This viewpoint was summed up beautifully by Cartier Philanthropy, who said: “Every dollar we invest to promote and protect the fundamental rights of women and girls, including freedom from violence and discrimination and equality of opportunity, brings us closer to the world we want to live in.” 

 

2. Investing in women creates space for care and compassion 

Faustina Ocansey, a mothers2mothers community health worker in Ghana, highlighted that “women naturally bring care and compassion to their roles”. Giovanna Fletcher, m2m  Ambassador, Author, and podcast host built on this, highlighting that that care and compassion comes with vulnerability and strength “in abundance that must be utilised.” And for Afua Basoah, Chair of the m2m Europe Board of Trustees, that care is part of the power that enables women to “supercharge for change.” 

Sarah Hulbert, New Ventures Consultant at the World Food Programme, took a different approach, highlighting that women are often at the forefront of community care networks and “Enhancing [these]…is key to making sustainable progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

 

3. Investing in women brings fresh creativity and problem-solving 

Makeletso Khomonngoe, mothers2mothers community health worker in Lesotho, pointed out that “Women bring innovation and problem-solving skills, helping to build strong families, thriving societies, and prosperous countries.” Linda Ayoola, Head of Music at Platoon, part of Apple, noted the bigger picture – that investing in women is not just “levelling the playing field, but supercharging communities with fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and unstoppable energy.” 

For Ariel Knowles, a member of m2m’s U.S. Board of Directors, it’s important to recogonise and celebrate that “women are founders, trailblazers, creative leaders, and invaluable team members.” Sometimes the simplest message is the most effective, and m2m Ambassador and singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor made every one of her seven words count: “Women are capable and women are brilliant.” 

 4. Investing in women fosters economic growth and development 

Jolly Mokorosi,Chair of the m2m South Africa Board of Directors, was eager to connect investment in women to society’s progress, powerfully stating that “Investing in women is foundational to any meaningful advancements towards society reaching its full potential.”  

Both Leila Lopes, a former Miss Universe, and Maria Uini-Baptista, Founder of Communidate Bove360, spoke about how investing in women boosts economic growth, as did Izabela Minkiewicz, Founder of award-winning baby Boutique Blue Almonds, who further noted this creates a ripple effect which strengthens and benefits communities. Stephanie Phair, m2m Ambassador and Group President of Farfetch, agreed, speaking of the “multiplier effect” that spans “from health, to education, to entrepreneurship, to small businesses when women thrive.” 

 

5. Investing in women is more than an action 

For Growth Strategist Samia Khan, “Investing in women shouldn’t be a question, it should be an action.” Irene Tukashaba, a government community health worker in Uganda supported by Living Goods, agrees that such an action “recognisies women as essential agents of change and resilience.” 

Winnie Byanima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, goes further, reflecting on the symbolism and urgency of the action: “Investing in women is how we unmake the injustices that women face everywhere. It is how we can make sure our daughters live in a kinder, safer world in which their rights are upheld and respected. To protect women’s health, we need to uphold and invest in women’s rights.”  

 

 

Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice to this important conversation–not all of whom we had room to include in this blog. It’s abundantly clear that investing in women leads to a healthy, fair, prosperous world—because when women lead, communities get what they need.

Don’t want to miss future conversations like these? Be sure to follow us on our social media channels!