Founded to empower and lead the community and humanity by following Lady GODIVA's story and route, the Lady GODIVA Initiative has been working for the empowerment of women around the world since its inception. In this context, the Initiative annually provides grants and financial donations of US$ 25,000 each to a group of organizations working for equal opportunities, inclusion, and women's empowerment. In addition, with this award, institutions gain global visibility while also getting the chance to be included in the GODIVA global network.
Initiatives supported in 2021:
GODIVA created a platform where their collective voices can be heard by collaborating with initiatives (#SheDIDIT 'Belgium', Up With Women 'Canada', China Women's Development Foundation 'China', AVA: Against Violence and Abuse 'UK' and Hot Bread Kitchen 'USA') that it supports in the 2021-2022 period that enhances women's careers, help them get out of poverty and prevent violence against women. Grant support and collaborations have led to tangible changes in initiatives in a variety of ways:
#SheDidIt:
Entrepreneurship programs and activities were developed in line with the support, the infrastructure was expanded, and social media activities increased. SheHUB, a joint concept store where women entrepreneurs test their work by exhibiting, was launched.
Up With Women:
In Canada, coaching and training programs have been increased, expanding infrastructure, operational efficiency, and social impact. In addition, the initiative found the opportunity to reach more people, and with its activities, the initiative was supported to reach the number of people it aimed to reach in the 2021-2022 period.
China Women’s Development Foundation:
A video highlighting the important works of the organization was prepared by increasing the power of social media and communication activities through the support.
Against Violence and Abuse:
The grants were used to develop Breathing Space, a digital tool that provides mental health resources. The app has started offering new content on orientation as well as trauma-informed e-health resources and tools for victims of gender-based violence.
Hot Bread Kitchen:
With the grant, the salaries of critically important personnel for the implementation of the programs were supported and operational and administrative expenses were covered.
Initiatives supported in 2022:
In 2022, the grants of Lady GODIVA Initiative expanded with Womenpreneur (Belgium), The Canadian Women's Foundation (Canada), Alliance for African Women Initiative (Ghana), Young Women's Trust (UK) and Step Up (USA), contributing to the support of women's entrepreneurship in various countries and the development of women's resilience in the face of social problems.
Womenpreneur:
It is a leading women's empowerment organization that provides mediation to women who are struggling to access services worldwide. Womenpreneur works in Europe and the MENA region to save women from economic instability with career opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship. Starting o in 2016 by supporting 10 women, the program has now reached more than 16,000 women in Belgium and beyond.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation:
Working to bring systemic change through funding, research, advocacy and knowledge sharing, the foundation is a national leader in the gender equality movement in Canada. The foundation supports women, girls, and people with gender differences for self-confidence and leadership by removing them from violence and poverty. It contributes to building a gender-equal Canada by challenging prejudices, raising awareness, and advocating for policies and practices that make life better for all those affected by gender injustice.
Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI):
It is a grassroots organization that supports and empowers women and children in communities in Ghana. The initiative is committed to building the capacities of marginalized individuals in Ghana. Advocacy activities produce sustainable results, helping to share skills among peers and help community members take control of their own development.
Young Women's Trust:
It is an organization that supports and represents women aged 18-30 who work for low or no pay and face lifetime poverty. Its core mission is to achieve financial justice for young women through equal economic and employment opportunities. Young women are at the center of the organization’s work, leading activities, designing programs and actively participating.
Step Up:
It is an organization that encourages girls to explore and discuss what is possible by bringing them together in inspiring spaces. With structured support and access to a strong community, the nonprofit mentoring organization guides girls toward their own unique goals. It first sets goals with girls and then creates a route map to get there. Whether it is a university, an internship, a communication network or just gaining self-confidence; Step Up supports girls in many different ways.