Gender equality and women’s empowerment are fundamental to ending extreme poverty and promoting resilient, democratic societies. When women play an active role in civil society and politics, governments tend to be more open, responsive and transparent. When women are at the negotiating table, peace agreements are more durable.
Neptune, Bobby (2016, February 18).
Women and girls are poised to be key drivers of progress and growth but they need to be empowered through equal rights and equal opportunities. They need to be prepared for a 21st century economy through connection to finance, digital literacy, science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics.
And they need to be valued as leaders, peace-builders, and breadwinners in their communities and societies.
(2016, February 18). Empowering women and girls. Retrieved from usaid.gov.
WHEAT’s Story
When Jaye applied for WHEAT’s Training & Mentoring Program, she had years of experience working and 
always had to have more than one job in order to pay the rent, put food on the table for her 3 children and make sure they had clothes to wear to school. Jaye found herself in dire straits when she couldn’t find a second job after being laid off. For the first time, she found herself in line at the Food Bank, getting a food box and applying for SNAP. Jaye is a caring mother and wants the very best for her children, but she knew she needed to get a better job, but was afraid to give up the one she had. Jaye was underemployed. She was an exemplary student, always on time and always lending a hand to others in her class.
She excelled at customer service and relationship building. Her on-the-job experience was at a local non-profit agency, helping to guide clients to the right resources and services. When Jaye graduated from the 10-week program, she had many fruitful interviews. One she thought went particularly well and she was called back twice. She was getting a bit dejected, when finally the call came. SHE WAS HIRED. Jaye is now working behind the counter in a team leader position at a national rental car agency. They are providing her with benefits, something she never had before; a salary for a full-time position AND opportunities for growth in the company and advancement! Jaye has been employed and out of the program for 1-year and is now coming back to share her story as a presenter at WHEAT’s networking sessions for new participants.
WHEAT 