A lasting impact on women’s empowerment

By joining a GVI program focussed on empowering women, you’ll be part of a world-wide movement to close the gender gap. GVI has been running community-based projects for over 20 years in locations around the globe. We’re committed to sustainable development, so you know your contribution will last.

Successful women’s empowerment involves many different activities that reflect the needs and goals of the local community. That’s why we offer a wide variety of women’s empowerment programs in different locations. 

We also align these programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the goals are closely intertwined with women’s empowerment. With GVI, you can contribute to improving the lives of women through activities like: 

• young girls’ education
• public health engagement
• micro-enterprise development
• skills and language education
• business training

These programs provide essential training and education to women, who in turn support and uplift their communities. At GVI, we believe that empowering women is a key contributing factor to sustainable economic development. We’re proud to work with community organisations at each of our bases to address women’s empowerment locally, addressing key issues with long-lasting results.

What is women’s empowerment?

Women’s empowerment is a fundamental human right, giving women agency over their lives, their bodies, their choices and their development. Empowering women means equipping them with the skills and tools they need to control their own lives.

In many places across the globe women’s opportunities are often limited and women still experience marginalisation; financial disparity; and unequal access to education, healthcare, business and essential services. 

Support women = support communities

Studies show that women reinvest up to 90% of their income directly back into their families. Supporting women’s empowerment can therefore have long-lasting positive benefits on individuals and communities. If you’re interested in learning about women’s empowerment and gender equality, take a look at this article.

Throughout the world, hundreds of millions of women lack access to family planning services, education, employment opportunities and food security. This can seem like an overwhelming problem. But the best way to contribute as an individual is to join up with like-minded people and participate in a meaningful program. 

Why is women’s empowerment important for development? 

Across our planet, over 65% of people living in extreme poverty are women and girls. This clear imbalance presents a huge challenge: how can we uplift and empower this population, so that they can support themselves, their families and their communities? 

The reality is that women are sources of strength and growth in their communities. When provided with essential resources, education and training, women can become leaders, passing on their knowledge and using their experience to assist others. They can get jobs, earn incomes, provide for themselves and their families, and explore opportunities that were previously unavailable to them. 

This is all part of empowering women – giving them the agency to control their own lives and make an impact themselves. Education is key to women’s empowerment. When women are empowered, infant mortality rates go down, more children stay in school, income levels go up and poverty decreases. There’s no doubt about it – if you want to uplift a community, empower women.

What are the effects of gender inequality?

It’s not possible to reduce poverty without achieving gender equality. As long as women are disenfranchised and left with less, poverty will persist. Educated, healthy girls can grow into smart, strong women who lead in their communities. They become role models for other young women and girls to do the same. They take on leadership positions and advocate for change. They can be caretakers and raise their daughters to be equals in society. They can be anything they want to be. Having the means and ability to make that choice is the ultimate goal. 

Ending gender inequality is also essential for building prosperous and peaceful societies. Equal access to education and services is crucial for sustainable development and economic growth across the planet. 

At GVI we know this isn’t change that will be accomplished overnight. But we also know it has to start at the grassroots level, working with real people on the ground to make change. That’s why we support as many women around the world as we can, so you can too.

Where can I join women’s empowerment projects with GVI?

GVI works alongside local NGOs and community-based organisations to support women’s empowerment around the world. We have multiple bases that offer activities specifically aimed at breaking down biases and closing the gender gap. Read more about our programs below.

On all of our bases, you’ll have free time to explore the surrounding areas and try out fun activities. So you can make a sustainable contribution while seeing a new part of the world!

Ghana 

Our program for women’s empowerment in Ghana is focused on combining social and educational support to girls in school. Join us and assist with specialised support in healthcare, gender equality theory, and confidence-building for girls and young women. 

Nepal 

In Pokhara, Nepal, our participants learn about the specific issues facing women in Nepal and Southeast Asia. GVI partners with local organisations to offer to address these issues. Strategies include literacy and numeracy training for girls and women, vocational skills workshops, and facilitating dialogue on health and natal care.

Cambodia 

At our Siem Reap location in Cambodia, you can join other like-minded individuals teaching English and life-skills to local women and girls. By participating in this program, you’ll make a sustainable contribution to women’s access to education and employment opportunities. 

Costa Rica 

Support local female entrepreneurs at our Cartago base in Costa Rica. In a province based largely on agriculture, you’ll assist with community development workshops, leadership training, and education programs geared specifically towards learning from and empowering women.

South Africa 

Join our women’s empowerment programs in South Africa and assist with educating girls and young women on health topics, income generation, skills development, prenatal care and more.

You probably have some questions about joining a women’s empowerment program with GVI. We’re here to answer them! If you can’t find the answer to your specific question below, please reach out to us directly. 

Why volunteer on women’s empowerment with GVI?

Joining a GVI women’s empowerment program gives you the opportunity to travel abroad while making a contribution. See firsthand how women around the world are empowering themselves, and get involved with projects that have a long-lasting impact. 

You’ll not only contribute to women’s empowerment on a GVI program, but also gain your own valuable skills and experience. You can even immerse yourself in the local culture and language, taking home life-long memories. Your impact will be felt long after you leave a GVI program, thanks to our emphasis on sustainability. 

What projects contribute to women’s empowerment?

At GVI, we aim to promote gender equality through a variety of educational, public health and business development initiatives. These projects help pave the way for a more equal future for girls and women. 

If you click through to our Locations tab above, you’ll find a list of projects you can join to make a long-lasting impact on women’s empowerment. These activities usually focus on one or more of the following:

• education for women and girls
• public health and natal care
• developing business skills
• language skills and knowledge transfer
• entrepreneur training and support

Because we work with organisations on the ground and respond to the actual needs of the communities where we work, we approach women’s empowerment in a holistic way. This means you could be involved with teaching English and facilitating public health workshops, if that’s something you’re interested in. 

Discuss your interests and goals with our enrolment managers to find your best fit. 

Do I need to be a woman to join a women’s empowerment program?

Not at all. We welcome all individuals to participate in our programs. We’d love to welcome you to the team!

Do I need any special skills or qualifications? 

There are no skills requirements to volunteer on a women’s empowerment program. We will provide training and guidance for each of our projects, led by qualified staff members and experts in their field. 

If you have specific skills that you believe would be useful to a women’s empowerment program, reach out to our enrolment team to discuss. 

Are there any age restrictions to join a GVI women’s empowerment program?

To participate in these programs, you’ll need to be 18 or older. We offer separate programs for under 18 volunteers, some of which incorporate gender equality. While there is no maximum age limit to join a GVI program, it’s worth asking the enrolment manager about any physical fitness requirements on base. 

What’s the accommodation like?

Housing options differ between bases. You might be in a home stay with a local family or shared accommodation with other GVI volunteers. Some bases even offer BnBs and accommodation upgrades at an additional cost. Chat with our enrolment manager to find out more about the options in your chosen location.  

How long are women’s empowerment programs?

You can join one of our women’s empowerment programs for anything from one to 12 weeks. Discuss your interests with one of our enrolment managers to figure out which base is the best fit for you. 

If you have extra time (like a gap year), consider splitting your time between different GVI bases. Live and work in more than one country around the world, and increase your contribution to women’s empowerment, education, community development, public health and more!

What can I do in my free time?

This is a great question and one we get often. In addition to participating in meaningful projects and gaining new skills, one of the best things about joining a GVI program is exploring a new place and being part of a community. There are so many fun activities to keep you busy around each of our bases. 

For example, while you’re volunteering with women in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you might take time to explore the Angkor Wat Temple Complex. This is one of the largest spiritual monuments in the world, where you can find out more about the complex history of this region. 

Or, after joining our women’s empowerment program in Nepal, take extra time to do the Annapurna Circuit trek. Hike past the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and through the misty valleys below. 

Interested in more? Visit each of our program pages to read about free time activities at these locations.