Persuading those who control global and national policies and budgets to invest in girls and women—particularly in vital but politically contentious matters of sexuality and gender equality—requires you to reach out, get involved, and be heard.  We can only make global progress on securing the health and human rights of women and girls with your active participation.

We have identified seven things you can do to secure just and equal rights for women and girls. They are:

1. Stay Informed
   
2. Speak Out and Speak Up
3. Sign the With Women Worldwide Compact to End HIV/AIDS
4. Support Youth Advocates
5. Promote Corporate Responsibility
6. Donate to IWHC
7. Spread the Word
   

Stay Informed

• Read our blog Akimbo, where we publish perspectives on world events and policies affecting women’s health and rights on a daily basis. Edited by the Communications Program staff, the blog has contributions from our staff, colleagues, and partners around the world.
• Read IWHC's issue briefs, factsheets, and reports on issues affecting girls and women including child marriage, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health.
• Sign up for our bi-weekly email updates to keep up with action opportunities, the latest buzz from Akimbo, and news from our partners in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 
  
• Join us on
   

Speak Out in the Media and Speak Up to Policymakers

• Write a letter to the editor or comment on articles that inspire or outrage you in local, national, or international media.
• Write a blog post or give us a tip on issues that matter to you for IWHC’s blog, Akimbo.
• Not sure how to get started? Download our Media Advocacy Toolkit to learn more about how to speak out and get heard.
• Join IWHC’s Action Alert email list to be alerted to pressing issues that you can speak out on.
• Learn about bills the U.S. Congress is considering that support or undermine women's and young people's health.
• Contact policymakers at the United Nations, national or local governments, or other influential governing bodies and make sure their votes represent your views and those of girls and women worldwide.
• Contact members of the United States Congress at: www.house.gov or www.senate.gov, or call 202-225-3121 (House) or 202-224-3121 (Senate). 

Sign the With Women Worldwide Compact to End HIV/AIDS

• Join the more than 300 organizations and individuals from 60 countries in the With Women Worldwide Compact.
• The Compact is an action agenda designed to compel the policy changes needed to prevent increasing HIV infections in women and young people and ensure their equitable access to treatment, care, and support. It was developed by 28 women from seven diverse constituencies in 2005 at a global meeting convened by IWHC.

Support Youth Advocates

• Young advocates around the world share their visions for young people and the future in our Young Visionaries feature. Check out the nominees for the annual contest, vote for your favorites, and spread the word.

Promote Corporate Responsibility

• When you invest in the health and human rights of women and girls, you invest in a healthier, more just world for all.  Find out how you can involve your company in a campaign to end violence against girls and women or support other efforts to promote the health and rights of women worldwide by contacting IWHC today.

Make a Gift to IWHC

• Support local organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that empower women and girls.  From community-based initiatives that prevent early and forced child marriage to innovative comprehensive sexuality education programs, our partners are empowering women and young people to live just and healthy lives.  
• Ensure women and girls have the health services and information they need by making global HIV/AIDS funding work for women.
• Mobilize women and girls to advocate with world leaders and demand social justice for the most disadvantaged women and girls.

Spread the Word

• Host an IWHC house party and gather friends, family, and colleagues in the name of women’s health. You’ll help spread the word about IWHC’s efforts, learn about the challenges women face, and help us save lives of women and girls around the globe. Learn more and download our quiz, stories about women, and party tips here.
• Share this page with a friend or family member. Tell them why you are committed to securing a just and healthy life for women and girls and why they should join IWHC’s network of partners and supporters. 
  

Tag it:

?