Breaking barriers for a better future on International Women's Day

On this International Women’s Day, we are sharing stories of resilience and community from exceptional women working amidst some of the world’s biggest challenges and crises. Women typically bear the greatest burden during a crisis—violent conflict, hunger, poverty, and displacement—while doing everything possible to keep their families and communities together and safe.

Every day, women are breaking barriers for better opportunities, raising and protecting their families, and contributing to their communities in countless ways. From a geospatial analyst in Kenya helping manage natural resources to a farmer in Guatemala who leads a women’s group that provides economic opportunities, their work is essential. Join us in honoring women who are leading communities to build resilience and a better future for all.

Mapping out new opportunities

Due to cultural expectations, Florine is one of a few women in Wajir, Kenya working in a technological field. In her role as Geospatial Advisor for Mercy Corps, she uses scientific data and geospatial technology to help the government address the challenges of recent abnormal weather patterns. “What excites me is... we're changing the system,” said Florine, who is passionate about using technology to help her fellow Kenyans.

Sharing her expertise through an innovative Mercy Corps’ program, Florine brings pastoral communities and government officials together to better manage natural resources. “[Extreme weather events] are a major driver [in our work] because it's all about resilience,” said Florine. “[We are] taking up activities to make [communities] less vulnerable over and over across the different seasons.”

Planting seeds of change

For many married women in Guatemala, earning a wage and spending money, is often solely the husband's responsibility, making it difficult to advocate for their needs. That was the case for Josefina, a mother to four children, who once had to rely on her husband for everything. Through Mercy Corps’ programs, Josefina learned to manage a business and farm the land.  “I’m very happy because I have my own money and I can decide how to spend it or where to spend it,” said Josefina.

Today, Josefina continues to change perceptions. She is the president of a women’s group, with more than 20 members, who receive business training as well as resources to improve their livelihoods. Five of those women are also in charge of a water purification plant in their community. Josefina is also part of a cooperative of 400 agricultural workers and farmers. “I’m happy to be an example for my daughters,” said Josefina, “but also for all the women in the community.”

Connecting communities beyond crisis

“My family taught me that we are supposed to help people who are suffering, because if something happens in the community, it’s all of us who suffer. We’re all connected,” said Piva, Mercy Corps Regional Standards Advisor for Asia. Piva has been on the Mercy Corps team in Indonesia since 2004, where she was an emergency response intern, learning the ins and outs of how humanitarian aid can reach those who are in urgent need and what it means to support communities on the long road to recovery.

Through her time at Mercy Corps, Piva has worn many hats in addition to supporting emergency responses. From here experience in project management and securing resources for women in our programs to helping communities increase resilience to extreme weather events, Piva has worked with colleagues from Jordan and Vanuatu to Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

“My family has experienced disasters like earthquakes and floods as well,” said Piva. “We’re a part of the community, so many of us were survivors of emergencies. My time at Mercy Corps has taught me that we can’t do this alone.”