When women lose, everyone loses

When households are held back like this, a bad harvest, accident or illness can be catastrophic.

Families struggle to put food on the table or pay school travel, uniform or lesson costs. Urgent housing repairs go unfixed. Illnesses go untreated. Without enough money, they can’t afford the basics they need – basics many take for granted.

When women lose, everyone loses. Families, communities and even nations become trapped in cycles of poverty. But given the opportunity, women can break those cycles and shape the future they want.

The Hand in Hand approach

Hand In Hand was founded on this knowledge. Women have the energy and ideas to shape their future. They just need the skills and resources to make it happen.

Starting as a local movement in Tamil Nadu, India, founded by Dr Kalpana Sankar and Percy Barnevik, we’re now 8 CEOs and 8 independent boards in 8 countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

First developed in India,  our step-by-step model equips women long-term. Business training, credit access and market connections – like entering national or international value chains – mean people can earn more money. Self-help groups and savings circles mean communities can withstand shocks like medical bills or housing repairs. Gender equity training helps husbands see their wives as money-makers and decision makers – equal partners contributing to their families’ prosperity.