Foreign Assistance Gives Women Opportunities to Succeed

Many Americans believe that America should offer aid to developing countries as a matter of human interest.  Aid comes from America in the form of food programs, education programs, money, etc.  The recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to 3 women, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and peace activist Leymah of Gbowee of Liberia and Yemeni democracy advocate Tawakul Karman is proof that these programs can benefit humanity.  These women have worked hard to make strides in their own countries, for the well-being of their people and by extension, the world.  They represent social progress taking place around the world.  Due in part to aid from the United States, these women have all benefited from partnerships with Harvard University, the American Jewish World Service or the State Department's International Visitor's Leadership Program. 

 There is a correlation between gender and development around the world.  It is important that we  rethink the budget cuts being made to programs that not only support its participants, but also human freedoms throughout the world. 6 out of 10  of the poorest people in the world are female, and females make up 2 thirds of the illiterate worldwide.  Last month's Nobel Peace Prize winners are representatives of what can happen if women are given opportunities to succeed.