International Women’s Day Challenge: Nominate a local woman who makes a world of difference

Many of the more than 2.5 billion people now living in poverty—surviving on less than $2 a day—are women and girls. Even though women produce much of the world’s food, millions of women are now facing hunger.

Women also have the power to create solutions. Women are at the center of efforts to increase food production, ensure good nutrition for families, and adapt to the effects of climate change. With the right resources, women worldwide can provide a better life for themselves and their families. Oxfam supports women like Jacqueline Morette, a farmer from rural Haiti whose community organization helps women farmers grow more food and reach new markets to sell their products. And Yvette Cissé, whose organization trains women in Mali to grow and sell organic crops while improving their literacy, accounting, and entrepreneurial skills. Their examples show that women’s efforts can— and do—change things for the better. Learn more about Oxfam America’s GROW campaign to make sure everyone has enough to eat, always.

This International Women’s Day, celebrate the women in your local community who make a difference in the fight against hunger and poverty— someone whose efforts make a difference and inspire others.

Some possibilities include:

• The founder of a local charity or nonprofit
• A chef or farmer who helps promote sustainable food choices
• A journalist or blogger who writes about poverty or social justice
• A friend or relative who volunteers her time and expertise
• An entrepreneur or small business owner who gives back to the community
• A professor who educates others on these issues

We will notify you if your nominee is approved for the voting round. Once voting opens, rally your friends, family, and colleagues in voting for a woman who deserves recognition for her exceptional work and $1,000 to further her work in the community.

Connect with us on twitter at @GOODmkr and follow this challenge at #IWDchallenge.

Submission Tips

• In the Idea section, please tell us about the woman you would like to nominate. What makes her so inspirational?
• In the Specifics section, describe the good work she is doing in her community. Write at least 3-5 sentences that explain how the $1,000 award will enable her to further her efforts.
• Include a photo or video. Photos should be in JPG, PNG, or GIF format, at least 572 × 346 pixels and no larger than 10MB.
• Email us at maker@goodinc.com with any questions.

• The challenge is open for submissions from March 1 through March 22.
• Applicants and nominees must be U.S. residents to participate.
• Approved nominees will be featured on this page and voting will be open from March 22 through March 29.
• The nominee with the most votes from the public will receive a check for $1,000 from Oxfam America to further her work in the community.
• The winner will be required to report on how the prize money was spent.
• Read all the rules.