A Note from the iZōsh International President
When North American women gather for an iZōsh Chapter Event, we learn together. Through our learning, we are exposed to the oppression and exploitation faced by women globally who are living in extreme poverty. The World Bank says that extreme poverty means living on less than $2.15 per day. These statistics inform and motivate us to want to empower and uplift women living in extreme poverty.
Together, we learn about the complexity of extreme poverty. It is shocking and heavy. Exposure to information about the hard realities of our world without clear action steps can be overwhelming, but at an iZōsh Chapter Event we are more than consumers of information. We engage in action that change women’s lives. A microloan for a woman’s sustainable business can change everything for her. That is exciting!
As we select women to receive microloans, the tone of an iZōsh Event shifts. The information we gather motivates us to action. Facts about women living in extreme poverty that might be seen as depressing information, are instead used to change our mindsets and lead us to engage.
What is the mindset change? We have learned about the oppression and exploitation of women but we have done something! Instead of only lamenting the hard realities of our world, we have joined together to engage a situation we care about and make a positive difference. The resulting celebration is exuberant!
We leave iZōsh Events knowing the women who have been funded with microloans are empowered to start and/or grow their business. They have hope for their future and for their children’s future.
This past year, iZōsh Chapters gathered, learned, gave and celebrated. We look forward to doing the same this year! You can read a recap of our 2024 Chapter Events by downloading the Spring 2025 Newsletter below. Thank you iZōsh Chapter Leaders for your commitment, creativity, and compassion for women living in extreme poverty all the while helping North American women find ways to make a huge difference!
Gratefully,
Robin Phillips
iZōsh International President
Gratefully,
Robin PhillipsGrateGGr
