Investing in Women

Investing in Women. Strengthening Communities. Multiplying Impact.

Why Investing in Women Matters

The Investing in Women initiative exists to intentionally equip, connect, and invest in women across the Partners Worldwide network by expanding access to leadership development, mentorship, funding opportunities, and meaningful relationships. Together with our Local Community Institutions, Business Affiliates, and volunteers, we are helping women unlock their potential and create lasting impact in their communities.

Women are transforming businesses, families, and communities around the world. Yet many continue to face barriers that limit their ability to grow as entrepreneurs and leaders.

The Need

Women are powerful drivers of economic and community transformation, yet many lack access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

Common barriers include:

  • Limited access to capital and business resources
  • Limited opportunities for mentorship and leadership development
  • Smaller professional networks and fewer strategic connections
  • Cultural, legal, or systemic barriers to entrepreneurship
  • Limited visibility and opportunities to grow sustainable enterprises

When these barriers are removed, women become catalysts for stronger families, thriving businesses, and healthier communities.

Salome Nigeria
Marisela Ecuador

How We Address the Gaps

Leadership Development

Through coaching, mentoring, webinars, and peer learning, we equip women with the confidence, skills, and support to grow as leaders and entrepreneurs.

Innovation Matching Fund

The Innovation Matching Fund provides catalytic grants of up to $10,000 for innovative, community-driven projects that address challenges facing women through our Local Community Institutions. Our goal is to fund 10–20 high-impact projects each year that create sustainable change.

Community & Connection

Through Coaching Circles, local meetups, and global learning opportunities, we foster meaningful relationships that encourage collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support.

The Impact - ENLACE in El Salvador

Through its Women Entrepreneurs Training Initiative, ENLACE set out to equip 250 women in rural communities  with the skills and support needed to launch or strengthen microbusinesses and increase household income. By the end of the grant period, 284 women were actively participating in the program, exceeding the original target by 14%.

Participants meet in 24 community groups built on ENLACE's community-led savings group platform, fostering ongoing learning and support. Additionally, 41 women were trained as volunteer facilitators and now lead sessions in their own communities, surpassing the goal of 35 facilitators and expanding the program's long-term impact.

two women studying with open books at a table

How You Can Support

You can help women create lasting impact by:

  • Volunteer your expertise as a coach, mentor, or subject matter expert.
  • Become a Business Affiliate and help provide strategic guidance, fundraising support, and professional connections.
  • Give to the Innovation Matching Fund to help launch and scale innovative, women-led solutions around the world.

Together, we can equip more women to lead, grow thriving businesses, and transform their communities.