Though microfinance is available to both men and women entrepreneurs, the gains that women achieve are almost three times more likely to be reinvested in their children—providing a powerful generational multiplier that accelerates economic growth. A woman will spend 90% of her income on her family, while men typically spend only 35%. That’s why if we want to change the world, we need to focus on providing women with economic opportunities.

“One of the best ways to fight poverty is to educate women and give them economic opportunity. Microfinance institutions are at the center of that solution.” – Sheryl WuDunn

We’re proud to say that Opportunity is partnering with the growing Half the Sky movement as part of our commitment to invest in women. Ninety-three percent of our loans go to women, who consistently show inspiring resilience and determination to change their own world and the future of their children. Over the next few weeks, Half the Sky will be highlighting organizations that provide educational and economic empowerment solutions to gender inequality and the oppression of women. The movement is inspired by journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.

Using video, websites, games, blogs and other educational tools, Half the Sky raises awareness of women’s issues, but also promotes concrete, market-based solutions—like microfinance—to fight these problems and empower women.

Learn more about our partnership at opportunity.org/halfthesky. Join the conversation about women’s empowerment on Facebook and Twitter.

If you’d like to invest in women, visit opportunity.org/give to empower a woman working her way out of poverty.