Advancing Progress By Giving Back

A Citi volunteer mentors a small business owner in Argentina as part of Vital Voices program

Recent research has shown that when women advance in the labor force they tend to invest a more significant proportion of their earnings into the education and well-being of their own families, while also making measurable, positive contributions to the economic progress in their cities, countries and regions. Yet, despite the social and economic strides women have made in the last decades, they still face numerous barriers to personal and professional growth. As we celebrate International Women's Day this month, it as a dual opportunity to applaud the achievements of women worldwide and to promote a call to action about the need to continue driving opportunities for women to enable them to succeed.

One of the most effective tools to empowering other women is sharing our personal stories of success and our networks. These stories and connections give women examples and inspiration to better develop their own paths towards achieving their goals. Recognizing this, the Citi Foundation provided a $50,000 grant to Vital Voices, a global, non-governmental organization dedicated to the success of women entrepreneurs. Through a combination of training and mentorship, Vital Voices works to ensure women owned businesses thrive and their principals serve as role models to inspire others. Grant funds will support a growing network of innovative women business owners from more than 30 countries. To read more about the Citi Foundation's partnership with Vital Voices, click here.

Through Vital Voices, we are investing in personal relationships that are helping build these crucial networks for women entrepreneurs. In a world where technology provides unlimited access to information and data, there is no substitute for the experience and know-how that personal connections can bring to helping women succeed. Our objective is to bridge the gap between a woman's current position and the place where she ultimately wants to be in her career, community and life. We're doing this by connecting her to those who can support her on her journey toward advancement.

The Citi Foundation is pleased to support International Women's Day 2015, and to join with colleagues, clients and community partners around the world to inspire economic opportunity and leadership for women globally.