Women's Edge
Encyclopedia
Women's Edge is a nonpartisan coalition created in 1998 that advocates for international economic and human right policies that support women. Working with the U.S.
government, the coalition encourages aid programs that benefit both trade promoters and the poorest people. The coalition's mission is "to advocate international economic policies and human rights that support women worldwide in ending poverty in their lives, communities and nations."
In 2005, Amnesty International USA
and Women's Edge organized meetings with members of the United States Senate
to work toward legislation to combat violence against women and girls around the world. These meetings led to the 2007 International Violence Against Women Act
, which was introduced by Senators Joseph Biden and Richard Lugar.
The coalition's net assets for 2005 were US$331,561.
Women's Edge has lobbied and helped pass such legislation as the Access for Afghan Women Act
, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act, the GAINS for Women and Girls Act, the Trade Impact Review and the GROWTH Act.
Ritu Sharma Fox is co-founder and the president. USAID calls her "a leading voice on international women's issues and U.S. foreign policy."
According to USAID, "due in large part" to Women's Edge, "the interests of poor women worldwide are now being incorporated into U.S. economic assistance and trade policies and, in some cases, into U.S. law itself.
A first generation American of East Indian heritage, Ms. Sharma's family left behind generations of violence and poverty in Punjab, India to build a new life in the United States. Her family's legacy and her first-hand experience of the injustices suffered by women, combined with her strong belief that American citizens must ensure that the U.S. acts positively in the world, led Ms. Sharma to create the Women's Edge Coalition in 1998. She holds a BSFS in international economics from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a Masters of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She serves on the Board of Directors of InterAction and the Center for Global Engagement.
Advocates in the United States Congress
for Women's Edge include Carolyn Maloney, Patty Murray
, Richard Durbin, Mary Landrieu
, Barbara Mikulski
, and Nita Lowey
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
government, the coalition encourages aid programs that benefit both trade promoters and the poorest people. The coalition's mission is "to advocate international economic policies and human rights that support women worldwide in ending poverty in their lives, communities and nations."
In 2005, Amnesty International USA
Amnesty International USA
Amnesty International USA is one of many country sections that make up Amnesty International worldwide.Amnesty International is an organization of more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in over 150 countries, with complete independence from government, corporate or national...
and Women's Edge organized meetings with members of the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
to work toward legislation to combat violence against women and girls around the world. These meetings led to the 2007 International Violence Against Women Act
International Violence Against Women Act
The International Violence Against Women Act is proposed legislation to address violence against women through United States foreign policy...
, which was introduced by Senators Joseph Biden and Richard Lugar.
The coalition's net assets for 2005 were US$331,561.
Women's Edge has lobbied and helped pass such legislation as the Access for Afghan Women Act
Access for Afghan Women Act
The Access for Afghan Women Act of 2003 is a bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Dana Rohrabacher...
, the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act, the GAINS for Women and Girls Act, the Trade Impact Review and the GROWTH Act.
Ritu Sharma Fox is co-founder and the president. USAID calls her "a leading voice on international women's issues and U.S. foreign policy."
According to USAID, "due in large part" to Women's Edge, "the interests of poor women worldwide are now being incorporated into U.S. economic assistance and trade policies and, in some cases, into U.S. law itself.
A first generation American of East Indian heritage, Ms. Sharma's family left behind generations of violence and poverty in Punjab, India to build a new life in the United States. Her family's legacy and her first-hand experience of the injustices suffered by women, combined with her strong belief that American citizens must ensure that the U.S. acts positively in the world, led Ms. Sharma to create the Women's Edge Coalition in 1998. She holds a BSFS in international economics from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a Masters of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She serves on the Board of Directors of InterAction and the Center for Global Engagement.
Advocates in the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
for Women's Edge include Carolyn Maloney, Patty Murray
Patty Murray
Patricia Lynn "Patty" Murray is the senior United States Senator from Washington and a member of the Democratic Party. Murray was first elected to the Senate in 1992, becoming Washington's first female senator...
, Richard Durbin, Mary Landrieu
Mary Landrieu
Mary Loretta Landrieu is the senior United States Senator from the State of Louisiana and a member of the Democratic Party.Born in Arlington, Virginia, Landrieu was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana...
, Barbara Mikulski
Barbara Mikulski
Barbara Ann Mikulski is the senior United States Senator from Maryland and a member of the Democratic Party. Mikulski, a former U.S. Representative, is the longest-serving female senator in U.S...
, and Nita Lowey
Nita Lowey
Nita Melnikoff Lowey is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She previously represented the 20th district from 1989 to 1993.-Early life, education and career:...
.