March 8 marks the 104th annual International Women’s Day, an occasion that has been celebrated since 1911. It was designated to honor the political, social, and economic achievements around the world. The day is also used to raise awareness of a variety of women’s issues, including accessing equal rights and education for women around the world.
In Nevada, the Nevada Women’s Fund has chosen Make It Happen for their theme this year. Throughout the year, the Fund provides scholarships and grants to help women advance and improve the lives of themselves and their families.
“Since 1982, the Nevada Women’s Fund has worked to ‘make it happen’ by raising the money to grow our scholarship and grant programs and make a substantial contribution to our community,” said Nevada Women’s Fund president and CEO Isabelle Rodriguez Wilson. “International Women’s Day provides a platform to remind us all that while we have made great strides, there is still much to be done to give women equal opportunities in Nevada and around the world.”
Approximately $250,000 has been awarded in scholarships and grants in recent years by the Nevada Women’s Fund. In 2014, about 65 women were given nearly $150,000 to pursue education, business interests, and more. These women have gone on to pursue degrees in nursing, medicine, education, science, and beyond.
Last year, the Committee to Aid Abused Women received $50,000 for their transitional housing program that aids survivors of domestic abuse. Funds to support all of these programs are raised through private donations and at two signature events each year – the Salute to Women of Achievement in the spring and Power of the Purse each fall.
On March 8, use the hashtag #makeithappen on Twitter to follow events related to International Women’s Day. There’s sure to be some empowering stuff happening.
