The One Woman Initiative is an international women’s empowerment fund launched May 12, 2008, with the Secretary of State, many from the diplomatic corps and NGO community at the U.S. State Department. In its first year of operation the Initiative has made grants to five grass roots organizations, in five countries—India, Pakistan, Egypt, Azerbaijan and the Philippines.

These organizations aid women through wide ranging support including leadership training, workplace opportunity and support for entrepreneurial efforts, as well as, basic legal rights information. From its inception it was envisioned to operate as a joint public-private effort supporting existing initiatives in countries with large Muslim populations. The Initiative focuses on key empowerment issues including entrepreneurship, political leadership, and the rule of law.

Private sector co-chairs meet quarterly to set strategic direction. They work closely with public sector partners at the U.S. State Department and USAID in reviewing potential grant recipients and ensuring intended results.

Individual and corporate contributions to the Fund are managed through a separate section 501 (c) (3) designated organization, Charities Aid Foundation of America which specializes in the credible oversight of international philanthropy.