Issues

Access to Legal Protection

Many women around the world are not afforded the same legal protections as men. For example, women own only 1 percent of property around the world because in many countries they are not legally permitted to do so. La Pietra Coalition will work to reverse this unjust practice and restore women's property and land rights, where they are denied.

Many women around the world who are victims of domestic violence must suffer in silence, because their judicial systems do not protect them when they speak up nor allow them their day in court. La Pietra Coalition will work to empower women to safely speak out against violence against women.

Many women around the world face unsafe working conditions and are paid a fraction of what their male counterparts receive. La Pietra Coalition will work to improve labor policies and practices that ensure equal opportunity, decent working conditions and access to resources.

Access to Finance

Many women around the world lack access to basic banking services, capital and credit. La Pietra will work to improve access to capital and support for micro, small and medium enterprises headed by women entrepreneurs.

Access to Education and Training

Many women around the world are mired in poverty because they were denied the opportunity to complete basic schooling as girls. When at least 10 percent of a country's girls attend school, its GDP increases on average by 3 percent. La Pietra will work to double the number of girls who complete a quality secondary education between 2010 and 2020.

La Pietra will achieve this goal by developing an "Honor Roll" of countries, NGOs and businesses that have demonstrated success in this area and targeting key decision-makers involved in girls' education.

Access to Markets

Many women around the world are unable to become entrepreneurs or participate in the supply chain because they are unable to access the expertise needed to advance in the formal economy. While women represent 50 percent of the world's population and talent, they comprise only 1 percent of all suppliers to large corporations and governments.

La Pietra will work to identify successful models and mechanisms to expand women entrepreneurs' access to markets, including increasing access to corporate value chains and government procurement opportunities and increasing access to the expertise they need to grow their businesses.