Exxon Mobil Corporation announced a new community investment initiative, Educating Women and Girls. An extension of ExxonMobil's longstanding support for education, this multi-year initiative will fund numerous education projects for women and girls in the developing world.
ExxonMobil will spend $3 million in 2005, the first year of this program. The announcement includes the initiative's first nine grants that will fund projects in Angola, Chad, Kazakhstan, Qatar and Indonesia, as well as two projects with a global focus. This most recent community initiative complements ExxonMobil's ongoing efforts to support the communities where it operates, including its signature Africa Health Initiative, a $10 million-a-year program.
"The research is clear that improvements in education and increased opportunities for women and girls serve as a foundation for economic growth, development and societal progress. We believe this initiative will support international development goals and have a profound and lasting impact on individuals, their families and the communities where we operate around the world," said Rex Tillerson, President, Exxon Mobil Corporation.
World Bank studies confirm that, when all of the benefits are taken into account, programs directed to educating women and girls yield a higher rate of return than any other community investment available in the developing world. Educated women are healthier and less likely to die in childbirth than women with little or no schooling. The children of educated mothers are more likely to survive, to go to school and to be healthier because of better nutrition and immunization rates. Educating women and girls has also been shown to help lower infant and child mortality rates, prevent the diseases associated with poor sanitation, and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
ExxonMobil Educating Women and Girls
2005 Grant Awards: Phase One
The first Educating Women and Girls grants total US$1.6 million for nine projects in six countries where ExxonMobil has significant operations. The company worked with governments, communities, and local and international non-governmental organizations to identify and develop projects that improve access and remove barriers to education and economic empowerment for women and girls. The projects address locally identified areas of significant need, are culturally aligned with their target communities and aim to have long-lasting community benefits. The remaining grants in this $3 million program are under development and will be awarded later in the year.
Global – CEDPA
International scholarships for 25 female managers of community organizations in selected developing countries to attend a one-month training course in Washington, DC. The course will provide instruction on 'how to run an NGO' (financial and resource management, needs assessments, human resource management, etc.) as well as an ongoing mentoring program and an alumni network.
Global – Vital Voices
Support for the leadership training of female business and political leaders from emerging nations. This training teaches selected individuals to help build strong economies and support democracy by focussing on expanding women's roles in politics and civil society, increasing successful women's entrepreneurship, and fighting trafficking in women and girls.
Indonesia – Pakta Foundation, Yayasan Garis Tepi, Yayasan Dharma Bhakti Astra
Two projects focused on business development, micro-enterprise and skills development for women in post-tsunami Aceh. The projects will target out-of-work women and enhance their earning potential with business consultation, technical assistance and workshops on product development and marketing (e.g. handicraft market development). A third project will refurbish a training center in Bojonegoro Regency and provide computer training and English lessons for women.
Kazakhstan – USAID
The establishment of an Enterprise Development Center in Astana. The center, co-housed with a micro-finance organization, will provide potential entrepreneurs with strategic counseling services and training in financial management, marketing, and human resource management. With a focus on women owned and operated enterprises, the project will work to improve business capabilities, expand activities and create new jobs.
Qatar – Qatar Foundation, Social Development Center
An education and training program for women aged 19-45 who wish to enter the workforce. The training will build core workplace, business and life skills and prepare participants for the job search, interviewing, entering the workforce and interacting in the workplace. The program is targeted at women who are living in poverty and have limited formal education and/or previous employment. There will be three five-week courses per year.
