Half the Sky – a book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn published in 2009 – argues that the oppression of women worldwide is “the paramount moral challenge” of the present era. Women and girls face gender bias daily, particularly in rural communities.

Sadly, even today, there are limited work opportunities and a sense of lost freedom. Here at Seva, we are steadfast in addressing barriers and creating solutions to help women and girls thrive. A few examples of the community-based ideas we champion:

• Vision Centers, permanent local, accessible and sustainable establishments that bring primary eye care to remote communities, recruit & train local women for jobs as ophthalmologic paraprofessionals.
• Gender-responsive outreach assistance ensures women & girls know affordable care is available to them.
• Technology and telemedicine are leveraged to create access to eye care and ensure follow-up for women living in isolated and rural communities.
• We advocate for policy at a national and global scale that supports female advancement in the field of universal eye health – from paraprofessionals to ophthalmologists.

With our donors’ support, Seva has reduced and, in some areas, eliminated gender inequality – that said we know all too well, the bar for gender equity is a bar we have not yet cleared. Last year, 1.5 million women & girls received Seva-supported services.

On today’s International Women’s Day, join us in reaching the millions of more women worldwide still in need of eye care. After all, our shared future is in her sight.

On behalf of the talented women I serve and serve alongside everyday,

Kate Moynihan
Executive Director