By Denise Raquel Dunning, Founder + Executive Director | April 6, 2020

It is still hard to comprehend the magnitude of change, disruption, and illness that the world has experienced since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At Rise Up, we are all trying to navigate through these enormous challenges in the best way we can – taking care of ourselves, our families, and our communities.  

Rise Up Leaders are continuing their deeply important work to ensure that girls and women remain safe and healthy under increasingly difficult circumstances around the world. Rise Up is supporting our leaders to prioritize their own health and the wellbeing of their families and communities during this crisis, and we are closely monitoring the evolving situation in each of the 15 countries in which we work. 

There are many things right now that are outside of our control, but we are steadfastly committed to investing in girls, youth, and women to create a more just and equitable world. This mission is unwavering, even as we adapt our approach and innovate in this challenging time. What we do know is that COVID-19 will have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable people in our communities, and will worsen the enormous challenges so many girls and women already face around the world. This pandemic makes Rise Up’s work to advance rights, health, safety, and economic opportunities for girls and women more important than ever.

We ask you to consider making a donation so Rise Up can continue to support leaders who are improving the lives of girls and women across the globe. It’s imperative that we come together to provide Rise Up leaders with the resources they need in the face of this crisis and beyond. Our leaders need you now, more than ever.