Despite what you read, see or hear in the media, there is so much happening in the world that is inspiring and uplifting. We have the great honor to be working with one group that is having a powerful impact on women in many countries, and we want you to know about them.

The Nobel Women’s Initiative is an organization created by women who have won the Nobel Peace Prize and who seek to use the cachet, visibility and power of that prestigious award to spotlight, promote and amplify the work of grassroots women’s organizations and movements around the world. Their vision is remarkable: a world transformed through the rejection of war, militarism, violence and discrimination, where peace and security are built on feminist principles, human rights, justice, protection of the environment, and equality for all people and communities. 

Perhaps you have heard of some of these seven Nobel Laureates: Rigoberta Menchú Tum of Guatemala, Jody Williams of the United States, Shirin Ebadi of Iran, Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, Tawakkol Karman of Yemen, Maria Ressa of the Philippines, and Narges Mohammadi of Iran. Each one has an astonishing story of committed activism in the face of harsh persecution: some (like Narges currently) have received the award while imprisoned; some have had to leave their countries; all have suffered greatly but have turned their anguish and anger into an indomitable will to be of service to others who suffer. 

Against all odds, these women have prevailed in fostering and catalyzing peace and healing in the face of war, oppression, marginalization, and unspeakable sexual violence that is too often used as a tool of war. They do so by shining a spotlight on hotspots that need visibility, engaging the media in amplifying the voices and messages of women activists and training those women to be both safe and effective.

While the Nobel Laureates have access to the halls of power and cultivate influence for their work there, they are particularly focused on supporting grassroots activists who are putting themselves on the line and facing the dangers of on-the-ground organizing. The Nobel Women’s Initiative supports young activists in the Sister to Sister Mentoring Program where they educate and train young feminist leaders as well as create a network of belonging for them.

The Laureates themselves have become sisters to each other, and it has been our great privilege to join them on their delegations to hotspots like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guatemala, Liberia, Ethiopia and Dharmsala. We have seen firsthand how effective they are in navigating violent situations and creating peace and security. Our experiences with them have been incredibly powerful (both painful and joyful), and they have deepened us and strengthened our commitment to empowering women and girls.

It is a huge privilege for us and for the Soul of Money Institute to stand with the Nobel Women, to be their behind-the-scenes sisters to ensure they have what they need to do their work. If you’d like to know more about these inspiring women and their important work in the world, go to nobelwomensinitiative.org. You might choose to support them financially or to consider donating to any other group serving the future safety and empowerment of women and girls.

With love and appreciation,

Lynne & Sara