joinFITE is focused on investing in women because we agree with thought leaders like the World Bank and Kofi Annan, that women are tremendous, untapped investments that yield huge returns for entire communities. When a woman develops her own sustainable business, not only does she improve her own situation – but her entire community benefits through a multiplier effect of change.

And yet, investments in women are not yet being made. Women are traditionally more likely to be denied a loan by a bank and often face high levels of financial discrimination. We see tremendous potential to make a significant impact by filling this gap between what women can do and what women need.

Quick Stats:

• 1 billion people (1 in 6) live in extreme poverty – on less than $1 per day, and a disproportionate number of these (70 percent) are women.
• Women perform 66% of the world’s work, produce 50% of the food, yet earn 10% of the income and own 1% of the property.
• When women and girls earn income, they reinvest 90% of it into their families, as compared to 30-40% for a man.