International Women’s Day: FFTP Highlights Women Whose Strength Is Transforming Families and Communities
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (March 6, 2026) – As the global community observes International Women’s Day on March 8, Food For The Poor (FFTP) is highlighting women like Patricia in Honduras, whose determination is transforming the future for her family.
Patricia’s son remembers a time when going to school without supplies and going to bed without enough to eat was a daily reality. Today, thanks to a small food business Patricia was able to start with support from FFTP, there is food on the table, school supplies in his backpack, and greater stability at home, even as the family navigates illness.
Patricia’s story reflects the impact of programs supported by FFTP that are designed to address the unique challenges women and girls face across Latin America and the Caribbean.
First marked in 1911, International Women’s Day recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide while calling for accelerated progress toward equality and opportunity. For FFTP, the day underscores a core belief that investing in women is essential to building resilient families and communities throughout the region.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that when women are given the opportunity to earn a fair income, learn new skills, and provide for their families with dignity, the impact reaches far beyond one individual,” said Vivian Borja, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at FFTP.
“At Food For The Poor, we are committed to supporting women through sustainable programs that help them build stronger futures for themselves, their children, and their communities for generations to come,” Borja said.
Across Latin America and the Caribbean, that commitment is taking shape through livelihood initiatives that help women earn sustainable incomes, secure safe housing, and access the training and resources needed to build independent futures for their families.
Among the women supported through these programs are:
• Ana, a community leader in El Salvador who has volunteered for 11 years, guiding early childhood development with compassion and purpose. “I joined because my daughter was premature at the time, and I knew these activities would be beneficial. They needed leaders, and serving the community in this way became a meaningful challenge for me. I enjoy working with children, and I hope to continue training in child development, especially in positive parenting practices.”
• Rosanna, a storyteller and advocate in Honduras who reminds us that collective responsibility can transform lives. “It’s important that we are aware of our privileges and that we can do something about it, whether it’s communicating to amplify this need, donating with whatever resources we have available, or sometimes a hug or a letter to a child we’re sponsoring. We have no idea of the impact that we can have.“
• Silvia, a weaving coach and mother in Guatemala who participates in FFTP’s Mercado Global partnership, mentoring other women while preserving cultural traditions through sustainable work. “I learned of Mercado Global through another artisan who invited us to join a weaving group and learn their craft. That’s where my curiosity to weave was born. I am very proud of my clothing and of who I am.”
To support FFTP’s programs that help women, please go to foodforthepoor.org/iwd
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
