Non Profit Organisation Marketing Strategies

Violent crimes against women have ensured that they minimally participate in the economic, political and social arena. These violent crimes include "sexual harassment, domestic violence, incest, rape, "honour" killings, dowry murders, acid disfigurement and the mutilation of a woman's genitals." (http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/cms/content/blogcategory/20/58/). Even after years of women emancipation, females still find themselves fighting for equal opportunities and protections from their male counterparts in all spheres of life. There has been progress in terms of female emancipation, but it has been very slow, with only a minute amount of significant positions of offices occupied by females. "At the international level, the picture is similarly bleak. There has never been a woman as Secretary General of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank - all key institutions that possess significant global political and economic influence." (http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/cms/content/blogcategory/23/61/). Global fund for women take a stand on the controversial issue of women leadership, challenging prominent global organisations such as The United Nations, International Monetary fund and the World Bank, the question why these prominent global, political and economic institutions have never had a women as a secretary general. The organisation looks into why in some parts of the world, women are unable to inherit land, challenge divorce or custody laws and in some cases are even denied the right to be treated as adults.

"The Global Fund for Women is an international network of women and men committed to a world of equality and social justice. We advocate for and defend women's human rights by making grants to support women's groups around the world." (http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/cms/content/blogcategory/88/199/).

We are part of a global women's movement that is rooted in a commitment to justice and an appreciation of the value of women's experience. The challenges women face, vary widely across communities, cultures, religions, traditions and countries. We believe that women should have a full range of choices, and that women themselves know best how to determine their needs and propose solutions for lasting change. The way in which we do our work is as important as what we do. This philosophy is reflected in our flexible, respectful and responsive style of grant making. This NGO has found creative and innovative ways of marketing its cause, creating a global presence and attracting lifelong donors.

The Global Fund for Women finds itself at the forefront of female leadership development programs aimed at ensuring that women are well-equipped with vital skills to make meaningful contributions in all decision making processes. They financially contribute to women lawyers and associations of that nature who advocate women's rights as well as fund political campaigns, voter literacy and legal education. Temporary relief in the form of counselling and shelter is also granted to victims of violence of a societal or personal nature. Legislative advocacy campaigns and rallies form part of the organisation's lobbying techniques to bring out a non-violent environment for all. Funds are also channelled to assist females in finding peaceful ways of settling conflicts.

The Global Fund for Women has also investing in long-term behavioural and attitude changes with regard to violence. This has been done through co-ordinated media campaigns ranging from television, to radio, to print media. Economic empowerment programs such as farming initiatives are also subsidised as a form of capacity building. There has been a move by this NGO, to extend its leadership and success knowledge base through different networks of NGOs and community training offices. There have also been marches and petitions opposing gender inequalities. This Fund has also tried to find women employment so as to develop them and assist them in providing for themselves and their children when faced with challenging situations such as abuse. At International discussion forums, the Global Fund for Women have lobbied certain influential men to table issues on behalf of women, issues that would otherwise have been dismissed had they been raised by females.

The Bush Administration has also been found guilty of propagating gender inequalities through its policies. Contraceptives have received no mention in legislation, leaving the honouring of such prescriptions in the hands of Pharmacists. Bush's action to ban health care organisations from performing or giving direction on issues of abortion has lead to funds being withdrawn from African countries that have legalised abortions and embarked on family planning education. The American government has stopped conducting surveys on women in the workplace. As a result the Department of labour lacks statistics on the figures of employed and unemployed females; how they are professional treated; and promotional, and wage disparities between the genders. Women who have fled from their home countries in seek of asylum in America have been denied such by the same Administration, that condemned human trafficking and sexual slavery, through the implementation of regulations. The Defense Advisory Committee of Women in the Services (DACOWITS) has received a reduction in their attention to female issues, staffing, membership and funding from the American government. In addition, the Pentagon has been giving control of this once autonomous committee. Bush has recommended that the budgets for educational programs aimed at women and girls be reduced and has also tried to abolish the Women's Educational Equity Act. The American government has estimated that by 2009, 300 000 children would have lost their Child Care and Development Block Grant, reducing the possibilities of low income women from seeking or keeping employment. The establishment of the White House Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach was aimed at scrutinizing women orientated policy initiatives and liasing with interested external establishments about such policies. In less than two months of President Bush's inauguration, the office was closed.

One of the discussion papers prepared for the World Social Forum (WSF), by a female participant noted several actions by organisations and individuals that perpetuated global female inequalities. Females primarily fought the fight for gender equality with little or no involvement from males. Topics under discussion at various discussion forums did not incorporate feminist issues. Female members (of these committees and forums) are still violated by their male counterparts. Sexists and misogynists encourage this behaviour through the media. The G8's lobby agenda is generally