Inspiring Change: Today is International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the achievements of women. Over the last few years, the CDC Foundation has gathered stories throughout the world about the life-saving work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are five of many examples, highlighting those who are making a difference for women and girls and celebrating the dedication and innovation of women working to improve health in communities everywhere.

Berlyne Otieno, better known as “Mama Sprinkles,” sells sprinkles vitamin packs to help boost the health of local children in Kenya’s Nyanza Province. Sprinkles address micronutrient deficiencies in children and provide an income to local women’s groups in impoverished rural areas. Read more

Wazazi Nipendeni (“Parents Love Me” in Swahili), a healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood text-messaging and multi-media campaign, is reaching new and expectant mothers in the most remote corners of Tanzania. Read more

Dr. Cathy Mwangi, CDC Foundation mHealth Kenya, was involved in launching a new e-mobile platform that will advance the future of medical supply distribution in Kenya. Read more

Together for Girls released the first edition of Safe, a digital magazine that is focused on sexual violence and tells the stories of children exposed to violence all over the world. The magazine brings courageous stories to light, sharing solutions and resources for prevention and highlighting the heroes around the world who are making a difference. Read more

Through individual donations to the CDC Foundation, CDC-Kenya staff distribute safe delivery kits and offer transportation for pregnant women to a healthcare facility for delivery. Read more