Madre Inc

MADRE Inc, a human rights organization and feminist fund, is dedicated to advancing women's human rights by addressing pressing needs in communities and forging long-term solutions to the crises women face. This international organization partners with grassroots, women-led organizations on the frontlines of war, climate breakdown, and their aftermath. MADRE uplifts the leadership of marginalized women and girls, including Indigenous women, Afro-descendant women, LGBTIQ individuals, and people with disabilities.

MADRE's approach encompasses three interconnected strategies: grantmaking, organizational strengthening, and legal advocacy. Through these strategies, the organization provides flexible financial and direct service support to women and girls' groups in difficult-to-fund and hard-to-reach communities. Since its inception in 1983, MADRE has distributed nearly $63 million in grants and in-kind support to partners worldwide. The organization's work focuses on three core program areas: Ending Gender Violence, Advancing Climate Justice, and Building a Just Peace.

Ending Gender Violence is a primary concern for MADRE. The organization supports partners to transform harmful social norms, challenge policies, and amplify women's and girls' solutions to prevent, document, and promote accountability for gender-based abuse. In various countries, MADRE's partners have provided vital services, such as health care and counseling, to survivors of violence. They have also advocated for policy changes and increased access to justice for women and girls.

Advancing Climate Justice is another crucial area of focus for MADRE. The organization helps partners adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate breakdown while amplifying the voices and solutions of women and girls on the frontlines of the global climate crisis. MADRE's partners provide essential services, such as emergency aid and livelihood support, to communities affected by climate-related disasters. They also work to promote women's inclusion and leadership in climate-related initiatives.

Building a Just Peace is the third core program area for MADRE. The organization empowers women and girls to respond to the drivers and impacts of violence in their communities and cultivate peace based on equality, justice, and dignity for all. Through partnerships, MADRE helps women and girls build strong, locally-rooted initiatives to rebuild trust and reintegrate communities after conflict.

MADRE's increased grantmaking in FY22, surpassing the annual goal of $5 million, has been attributed to emergency appeals and responses to crises in countries like Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as the growth of grantmaking through the VIVA Girls initiative. The organization's support has led to significant achievements, such as improved access to health care, education, and legal services for women and girls, and increased recognition of their rights and agency in their communities.