Our Values

Believe in the Collective Power of Women:

We believe in the transformative power of women in groups to create meaningful change. We believe that when women are given the chance to connect and to build a community and collaborate across geographies, they will contribute to efforts to achieve equity for girls and women worldwide. 

Address Equity: 

WomenStrong strives to uphold a lens of equity within all interactions. We acknowledge the very real effects in everyday interactions of racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, classism, homophobia, religious discrimination, and the intersection of these and other systems, and we seek to provide a safe and brave space where we can engage to our fullest potential. 

Build Trust: 

We invest in trust and practice trust-based grantmaking as a direct challenge to the traditional manifestations of philanthropy; disrupting inequitable power dynamics, removing burdensome reporting requirements, lifting funding restrictions, and increasing transparency.  

Celebrate Ourselves and Our Community:

We strive to create an inclusive space to inspire and celebrate one another, fostering a sense of community that appreciates diverse experiences. Celebration can only happen if all voices in the room are heard and included.  

Establish Mutual Respect and Compassion:

We strive to treat everyone with respect and compassion, acknowledging and valuing cultural differences while recognizing our common humanity and essential dignity.

Listen Responsively:

The root of our work is based on listening and responding to the expressed needs of those we serve, valuing local context and culture, and learning from all approaches. 

Foster Learning and Curiosity: 

We believe tremendous learning is possible regardless of outcome. We welcome different definitions of success, experimentation, and rethinking what works and what does not.  

Embrace a Multidimensional, Holistic Approach:

We believe that only a multifaceted and inclusive approach can create stronger, more resilient organizations that address the needs of urban women and girls. We value curiosity, creativity, shared leadership, and “mic passing” between all stakeholders, while being mindful of and addressing power dynamics. 

Innovate and Share Out:

We believe in moving the needle and creating the conditions for creative solutions and more effective programming. We encourage the sharing of learning, including best practices, challenges, and/or innovative ideas that will contribute to global efforts for gender equity.  

Value Ourselves as a Team: 

We acknowledge that to serve others well, we must support each other and care for ourselves. We strive for the highest level of collaboration and excellence which, we acknowledge, requires consistent investment in professional development, a sustainable work-life balance, open dialogue, and mentoring of each other.