Target Program
Target Program
In 2009, FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation announced the Target Program to bring a critical global issue to the attention of FAWCO Clubs, their members and the world. The Target Program offers opportunities for local FAWCO Clubs to make a global difference.
Target Programs:
- Follow a three-year cycle of issue awareness and education, project selection, fundraising, project monitoring, review and evaluation.
- Demonstrate the power of FAWCO Clubs working together toward a common goal.
- Increase knowledge and awareness of global issues affecting women.
In keeping with FAWCO’s Resolutions and Recommendations, Target Programs have the overarching goal of improving the lives of women and girls. The FAWCO Board, in consultation with The FAWCO Foundation Board, chooses Target Issues on a revolving basis through our four areas of interest: Education, Environment, Health and Human Rights. As a United Nations accredited NGO (non-governmental organization) with special consultative status to the UN Economic and Social Council, FAWCO places a high priority on giving our Member Clubs the opportunity to contribute together to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme of our recently concluded Target Program 5 (2022–2025) was “Our Natural Environment: Empowering Women and Girls to Ensure a Sustainable Future.” FAWCO members selected the Awesome Blossoms project, which developed water-efficient urban farms to support education programs for children as well as the empowerment of 75 women entrepreneurs in the Mathare slum of Nairobi. With the enthusiasm and support of the FAWCO family, we were able to install three farms, with 500 hydroponic gardens each, in two schools, purchase a vehicle to transport vegetables to the market for sale, as well as purchase land for the creation of a center of excellence and training for the long-term sustainability of the project. In recognition of the transformative nature of the project, Awesome Blossoms was recognized in the 2024 Gender Just Climate Awards in the Non-Technical Solutions Category. We were grateful for the support of Launch Education Advisors for their support in raising awareness during the three-year project cycle. (FAWCO clubs and members raised $ 211,000 for Awesome Blossoms, which included land to create a center of expertise, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and serving as a proof of concept for this type of hydroponic agriculture and entrepreneurship model, which can be replicated in other parts of the world).
At our Biennial Conference in Annapolis in March 2026, we announced the theme of our upcoming Target Program 6 (2025–2028): “Human Rights: Advancing Dignity, Equality and Freedom for Women and Girls,” aligning directly with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and other interconnected SDGs. In general, these projects could address systemic barriers, protect fundamental freedoms, and/or advance equal participation in society. Launch Education Advisors has once again generously agreed to sponsor education and awareness-raising activities for this Target Cycle. Please click on the link below to learn more about Target Program 6.
Previous Target Projects have included:
- Target Program 4 (2019–2022) Health: Promoting Well-Being and Healthy Lives for Women and Girls
- Project: S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Female Genital Mutilation Elimination)
- Location: Tanzania
- Amount raised: $177,413
- Target Program 3 (2016-–2019) Education: Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Skills
- Project: Hope Beyond Displacement (Collateral Repair Project)
- Location: Jordan
- Amount raised: $190,000
- Target Program 2 (2013–2016) Human Rights: Protecting the Rights and Improving the Lives of Women and Girls Worldwide
- Project: Free the Girls
- Location: Sites in Africa and Latin America
- Amount raised: $172,000
- Target Program 1 (2009–2013) Environment: Water and Sustainability
- Project: Tabitha Wells
- Location: Cambodia
- Amount raised: $165,000
- NetWorks Malaria Project (2005–2009)
- Location: Sites throughout Africa
- Amount raised: $165,885
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Subcategories
Target Program: Human Rights for Women
In March 2013, Human Rights for Women – Protecting the Rights and Improving the Lives of Women and Girls Worldwide, was announced as the overarching theme for the FAWCO Target Program 2013 - 2016.
The Target Program: Human Rights for Women was composed of two parts: Target Education/Awareness and the Target Project. The Education/Awareness Program focused on women's rights as human rights, specifically in the areas of political empowerment, economic empowerment, peace and security, and ending violence against women. The Target Project was our opportunity to financially support a project that met the Target goal.
Target Education/Awareness continued through the Target Bulletins, Special Programs and Workshops, and with the support of FAWCO's Human Rights Team. Fundraising for the Free The Girls Target Project, through the Backing Women Campaign as well as special events sponsored by Member Clubs, continued through February 2016.
In 2013, twelve Target Project proposals were submitted and the Target Selection Committee developed a short list of three finalist projects announced in December 2013. FAWCO Member Clubs voted for the winning Target Project. The Target Project -- Free The Girls -- was announced at the March 2014 Interim Conference in Brussels. Free the Girls works with former victims of sex trafficking in Africa and Latin America, helping them rebuild their lives through economic empowerment.
From left to right: Melissa Watson, National Director, Free The Girls; MyLinh Kunst, FAWCO President 2011-2015; Kimba Langas, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Free The Girls; Catherine Marland, FAWCO Rep and Application Sponsor, AWC Surrey; Betsy Speer, President, AWC Surrey; Johanna Dishongh, Chair, FAWCO Target Program 2013-2016; Michele Hendrikse DuBois, President, FAWCO Foundation 2012-2015.
Following the Target Project announcement, The FAWCO Foundation launched the Backing Women Fundraising Campaign with the unveiling of Christian de Laubadère’s painting, the inspiration for the campaign logo. The original painting was auctioned at the FAWCO Biennial Conference in Rome (March 2015) with all proceeds going to the campaign.
With the support of The FAWCO Foundation Backing Women Campaign and Member Clubs from every region of FAWCO, over $172,000 was contributed to FREE THE GIRLS, which allowed this start up non-profit the necessary breathing room to streamline operations, fine tune their limited staff positions, all while maintaining a focus on the women they serve. Women who, prior to participating in the FREE THE GIRLS program, did not have a means to support themselves or their families. Women, whose children and very often, children of extended family members, now attend school with school fees paid from their earning. Women, who through their own purchasing power, now support the local economy.
Johanna Dishongh
AWC The Hague
Target Human Rights Chair 2013-2016
Target Program: Environment (Water)
In 2009, FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation announced a four year program to bring a critical global issue to the attention of FAWCO Clubs, their members and the world. The FAWCO Target Water Program was an opportunity for FAWCO member clubs and FAUSA members to work together towards the goal of clean water worldwide.
The 2009-2013 Target Program was focused on the global environmental issues of Water and Sustainability. In addition to raising awareness about the importance of clean water in all the countries where we are represented, we asked our member clubs to fundraise specifically for Tabitha Wells for Clean Water, Cambodia.
FAWCO is an international NGO and the Target Program distinguishes FAWCO clubs from other international clubs by giving them the opportunity to pool their efforts and contribute together to a UN Millennium Development Goal. We asked our member clubs for their support in whatever ways were open to them. Together we have made a huge impact on access to clean water worldwide.
At the 41st Biennial conference in Bern, Target Program Chair Anne van Oorschot (AWC The Hague) received a Caroline Curtis Brown Spirit Award for her tireless work in the last two years. She gave an excellent final report and included a thank-you video from Tabitha's founder Janne Ritskes.
CLUB RESOURCES:
Download the Target Program Final Presentation.
Download PICTURES of FAWCO wells .
Check out our fundraising ideas.
Go to The FAWCO Foundation website for more fundraising ideas and stories from Cambodia.
Target Program: Education
Target Program Education 2016-2019
At the Interim Meeting in Frankfurt (March 11-13, 2016), Education – Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Skills, was announced as the overarching theme for the FAWCO Target Program 2016 - 2019.
Education is one of the most critical areas of empowerment for women. When girls are educated, they lead healthier and more productive lives. They gain the skills, knowledge and self-confidence to escape the cycle of poverty. They become better citizens, parents and breadwinners. An educated girl has a positive ripple effect on her health, family, community and society as a whole. - USAID
Stay Up-to-Date
On April 1, 2017, FAWCO announced the 2017-2019 Target Project
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Hope Beyond Displacement |
Educating and Empowering Refugee Women and Girls in Jordan
Visit the Target Project page to learn more.
FAWCO Target Program Education 2016 - 2019
Education – Empowering Women & Girls through Knowledge & Skills
The best way to find out everything you need to know about the Target Program is through our monthly Bulletin.
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Over the next three years, we will take a deep dive to learn what matters in girls’ education. We will explore the issues which prevent millions of women and girls from receiving quality education around the globe. We will become familiar with the goals established by world leaders in education to remedy this injustice. We will look at the impact educating women and girls have on their lives, their families, their communities and society. We will become experts! |
The FAWCO Target Project is a sustainable investment by our Member Clubs to empower women and girls. Over the next two years (2017-2019), The FAWCO Foundation will employ the energy and generosity of our members through the Backing Women Fundraising Campaign to support women's and girls’ education. Proceeds generated through these efforts will support the FAWCO Target Project: Hope Beyond Displacement an initiative of the Collateral Repair Project
Educating and Empowering Refugee Women and Girls in Jordan |
Target Program Flyer
We know it can be hard to explain exactly what the Target Program is all about. This PDF flyer explains the Why, What and How. If there is anything else you need to promote the Target Program in your club, please be in touch!
Tricia R. Saur
Target Program: Health
"Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-Being to Improve the LIves of Women and Girls" was announced as the theme for the 2019-2022 FAWCO Target Program: Health at the Biennial Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 24, 2019.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
– World Health Organization
Health programs that address gender barriers improve development programs overall. When women are educated and can earn and control income, infant mortality declines, child health and nutrition improve, population growth slows, economies expand, and cycles of poverty are broken.
– US Aid
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Key Areas that have Serious Consequences for Female Health
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Target Program: Health Timeline 2019-2022
Target Health Blog - coming soon
In our monthly Target Blog, we will learn about the most important issues in women's and girls' health:
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What are the top ten issues for women's and girls' health?
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What prevents women and girls from accessing quality health care?
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What are the goals established by world leaders in health to remedy these issues?
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What are the effects of poor health on women and girls, their families, communities and societies?
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What is the impact on women and girls, their families, communities and societies when good health is achieved?
Target Health Bulletin
Our monthly bulletin, Target Program: Health, will update you on the current status of the Target Program, tease you with a snippet from the blog, and offer a visual inspiration to enhance your understanding of the health issues faced by women and children.
Don't miss a future issue, it's the best way to stay up to date!