Meet the inspiring women supporting a world where every girl can learn and choose her own future.
This Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting women championing girls’ right to education through their giving. Our work would not be possible without the financial support of our women donors. Studies show that women give differently than men. Women tend to be more involved with their giving, pouring their time and talent into the causes they care about. They also give with a gender lens — prioritising causes that advance gender equality.
Each of our supporters brings her own unique passions and dedication to the fight for girls’ education. Whether they give through an established philanthropic fund or a student fundraiser, every woman donor is critical to accelerating progress for girls.
Hear from our donors about what it means to stand up for girls’ education.
Reetu Gupta is a philanthropist, activist and the CEO of The Gupta Family Foundation. Based in Canada, Reetu spearheads the foundation’s support for global initiatives like providing clean water and toilets for girls in school, making medical treatment accessible in rural areas and emergency disaster relief.
Reetu focuses on education in much of her work, viewing it as a vital step in strengthening girls’ rights and delivering on their needs worldwide. She supports Malala Fund’s efforts in Pakistan to increase girls' access to education.
“Malala Fund is doing work globally to impact education for girls,” says Reetu. “I am honoured to be working [with Malala] in Pakistan, to help our girls receive the knowledge they rightfully deserve so they can proudly take their spot in the world.”
Amy Owsley and Finley Ewing are a mother-daughter duo passionate about the power of girls’ education. Amy supports many international charities through her role at the Keith V. Kiernan Foundation. Amy and Finley were inspired to contribute by Malala’s story of resilience.
“Reading Malala’s biography together, my daughter, Finley, and I kept returning to Malala’s message: One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world,” says Amy. “The power of Malala’s story, and her subsequent work with Malala Fund, inspires the Keith V. Kiernan Foundation’s commitment to girls' education. Simply put, empowering girls makes the world more prosperous and peaceful.”
Finley, 13, also raised money for Malala Fund through a school fundraiser. Just like her mom, she wants to amplify girls’ voices. “Malala Fund’s strategy is one of collaboration and lifting each other up [and] of growing and opening opportunity [for others],” says Finley. “We are stronger together than apart. The unity of our voices — of the next generation of Malalas — is eager to learn and lead.”
Tiana Fletcher took running for a cause to a whole new level when she participated in last year’s Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland. Tiana raced in conditions so cold, even her sweat froze. She challenged herself to take on one of the world’s toughest marathons to show what people are capable of when they are advancing a cause they believe in. She donated the proceeds from her run to Malala Fund.
“For me, [Malala Fund] represents female empowerment, courage, freedom, opportunity, inspiration and equality. Malala Fund recognises every girl’s right to learn, grow and thrive — a collective responsibility that transcends borders; a message that I believe we all must advocate for.”
We thank Reetu, Amy, Finley and Tiana and all our women donors for their support and impactful contributions to Malala Fund. Join them in helping to break down the barriers that keep girls out of school: visit our ways to support page or email giving@malalafund.org to find out how you can support our work.
