Author: Elizabeth Barajas-Román

Elizabeth Barajas-Román is the President & CEO of the Women’s Funding Network, the largest philanthropic network in the world devoted to gender equity and justice. For more than 20 years she has been a leader in progressive movements, including advocating at the national level for the health and rights of immigrant women and their families. She was previously a manager at The Pew Charitable Trusts, and before that, the Director of Policy at National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. Elizabeth serves on the national Board of Directors for Emerge and is on the steering committee for the New England Women’s Policy Initiative. She is a member of the External Advisory Board for the University of Massachusetts-Boston Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, and the Massachusetts Treasurer appointed Elizabeth to serve on the state’s Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board, and the statewide Advisory Board on Wage Equality.

How Gender Lens Funding Can Improve COVID Response

How Gender Lens Funding Can Improve COVID Response

The Women’s Funding Network began more than 30 years ago with the belief that by democratizing philanthropy through local funds created by, and for, women, we could dismantle gender inequity region-by-region across the globe. Thirty years later we see that vision in action through the steadfast efforts of our members during this unprecedented crisis. 

gender lens funding
(Photo courtesy of Brian Wangenheim at Unsplash)

As women’s foundations, gender equity funders, and philanthropists, our members have played a critical role in giving a voice, decision-making power, and resources to women and their families. Women’s funds and foundations’ efforts have ensured that a gender lens remains a central focus and priority in our communities amidst this uncertain moment in history. Without their support, women disappear from the conversation, and from the economic equation entirely when it comes to equitable and appropriate allocation of funds and resources. 

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