Why is WEP focused on India now that it has a strong and growing economy?
Although India’s economy has grown over the last decade, the benefits of this growth have not been shared equally among its citizens. In fact, the number of people living in poverty in India has changed very little in recent years, and the divide between rich and poor has grown. Women are especially vulnerable to this divide due to cultural beliefs and barriers that keep them from fully participating in the country’s economic growth. By helping ambitious young women pursue higher education and meaningful careers, WEP hopes to bridge this divide and help our students rise out of poverty and reap the benefits of India’s growing economy. Does WEP plan to work in other countries? WEP plans to expand to other countries beginning in 2014. Countries currently targeted for expansion include Bangladesh and Guatemala, but we are interested in working wherever there is both a need for our services and strong partner organizations to help us implement our programs. What is WEP growth plan for each