Money is hardly neutral. Its connection to power makes it a highly charged social phenomenon and a mediator of relationships. Because it has historically been controlled by men, it has given men a tool for controlling women. Ann Cotton chargeconnectioncontrol share on social
Women's vulnerability around money is hardly exclusive to Africa. Throughout the world, women struggle with financial power. In the West, women's financial literacy is notably lower than men's. That lack of knowledge means that many women slide into poverty when they become widows. Ann Cotton africaexclusivefinancial share on social
Be greedy for social change, and your life will be endlessly enriched. The only failure lies in not trying, or giving up. Ann Cotton changeendlesslyenrich Change image and share on social
At base, financial literacy is inextricably connected to control over one's future. Ann Cotton baseconnectcontrol Change image and share on social
Poverty diminishes confidence. So if someone offers you a grain store, even if you really need a plough, you take what is offered to you. Ann Cotton confidencediminishgrain Change image and share on social
The world has proved enough times that it can scale cruelty and violence. Compassion and kindness can and must be scaled to create a world of justice for children. Ann Cotton childcompassioncreate Change image and share on social
I have seen the transformative effect that education has in the lives of young women and their communities. Ann Cotton communityeducationeffect Change image and share on social
For more than 20 years, Camfed has supported a generation of African girls and women with access to secondary and higher education, employment opportunities, and, ultimately, into positions of leadership. Ann Cotton accessafricancamfed share on social
For the poor, learning to manage money well is central to improving their lives. Ann Cotton centralimprovelearn Change image and share on social
The organization I founded in 1993, Camfed (the Campaign for Female Education), was in large part inspired by the generosity shown to me by a community in a village in Zimbabwe. During my visit to Mola to research girls' exclusion from education, the people of Mola fed me, shaded me, walked and talked with me for hours each day. Ann Cotton camfedcampaigncommunity share on social