Every day 50,000 people die from poverty-related causes, and nearly half the world's population lives in extreme poverty.
Microfinance offers an innovative and powerful solution to poverty, providing the world's poor with the financial tools they need to work their way out of poverty. As each small loan is repaid, another loan is made possible - ending the cycle of poverty and creating a cycle of prosperity and empowerment.
Join us in sending 10,000 letters urging UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to support microfinance by October 17th, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Please sign the petition below today to help us reach this goal by the 17th!
Dear Secretary General Ban Ki-moon,
Nearly half the population of the world, or 2.7 billion people, lives in extreme poverty, and every day 50,000 people die from poverty-related causes. We believe that microfinance is an effective solution in combating poverty, and we encourage you to spread the word of its success.
Microfinance provides low-income people with the financial tools they need -- including small loans, savings and insurance -- to work their way out of poverty. Greater financial stability allows the hardworking poor to pay school fees, build homes and raise healthier families. And because microfinance programs are designed to cover their own costs, they have the ability to help millions more people than traditional aid -- enough to truly change the world.
[Your comments]
Please demonstrate your leadership in the fight against poverty by advocating for microfinance when you speak at the 21st Annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th, 2008.
