In 2009, FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation announced the Target Program to bring a critical global issue to the attention of FAWCO Clubs, their members and the world. The Target Program offers opportunities for local FAWCO Clubs to make a global difference.

Target Programs:

• Follow a three-year cycle of issue awareness and education, project selection, fundraising, project monitoring, review and evaluation.
• Demonstrate the power of FAWCO Clubs working together toward a common goal.
• Increase knowledge and awareness of global issues affecting women.

In keeping with FAWCO’s Resolutions and Recommendations, Target Programs have the overarching goal of improving the lives of women and girls. The FAWCO Board, in consultation with The FAWCO Foundation Board, chooses Target Issues on a revolving basis through our four areas of interest: Education, Environment, Health and Human Rights. As a United Nations accredited NGO (non-governmental organization) with special consultative status to the UN Economic and Social Council, FAWCO places a high priority on giving our Member Clubs the opportunity to contribute together to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

 

The theme of our recently concluded Target Program 5 (2022–2025) was “Our Natural Environment: Empowering Women and Girls to Ensure a Sustainable Future.” FAWCO members selected the Awesome Blossoms project, which developed water-efficient urban farms to support education programs for children as well as the empowerment of 75 women entrepreneurs in the Mathare slum of Nairobi. With the enthusiasm and support of the FAWCO family, we were able to install three farms, with 500 hydroponic gardens each, in two schools, purchase a vehicle to transport vegetables to the market for sale, as well as purchase land for the creation of a center of excellence and training for the long-term sustainability of the project. In recognition of the transformative nature of the project, Awesome Blossoms was recognized in the 2024 Gender Just Climate Awards in the Non-Technical Solutions Category. We were grateful for the support of Launch Education Advisors for their support in raising awareness during the three-year project cycle. (FAWCO clubs and members raised $ 211,000 for Awesome Blossoms, which included land to create a center of expertise, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and serving as a proof of concept for this type of hydroponic agriculture and entrepreneurship model, which can be replicated in other parts of the world).

 

At our Biennial Conference in Annapolis in March 2026, we announced the theme of our upcoming Target Program 6 (2025–2028): “Human Rights: Advancing Dignity, Equality and Freedom for Women and Girls,” aligning directly with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and other interconnected SDGs. In general, these projects could address systemic barriers, protect fundamental freedoms, and/or advance equal participation in society. Launch Education Advisors has once again generously agreed to sponsor education and awareness-raising activities for this Target Cycle. Please click on the link below to learn more about Target Program 6.

Previous Target Projects have included:

• Target Program 4 (2019–2022) Health: Promoting Well-Being and Healthy Lives for Women and Girls
  • Project: S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Female Genital Mutilation Elimination)
  • Location: Tanzania
  • Amount raised: $177,413
• Target Program 3 (2016-–2019) Education: Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Skills
  • Project: Hope Beyond Displacement (Collateral Repair Project)
  • Location: Jordan
  • Amount raised: $190,000
• Target Program 2 (2013–2016) Human Rights: Protecting the Rights and Improving the Lives of Women and Girls Worldwide
  • Project: Free the Girls 
  • Location: Sites in Africa and Latin America
  • Amount raised: $172,000
• Target Program 1 (2009–2013) Environment: Water and Sustainability
  • Project: Tabitha Wells
  • Location: Cambodia
  • Amount raised: $165,000
• NetWorks Malaria Project (2005–2009)
  • Location: Sites throughout Africa
  • Amount raised: $165,885