Meeting women and youth where they are and accelerating their way forward
Meet our Co-founders and Co-CEOs
Vision
We envision a world where African women and youth’s expertise is highly valued and resourced—so that they can lead as architects of change in their communities and around the world.
Mission
We partner with women and youth-led organizations across Africa to scale locally led solutions in healthcare, education, food security and economic resilience through funding, technical support, and global connections.
About Us
We are a network of development professionals united by a commitment to reimagine how international development is done. We advance equity-driven models of partnership, mentorship, and financing that shift power and resources more directly to women- and youth-led organizations and social enterprises, their families and communities.
Donate
We are committed to inclusive, intersectional and integrated approaches to our programming.
Women and youth around the world face barriers to health, economic strengthening, food security, and quality education. At Women Rising International, we partner with innovative African women's and youth organizations and social enterprises to build lasting, inclusive change.
Your support helps unlock access to life-changing services and support, empowering women and youth to rise, lead, and thrive. Give today and fuel a movement that’s transforming lives.
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When women rise, communities thrive.
Co-
Founders'
Story
Andrea Bertone and Elise Young
Elise Young and Andrea Bertone met in 2014 at a global development coalition meeting. They quickly became sisters with a similar mission: to help women and youth find and use their power. They’ve worked closely together ever since across 3 organizations, 40 countries, and with hundreds of talented women and allies to do meaningful work that brings them joy. They now partner with the same powerful African women and youth changemakers who have taught and inspired them for years.