Celebrating Impact: Our 2024 Annual Report Is Here

Celebrating Impact: Our 2024 Annual Report Is Here

At WomenServe, we believe that when you invest in women and girls, you create ripples of transformation that last for generations. In 2024, that belief came to life in powerful and measurable ways, and it’s all thanks to you.

From expanding girls’ education to creating economic opportunities for women and ensuring access to clean water, our collective impact has grown deeper, wider, and more sustainable.

Here’s a glimpse of what we accomplished together this year:

• 11,600+ lives impacted across 25 communities
  Through deep partnerships and grassroots collaboration, WomenServe’s programs reached over 11,600 women, girls, and families—providing access to critical resources, education, and opportunity in some of the most underserved regions of rural Rajasthan.

• 1,229 women and girls received life-changing education and mentorship through the Women’s Innovation Network (WIN) program
  From classroom learning to life skills workshops and confidence-building mentorship, the WIN program empowered over a thousand girls to not only stay in school, but to dream bigger, speak louder, and lead with courage.

• 95 girls graduated, with many becoming mentors and advocates in their communities
  This first class of WIN graduates marks a major milestone—not only for themselves, but for the younger girls they now mentor. These graduates are catalysts for change, using their voices and experiences to uplift others and advocate for girls’ rights.

• 800 women gained financial independence through Self-Help Groups
  Through 70 Self-Help Groups, women accessed training, microloans, and collective savings models—building small businesses, growing confidence, and stepping into leadership roles within their communities.

• 30 women-led ventures launched through vocational and entrepreneurial training
  With skills in sewing, beauty services, digital marketing, and more, 30 new startups were born—each led by a woman who is now not just supporting her family, but modeling what’s possible for others around her.

• 420+ community members now have access to clean water and fresh vegetables through Taanka systems and nutrition gardens
  Water security and nutrition were strengthened through rainwater harvesting (Taankas), nutrition gardens, and community-led water projects, providing reliable access to essentials that transform health and dignity.

• 1.7M+ viewers reached globally through our collaboration with Traditional Medicinals & Playing for Change
  The “No Woman, No Cry” campaign collaboration brought global visibility to the strength of women worldwide, blending art, advocacy, and music to inspire over 1.7 million people and expand our circle of changemakers.

• 762% increase on Instagram, expanding the reach of powerful stories of resilience and hope
  By ramping up visual storytelling and community engagement, we dramatically increased our social reach, inviting thousands more to witness the courage, creativity, and strength of the women we serve.

• The Thar Artisan Collective blossomed, turning homes into centers of economic opportunity for rural women
  Through sewing, embroidery, and shared learning, women turned their homes into thriving artisan hubs. Meanwhile, dozens of donors now proudly carry their handcrafted pink thread totes—each one a symbol of solidarity, purpose, and shared empowerment.

• 50+ new donors joined our mission this year, strengthening our community of changemakers
  Our movement grew stronger as more supporters chose to stand with women and girls. Every new donor brings fresh energy, resources, and commitment to building a more just, empowered future.

These numbers only scratch the surface. Behind each one is a story of courage, resilience, and possibility.

Download the full 2024 Annual Impact Report here

We invite you to dive into the stories, see the milestones, and feel the momentum that your support has helped build. As we look ahead to 2025, we are more inspired than ever to continue this journey.

We are so grateful to have you with us supporting this powerful work.

Together, we’re creating a future where empowerment multiplies across generations.

Year-End Giving: A Season for Generosity and Impact

Year-End Giving: A Season for Generosity and Impact

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the ways we can make a positive impact in the world. For WomenServe, this is a time when we see the incredible power of generosity from supporters like you. Year-end giving not only fuels life changing projects for women and girls in Rajasthan, India, but it also offers benefits for donors here in the United States.

This blog post is intended to provide general information about year-end giving and its potential benefits. It is not a substitute for professional advice. For personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional.

That said, here are some things to know about year-end giving and how you can make a difference while also taking advantage of tax incentives, among other considerations.

Tax Incentives for Year-End Giving

Donating before December 31 offers an opportunity to reduce your taxable income while supporting causes you care about. Here are some key tax benefits to consider:

1. Charitable Deductions:
   If you itemize deductions on your tax return, donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations like WomenServe may be tax-deductible. Make sure to keep your receipts and donation acknowledgments for your records.

2. Appreciated Assets:
   Donating stocks, mutual funds, or other appreciated assets can maximize your impact. You’ll avoid paying capital gains taxes and may be eligible for a deduction based on the current market value of the asset.

3. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs):
   If you’re over 70½ and have a traditional IRA, you can direct up to $100,000 to a nonprofit like WomenServe through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This counts toward your RMD and isn’t considered taxable income.

Timing is Everything

To qualify for tax benefits, your donation must be completed by December 31. For online gifts, this means ensuring the transaction is processed before midnight. For mailed checks, the envelope must be postmarked by December 31.

Making an Impact Beyond Tax Savings

While tax benefits are a wonderful perk, the real reward of giving is the difference you make in people’s lives. With WomenServe, your contributions help us:

• Fund education initiatives that empower girls to reach their full potential.

• Support artisan collectives like the Thar Artisan Collective, where women gain financial independence.

• Provide access to clean water, freeing women and girls from hours spent fetching water each day.

Your generosity creates a brighter future for communities in Rajasthan and connects you to the global movement for gender equality.

How You Can Give

There are many ways to make your year-end gift:

• Donate Online: Visit WomenServe.org to make a secure, tax-deductible gift.

• Monthly Giving: Become a sustaining donor and make a lasting impact year-round.

• Employer Matching Gifts: Check if your employer matches charitable contributions to double your impact.

• Tribute Gifts: Honor someone special with a donation in their name.

Gratitude for Your Support

As we celebrate the close of another transformative year, we’re filled with gratitude for the compassion and generosity of our donor community. Your contributions not only sustain WomenServe’s work but also inspire hope and opportunity for countless women and girls.

Let’s end the year strong—together.

Make your year-end gift today and help us continue to weave hope, strength, and empowerment into the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your partnership and for believing in the power of change.

Donate Now

For questions about your donation or assistance with special gifts, please contact us at info@womenserve.org.

Threads of Hope Highlight Reel

On October 12, 2024, we gathered for Threads of Hope, an extraordinary celebration of resilience, connection, and empowerment in honor of the International Day of the Girl. The evening brimmed with energy and purpose, amplifying the stories of the women and girls of Western Rajasthan through the symbolic Pink Thread that wove together our collective hopes for a brighter, more equitable future.

Despite a power outage that tested our resolve, we witnessed the strength and spirit of our community as we came together in candlelight and solidarity. Together, we celebrated how your support drives real change.

This video, beautifully captured by Nirav Solanki, shares the highlights of our unforgettable evening. From handmade pink-thread bracelets and kantha-stitched tote bags created by the Thar Artisan Collective to moving speeches and live music, it reflects how each of you—sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees—brought Threads of Hope to life.

Watch, feel inspired, and know that your generosity fuels progress and opportunity.

Suman's Story

Last night, we gathered to celebrate Threads of Hope, a WomenServe event dedicated to empowering the women and girls of Western Rajasthan. The energy in the room was palpable as we connected with the mission and the stories of strength, resilience, and transformation from the Thar Artisan Collective and beyond.

However, just as we were about to share the heart of the evening - Suman’s Story showcasing the impact of your support - we experienced a power outage. The film was stopped, and without Wi-Fi, many of you were unable to make your donations in support of these inspiring women.

But the spirit of the evening lives on, and so do our ties to these communities. While the power may have gone out, the pink thread connects us, and we are determined to ensure that every voice is heard, every story is shared, and every opportunity to contribute is available.

We invite you to watch Suman’s Story from the comfort of your home, at a time that’s convenient for you. This film is a window into the life of a woman whose future you are helping to transform.

And if you were unable to donate due to last night’s technical difficulties, we’ve made it easy for you to still make an impact. Simply scan the QR code below to donate, or click the link to join us in continuing this important work.

Click here to donate and help us continue empowering women and girls in Rajasthan.

Despite the technical challenges, last night’s event reminded us of the powerful community we have in you. We are grateful for your patience, your presence, and your commitment to our mission. Together, we’re creating lasting change, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you!

Love & Serve,

Nioma and the WomenServe Team

Threads of Hope EVENT FAQ

EVENT FAQ

Event Details
Saturday, October 12th at 5:30pm
SOMO Village Event Center
1100 Valley House Drive
Rohnert Park, CA 94928

Arrival and Check In

The event will take place on Saturday, October 12th, starting at 5:30pm PST. Doors open promptly at 5:30pm and program festivities are scheduled to begin immediately. We kindly request that you arrive on time to ensure a smooth check-in process - plus allow ample time to grab a custom cocktail/mocktail, have an appetizer, explore the venue, enjoy live music by On the banks of the Ganges, a trio of North Bay musicians performing traditional North Indian classical ragas, and get adorned with henna!

Attire

Your favorite cocktail outfit! Keep in mind there is an optional dance lesson, so we recommend bringing comfortable shoes if you plan on participating. Please remember to bring a jacket, as October weather can be unpredictable and the venue will have a combination of indoor and outdoor activities.

Event Highlights

Prepare to be inspired! Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to hear stories from women and girls whose lives have been transformed. We will also showcase a captivating performance and dance lesson by local dance instructor Manpreet Komal of Rang de Bollywood, highlighting the power of creativity and resilience.

Food and Allergies

We are excited to offer appetizers, wine and cocktails, and a dinner menu featuring fresh, local cuisine by the team at Sally Tomatoes Catering. There will be multiple options to accommodate allergens and dietary restrictions. Please be sure to fill out the form with your main course preference by Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Parking

Complimentary parking will be available onsite with signage directing you from the main entrance.  Volunteers will be present to guide you upon arrival and ensure a hassle-free parking experience.

Donation Opportunities

We are on a mission to sew Threads of Hope! Your contributions will directly impact the success of our 2025 program, "Power Her Dreams," and support 4000 women and girls in Rajasthan, India achieve their dreams. Various donation opportunities will be available during the event, including a direct fundraising ask, and we appreciate any contribution you are able to make.

Additional Questions?

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered? Please reach out and ask!

The best way to reach us is via email: team@womenserve.org