Ford Foundation

Where Indigenous Peoples have strong land rights, deforestation rates are lower and biodiversity is better preserved. But increased mining to meet the needs of the energy transition is putting communities and their climate solutions at risk. Galina Angarova, executive director for the SIRGE Coalition, says it’s more important than ever to ensure Indigenous communities have a central voice in decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods given that over half of mining projects for transition minerals occur on or near their territories. In this #UNGAxFord video, Galina shares her vision for a just energy transition where Indigenous peoples are at the forefront, exercising their rights to the fullest extent. #UNGA

As an organization focused on the advancement of social justice, the Ford Foundation is matching our commitment with action with the launch of the West Africa Democracy Fund, which, in partnership with Open Society Foundations, MacArthur Foundation, and Luminate, will direct $20M over three years into the region in support of efforts that reimagine, renew, and strengthen democracy in West Africa. Following the lead of our civil society partners across the region, this fund will propel our collective efforts in expanding democratic and civic spaces for citizens’ voices to be included in defining the norms for the governance of their countries. Research has shown the inextricable link between the rising decline of democracy across West Africa and rising inequality, therefore these issues must be addressed simultaneously. Learn more.

#India has created innovative models of social change spearheaded by civil society organizations, several of which have been replicated in countries across the Global South. I have a deep regard for social change leaders in India who are reimagining the roles of CSOs in the changing development context of the country, and their leadership on concerted efforts towards equity, harmony and justice.

The Visible/Invisible exhibit at the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) is a powerful and compelling exploration of women’s representation and ideas of femininity and gender in the arts. #India

Our #FordGlobalFellows are building a global community of practice to disrupt inequality. This #HispanicHeritageMonth, join us in celebrating one of our fellows who is making positive change in Latinx communities across the U.S. nati linares is the co-founder of Art.coop, an organization that strives to bridge the gap between artists & cultural workers and movements for economic justice, as well as foster productive conversations about the importance of art in movements for social justice and systems change: https://lnkd.in/gViebhbE Nuestros #FordGlobalFellows están construyendo una comunidad global para combatir la desigualdad. En este #MesDeLaHerenciaHispana, únete a nosotros para celebrar a una de nuestras fellows que está impulsando cambios positivos en las comunidades latinas de todo Estados Unidos. Natalia "Nati" Linares es cofundadora de Art.coop, una organización que busca conectar a artistas y trabajadores culturales con los movimientos en pro de la justicia económica, además de promover conversaciones sobre el papel crucial del arte en los movimientos por la justicia social y la transformación de sistemas: https://lnkd.in/gViebhbE.

Ford History: The Uncultivated Half of India, a paper we published in 1979, emphasized the potential of uncultivated land in rural areas, arguing that improving the development of commons or common property resources could boost economic growth in these regions. “...Common property resources (CPRs), such as common pastures and forests...could be afforested to greatly help the landless poor as well as small and marginal farmers who depended on these lands for supplemental income. This idea complemented the Foundation’s goal of reducing poverty and injustice, and the foundation supported approaches to develop CPRs.” #India

Fascinating to see and experience how partners in #India are leveraging storytelling, popular culture and tech platform interventions to shift gender norms in the country by amplifying community-led narratives, enlisting male allies and engaging key stakeholders for gender equity.

I was inspired by my discussions with the Ford Foundation’s partners in #India, including youth fellows, workers, and leaders who shared their aspirations and dreams for social and gender justice. Philanthropy has an important role to play in supporting their critical work in shifting gender norms, promoting active citizenship, and driving inclusive community development.

It was great to speak with women philanthropists in India on the catalytic role of philanthropy in shaping a gender-equitable future in #India and globally. The Ford Foundation is proud to support gender equality efforts and women’s economic empowerment, safety, and civic participation.

Thank you, Ambassador Garcetti, for your leadership on the potential of philanthropy to contribute to the India@2047 vision. The Ford Foundation is a committed partner to economic opportunity, civic engagement, and gender equality in #India.