Yesterday the planet’s population surpassed the 7 billion mark. On CNN.com, Ted Turner said this milestone should remind us that all women deserve reproductive control over their own lives.  I completely agree with this, and am often frustrated when family planning services are the first to get chopped in budget decisions. Mr. Turner said that we need a big, worldwide initiative – but the world can’t seem to decide on an effective sustainable plan.

The Kutumb’s Women’s Empowerment Program hasn’t been waiting for that worldwide plan; we are working NOW on educating women in the Varanasi slum community about their reproductive health and childbearing years. When women have babies, the incredible Kutumb project educators teach them how to have healthier pregnancies. Then, we train women in the community to go out and educate more women: on the street, in home communities, everywhere. Vision Builders and our partners in Varanasi are working smart through local channels, for long-term sustainable empowerment and social change. Mr. Turner is right, all women deserve reproductive control over their own lives, and we are working to encourage and promote that important and vital right.

-Administrative Director, Tammy Koupal, MSW (Social Welfare Administration)

click here to read Ted Turner’s article “7 Billion Reasons to Empower Women” @ cnn.com