USAID launches women’s health and livelihood alliance

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Samhita’s Collective Good Foundation have partnered to launch the Women’s Health and Livelihood Alliance (WOHLA), a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to empower women in underserved communities across India by addressing the intersecting aspects of their health and economic wellbeing.

WOHLA aims to empower women by increasing their access to sexual and reproductive health information, services, and products. Additionally, it seeks to enhance their financial and digital literacy, thereby fostering livelihood opportunities and promoting workforce participation.

USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr Atul Gawande, said, "When women are given the opportunity to thrive, the entire community thrives too. Women’s economic security and rights is the critical foundation for communities, peace, and resilient economies. The Women’s Health and Livelihood Alliance in India provides career development and job opportunities for women, and expands access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services that promote gender equity and economic security for women."

Dr. Amit Bhanot, India Country Director and Chief of Party, USAID’s Frontier Health Market (FHM) Engage programme, said, “WOHLA is designed to mobilise private sector resources, foster partnerships, and implement targeted interventions to cultivate an ecosystem that prioritizes the symbiotic relationship between women’s reproductive health and professional advancement. The benefits are far-reaching and may even eliminate genderbased violence.”