Reprintable Interview Questions - Project Migration

What brought you to work on this issue? ie: why this as opposed to something else?

I wanted to help single mothers in Africa for several reasons. Firstly, the single mothers of Africa have just about the hardest life a person could possible lead. Secondly, I have always felt strongly about female empowerment, and helping women be successful as entrepreneurs is something I care strongly about. Thirdly, helping girls and women learn how to create a sustainable living is the best per dollar investment you can make to help end poverty. When you invest in girls and women, you change the dynamic in villages and help women to be seen as equals, giving them empowerment to help themselves and others.

What are your plans for The Project Migration Foundation?

I founded and run The Project Migration Foundation (www.tpmf.org), and have pioneered a year-long entrepreneurship program to help homeless single mothers. After going through the Migration Program and becoming entrepreneurs with their own co-op, these single mothers are then completely self-sustaining. They can not only support their families for the decades to come, but will teach these skills to their children so when they are old enough, they too can support their own families.

In your opinion, what are the most profound issue facing women today and why?

Inequality. Girls aren't even given a chance in many countries because the aren't seen to have any value. One problem we are tackling is that girls families see little incentive to invest in their daughter without visible income in her future. Her family would rather invest in their son's future, which seems far more bright, and keep the girl as a source of free household labor and dowry. It's been shown that when a girl gains educational and economic opportunities, the benefits ripple beyond her - to her brothers, her sisters, her parents, her community, her future children and grandchildren. When women are oppressed, that entire society is put at a disadvantage, and is unable to compete with the rest of the world, and therefore unable to grow upwards.

What would you like to see every woman do for herself? For another woman?

Be supportive and help any way you can. I will never understand why some women are so competitive. If we all helped each other, we'd all benefit and thrive.

If people want to get involved with your issue/cause, what do you recommend?

Purchase a bracelet, shirt or bag at www.projectmigration.org. The product line has some amazing public supporters, like Sting and Adrian Grenier, both of whom helped launch the line. Also check out www.tpmf.org. For very little money per month, you can give a single mother and her three children job training, a home, food and schooling. Imagine that!?