MSI United States receives $1,000,000 grant from Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall Initiative.
WASHINGTON, DC July 27, 2023 – MSI United States received a generous grant of $1,000,000 from #startsmall, Jack Dorsey’s philanthropic initiative focused on global crisis relief, girls’ health and education, and open internet development.
The #startsmall grant will help fund MSI’s efforts to reach more adolescent girls with the comprehensive sexuality education and reproductive healthcare that gives them the freedom to decide if or when to become pregnant. With access to choice, girls are more likely to live healthier lives, remain in education, achieve financial independence and drive positive change in their communities.
By investing in sexual reproductive health, and working with MSI, #startsmall is investing in women’s futures and opening pathways to additional opportunities for girls in higher education, employment and entrepreneurship. Evidence has consistently found sexual reproductive health to be a development best-buy, contributing to numerous UN Sustainable Development Goals like Gender Equality; No Poverty; and Health and Wellbeing.
An estimated 14 million women and girls will lose access to choice due to climate-related displacement by 2031. If access is not protected, MSI estimates that this will lead to an additional 6.2 million unintended pregnancies, 2.1 million unsafe abortions and 5,800 maternal deaths. This investment from #startsmall will help build adaptability and resilience to crises brought about by climate change and conflict as well.
MSI United States is a US 501(c)3 non-profit that supports MSI Reproductive Choices, one of the world’s largest providers of family planning, safe abortion, and post-abortion care services. Working in 36 countries across 6 continents, MSI focuses on reaching women with few if any other options for reproductive healthcare, women and adolescents living with disabilities, in poverty and remote areas.
Last year, MSI served over 21.1 million clients, preventing an estimated 14.6 million unintended pregnancies, averting 7.2 million unsafe abortions and saving the lives of 42,600 women and girls.
“This generous gift from #startsmall will make an enormous impact on the lives of adolescent girls who need access to the essential reproductive healthcare that can transform lives,” said Amanda Seller, President of MSI United States. “Our experience helping develop comprehensive sexuality education curricula and lifeskills programs where girls can gain the knowledge and confidence for a successful adulthood in Tanzania shows that when girls have accurate, stigma-free information, it has significant impact on their health and behaviors. Just like girls everywhere, the girls we serve have dreams. This gift will help them take charge of their bodies and their futures.”
More at msiunitedstates.org and msichoices.org
Media: For more information, please contact:
Moira DiJulio, Director of Marketing & Communications, MSI US
202-866-0998 moira.dijulio@msichoices.org
