Shecky’s

No, I didn’t just spell fight wrong. And no, it’s no coincidence the two words sound the same. FITE is an initiative started by beauty innovators Dermalogica and nonprofit microloan provider Kiva.org, and it’s actually an acronym that stands for Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship. So, why the homophone? Together, Dermalogica and Kiva are working to fight against poverty, fight against discrimination and fight for women’s rights.

FITE was started with the intention of helping women entrepreneurs get off their feet by providing small business loans. To put things into perspective: the amount of women who receive loans are few and far between and they are more likely than men to be refused. Dermalogica and Kiva.org are both rockstar companies who cater to women (82% of Kiva’s loan recipients are women) and have partnered together to make the unlikely, likely, with a goal of helping 25,000 women over the next two years. Plus, once the loan is paid back, it goes right to FITE to fund another woman. It’s a cycle of giving.

So, how can you help? A number of Dermalogica’s amazing products will be specifically packaged for FITE, and when you purchase, you’ll receive a code. Then, just sign on to joinFITE.org, enter the code, and $1 will be donated by Dermalogica to the cause. You can also join the site and donate on your own. Remember, every dollar counts.

Those interested in learning more about women’s empowerment should also read Half The Sky by Nicholas D. Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn. The book showcases compelling and honest tales of various women whose stories educate, inspire and motivate. The book helped propel Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand to start FITE, noting in the motto that by giving women loans they hope to help them “…hold up their half of the sky.” In other words, men and women are equal and should be treated as such. I’ll FITE for that.

See Jane Wurwand and Claudia Chan here>

-Lynden Halpern

GIRL TALK TIME: Have you ever heard of FITE? Will you donate?