ACWW believes that systemic problems require systematic solutions

Between 1974 and 1977, ACWW began funding small-scale projects in developing countries.  Starting as an ad-hoc process, this grew into the formation of the Projects Committee and a mandate to encourage and support initiative at a grassroots level. ACWW has funded funded locally-devised and women-led development projects ever since.

This work has been hugely important, and made positive impacts in rural communities around the world. However, it is also clear that if governmental priorities and international attitudes remain the same, projects alone cannot achieve the changes our members need. This is why ACWW passionately believes that development projects and advocacy must be a combined, consistent, and cohesive effort to systematically challenge systemic problems.