The Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive Act (GROWTH Act, Bill number S. 1425), a bipartisan bill which promotes economic empowerment of women living in poverty worldwide, was introduced in the U.S. Senate today with the support of ten lead sponsors. In today's climate of global economic recession, which is having a harsh impact on women worldwide, the GROWTH Act offers concrete solutions so the U.S. can play a positive role in the economic betterment of the poorest women and their families.

Women are more vulnerable to poverty around the world, and it is estimated that 1.3 billion people live on less than $1 a day. The GROWTH Act addresses the particular barriers faced by the world's poorest women by ensuring U.S. international assistance and trade policies promote economic security of women and their families. It provides for access to credit for women to start and grow businesses from micro-enterprises to small and medium sized businesses, and emphasizes training and education programs that would allow women to access better quality jobs. It also tackles legal and structural barriers like the fact that women most often do not own property, including the land they farm, and have difficulty accessing local, regional and global markets for their products.

"There is a critical link between improving the lives of women and eradicating global poverty," said Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, lead Democratic sponsor. "The GROWTH Act will not only empower women by giving them the financial tools to start and grow their own businesses, it will create broader opportunities through educational, legal, and community building programs."

"The GROWTH Act will help create economic opportunities for women in the world's most impoverished areas," added Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, lead Republican sponsor. "Here in America, we've shown that empowered women can be some of our most successful business and civic leaders and catalysts for progress in their communities."

Other lead sponsors include Senator Robert P. Casey Jr., (D-PA), Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

"The GROWTH Act recognizes that ending global poverty starts with women. When women have incomes, children and families benefit enormously," said Ritu Sharma, Co-Founder and President of Women Thrive Worldwide, which researched and developed the bill with the lead sponsors. "We applaud our sponsors for their leadership in this bipartisan effort and urge Congress to make a real difference in the lives of millions of women around the world by passing this bill."

The GROWTH Act was developed after two years of research and outreach carried out by Women Thrive with local women's organizations in developing countries, with U.S.-based organizations and with policy experts. It is supported by a coalition of almost 60 organizations which have formally endorsed the bill, including CARE, Habitat for Humanity International, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Church, the ONE campaign, Oxfam America, and United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society.