Women philanthropists, a force for good, says Rabbi

Women philanthropists, a force for good, says Rabbi

News (International)

Women now control more than half the private wealth in the U.S. and they will inherit 70 percent of the $41 trillion in the inter-generational wealth transfer expected over the next 40 years. Rabbi Jack Bemporad, Director for Interreligious Understanding in Rome, says in a blog for the Huffington Post, that this gives him hope.

He says: “One of the areas in which women’s impact is being felt in particular is philanthropy, a fortunate fact for our global future.”

Citing studies in “Passion for Giving” by Angelica Berrie and Peter J. Klein, he says women donate a greater percentage of their wealth than their male counterparts and see it as more of an obligation than men.

“Giving is especially transformational when women in philanthropy create economic empowerment for women with less,” says Rabbi Bemporad. He also points out that the ripple effect of women investing in women advances education, health and nutrition, reduces maternal and infant mortality; sustains economic and social development; increases GNP and civic partnership.

“The woman-to-woman effect just may be a key to our global future. We should all be thankful that its time appears to have come, and that female philanthropists are hitting the top of their game.”

Meanwhile, commentators are watching with interest how Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs’ widow spends her fortunes. The New York Times says she is on a “philanthropic path”. Her focus is on education, campaigning for the rights of immigrants, global conservation and improving nutrition. However, she likes to keep a low profile, not signing the Giving Pledge. She said in a television interview: “Whether someone signs something is not what’s important. It’s what they do and how they do it that matters.” Philanthropist and close friend, Laura Arrillaga-Adreessen is quoted, saying: “It’s not about getting any public recognition for her giving, it’s to help touch and transform individual lives.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-jack-bemporad/women-living-philanthropy_b_3292399.html

http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/steve-jobs-widow-debuts-philanthropic-044821683.html

  • Women's Philanthropy
  • International