Women Can and Do is a new media campaign to shine a light on remarkable women around the world breaking down barriers to economic opportunity, human rights and political participation.

The campaign — under the creative direction of Vital Voices board member Diane von Furstenberg — uses powerful imagery to tell women’s stories of courage and innovation. Women Can and Do illustrates how a new generation of leaders is changing our world for the better.

Women Can and Do ads will run in many of your favorite magazines beginning in March 2010.

Watch a slide show of the campaign »

DANIELLE SAINT-LOT, Haiti

Women of every generation rise to answer the call that extraordinary moments ask of them. For the women of Haiti, this moment is now. Even in the wake of devastation, leaders like Danielle Saint-Lot lend themselves to relief efforts in displacement camps, demonstrating the undaunted cour- age and resilience that will lift Haiti up from the dust. Though they bear the heaviest burden in times of crisis, women are often the first to offer tangible solutions. The Vital Voices Initiative for Reconstruction and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Haiti will support women as they rebuild a vibrant Haiti.

REBECCA LOLOSOLI, Kenya

For many African women, rape and violence are common. Uncommon is the woman who speaks out for herself and others. REBECCA LOLOSOLI has fought for 18 years to combat the evils of dehumanization and despair, carving a new home for hundreds of women out of the African bush. Selling their beadwork and other wares, these women earn each day their new freedom from fear. Vital Voices supports Rebecca Lolosoli in transforming lives and creating economic opportunities.

ROLA DASHTI, Kuwait

Trailblazer ROLA DASHTI is one of the first four elected women parliamentarians of Kuwait. With her election, she propels a whole society forward, hastening progress and expanding opportunities for the women of Kuwait. Vital Voices supports Rola Dashti and works to promote women’s political participation worldwide.

MUKHTAR MAI, Pakistan

After her brother held hands with a girl of a higher caste, as punishment MUKHTAR MAI was gang raped and led naked down dusty streets in Pakistan. Beside the field where she suffered the darkest violence, Mukhtar built an abused women’s shelter, legal aid clinic, and two schools. Out of tragedy, she formed a lasting hope. Vital Voices supports Mukhtar Mai and thousands of women like her who are speaking truth to power and transforming communities through education and understanding.

CHOUCHOU NAMEGABE, Democratic Republic of Congo

Out of a war and terror that would silence most, radio journalist CHOUCHOU NAMEGABE raises her impassioned voice and broadcasts a message of resilience. With selfless determination, she has elevated the plight of Congolese women to the world stage, and compelled all to listen. Vital Voices supports Chouchou Namegabe and works to ensure that human rights advocates are heard.