Gender Equality

The challenge: We have seen significant reductions in global poverty since 1990, but not everyone has benefitted equally. Hundreds of millions of women and girls are still poor and remain disproportionately affected by poverty, including unequal access to resources, opportunities, and choices. According to UN women, not a single country in the world can claim to have achieved gender equality. Women and girls continue to face obstacles in law and culture which translate to a world where they are undervalued, work more, earn less, have fewer choices, and experience violence at home and in public.

Our solution: We strive towards a future where gender does not determine status, power to make decisions, or access to resources and services – a world where women, men, girls, and boys can all reach their full potential. We promote gender equality in all of our programs by engaging women and men, girls and boys, to address the underlying beliefs and practices that create and reinforce gender inequalities. We also empower the disadvantaged, whether male or female, to develop confidence and skills and take control over their lives, and invest in institutions and relationships that facilitate an environment that supports gender equality.

Not just a pastime, but a lifeline

“This craft was not just a pastime; it was our lifeline.” Lalao grew up in the Antananarivo-Renivohitra district, located in

Nurturing the next generation

“Now, my children talk to me about their dreams and fears, just like they do with their mother.” In the

Digging Deeper: Meet Esther in Uganda

Girls in crisis settings are 2.5 times more likely to be out of primary school and 90 percent more likely to be out of secondary school.

Inspiring inclusion in Africa and Asia

This International Women’s Day, we celebrated changemakers who are driving social, economic, and political empowerment for women and girls.

Dispatch from the field: Collaborating with communities – The importance of inclusive research

by Victoria Dugdill, who is working as a Gender Equality Fellow in Kampala, Uganda. I had sometimes lamented the fact

Artists in action: Supporting creative young minds in northern Pakistan

In a region where patriarchal sociocultural norms often limit opportunities for girls and young women, we’re encouraging them to showcase

Dispatch from the field: Surveys and sensemaking in sunny Mombasa

Lauren is currently working as a Gender Fellow at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health East Africa, Aga Khan University.

Leveraging the power of the world’s most popular sport

In rural Uganda, a group of dedicated teachers are leveraging the power of the world’s most popular sport transform their school.

Afghanistan Crisis Humanitarian Response (ACHR)

This program aims to improve access to life-saving health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene services to vulnerable populations across four provinces in Afghanistan.