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.

In A Heartbeat: Finding Her Voice

“We don’t need to prove that women are strong. Women are already strong. Our mission is to change the perception

In A Heartbeat: Reporting for Duty

“Since I was seven, that was my dream. To become a nurse. I had a grandfather who was also a

In A Heartbeat: The Island Doctor

“The challenge of being a female doctor is that many of the patients come and instead of calling you doctor,

In A Heartbeat: The Family Man

“They used to deliver at home and everything ends there. But with me, the difference is that I take my

In A Heartbeat: Building Blocks

“This is the largest hospital in the region, it’s actually the sub-county hospital, meaning that it gets referrals from all

In A Heartbeat: The Volunteers

“After I [became a community health volunteer], I wanted to use it to save the lives of women. To save the

In A Heartbeat: Beyond the Clinic

“A disease is just a medical condition. What makes a difference is how soon or how close you can access

Primary health care and the COVID-19 pandemic

By Fawad Akbari, MD, MPH, Senior Program Manager
COVID-19 has underscored the importance of primary health care systems, both in the global response to the pandemic and in keeping people healthy through the delivery of essential services.

Side effects: How COVID-19 is putting gender equality gains at risk

By Lindsay Mossman, Senior Gender Equality Advisor
How old you are, where you live, your race, your ethnic background, and your socioeconomic status all affect how your world has changed since the pandemic began. Gender is no exception.