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.

How Canada supports girls in Afghanistan, India, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, and Tajikistan

On the tenth anniversary of International Day of the Girl, learn how Canadian investments are supporting and making a difference for girls in Central Asia.

Advancing gender equality through advocacy in the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan

In 2021, UCA’s Civil Society Initiative established the School for the Advancement of Gender Equality, the first of its kind in Central Asia.

A collage of headshots from the 2022 International Youth Fellows.

Meet the Fellows of 2022

Since 1989, more than 500 young Canadians have participated in AKFC’s International Youth Fellowship, a program that has launched diverse

Setting a new standard for adolescent health and wellbeing in Khorog, Tajikistan

As youth mentors, Pokizamo and Gulbahor train their peers to be better prepared for all of life’s changes as teens transition from childhood to adulthood.

Broadening Economic & Social Transformation for Women’s Economic Empowerment & Recovery (BEST4WEER) 

BEST4WEER aims to improve women’s social and economic empowerment during the process of COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding.

Volunteering and saving lives: Meet Gul Mahoor

Gul Mahoor volunteers as manager of her community’s health relief fund in Pakistan.

Afghanistan today: An interview with Dr. Najmuddin Najm, CEO of AKF Afghanistan

An insight into the current crisis in Afghanistan, how AKF is responding and why hope endures.

A solar panel outside a village house in Pemba, Mozambique.

Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs (AWCE)

AWCE contributes to poverty reduction by identifying and promoting good practices to support women entrepreneurs in climate-related value chains.

In A Heartbeat: Expanding possibilities

In this short film, we learn how facilities like this one in Montepuez are growing to accommodate the needs of young Mozambicans.