Sabita does homework outside her house in the Nepalese village of Sochu
Empowering women and girls is not just a moral imperative - it is the untapped global opportunity of our time, essential for achieving peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Women and girls represent half the world's population, and unlocking their full potential would unleash an enormous wave of progress.
Kunthy is learning to be a beautician since being rescued and returning home from forced labour trafficking in China
Gender inequality still persists in almost every sector, representing a massive loss of human capital. Discriminatory laws, violence, and limited access to education, health, and economic resources deny women the ability to contribute fully to their families, communities, and nations.
The benefits of empowerment are transformative:
- Economic Growth: Closing the gender gap in the workforce could add trillions
to the global economy. Companies with gender diversity in leadership are more
profitable. When women earn, they invest up to 90% of their income back into
their families, boosting health and education outcomes.
- Social Stability: Empowered women are crucial agents of social progress.
Their equal participation in decision-making, from households to parliaments,
leads to more inclusive policies and resilient, peaceful
societies.
- Poverty Reduction: Investing in girl’s education, women's economic opportunities and health breaks cycles of poverty, also leading to lower maternal and infant mortality.
In the Rajasthani village of Kherwa, girls gather outside their classroom for their lunchtime break
Achieving gender equality is the ‘unfinished business’ of the 21st century. By dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring equal rights and opportunities, we can fully realize the talents of half the world, creating a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous future for all.
We are committed to supporting vetted NGOs, large and small, that are deeply committed to working alongside communities to empower women and girls.