Gender equality

Gender equality means girls and women having the same rights and opportunities in life as boys and men.

Latest video: Because I am a girl

Poverty will not come to an end until women have equal rights with men.

The world is unequal and it is most unequal for women and girls. Most of the poorest people in the world are women and part of what makes them poor is the discrimination they face purely because of their gender.

This short film, 'Because I am a Girl', from the NGO Plan International, introduces many of the challenges faced by girls and young women in developing countries. Read on below to find out more

Just the facts

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Gender Equality in-depth

There is no doubt that when women gain equal rights with men, development is transformed. For example, educated girls have better opportunities to earn higher wages and to participate in community life and in decision-making. They are better informed about health risks such as HIV and AIDS. They tend to marry later, have fewer, healthier and better-nourished children and are more likely to send those children to school.

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