global challenge: gender equality
What is "gender equality?"Promoting gender equality means ensuring that women have the same chances as men to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Evidence that women don’t have the same opportunities as men is apparent from the fact that two-thirds of the 880 million illiterate adults in the world are women, that women are less likely to be employed than men, and only 15% of elected government seats around the world are held by women. Countries that have had one (or more!) women as president or prime minister:
Why is gender equality important?
We are not just talking about presidents, CEOs and other prominent positions in public life. Something as basic as educating all girls and women is a proven component of decreasing poverty in communities around the world. Educated women have fewer children, get medical help sooner and provide better care and nutrition for their children. This reduces hunger, infant and maternal deaths, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and environmental damage. For example, in Brazil, educated women have an average of 2.5 children. Illiterate women have between 6 and 7. Having fewer family members means that each child has a better chance at thriving, given limited resources at home. Where can I learn more?For some great examples of how you can invest in the educational, professional, economic, and political success of women worldwide, please visit our friends, the Global Fund for Women. What can we do?
If you're a high school student interested in starting a Global Action Club at your school addressing gender equality contact us. |
| What women want is what men want. They want respect.
— Marilyn vos Savant, American writer
(Also possesses highest IQ on record, at 228) |
