Gender Equality

Gender equality is a human right. But more than that, achieving gender equality is key to lifting communities out of poverty. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. Disadvantages in education for girls translates into lack of access to skills and limited opportunities in the labour market. Women’s and girls’ empowerment is essential to expand economic growth and promote social development.¹

Not only that, but when women are empowered and communities work together towards gender equality, other inequities like child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and violence against women decreases.

ADRA supports gender equality in all phases of program development: addressing inequality through education and changed behaviours, and by supporting those who have experienced gender inequality.

Each of our projects amplify the voices of women and children and other minorities who otherwise may not be heard. This is achieved through a strong focus on disability inclusion and the participation of women and girls. In Kenya, we are empowering women and children who have been affected as a result of HIV/AIDS.  In Papua New Guinea, we are addressing high rates of family violence through counselling skills training and the construction of women’s shelters. In Vanuatu, we are enhancing the wellbeing of women and girls by addressing issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy. In rural Nepal, we are working to advance the position of women to effectively contribute to good governance and inclusive development. In the Solomon Islands, we are providing students with access to clean water, toilet blocks, low-cost menstrual products and effective hygiene education to help girls stay in school. And in Australia, we have four women’s refuges across the country to support women who are fleeing domestic violence situations.²

ADRA is committed to helping achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

1. Gender Equality: Why it Matters
2. For privacy purposes, the locations of our women’s refuges are not publicly available. You can read about one of our programs that supports a local refuge here.