When women and girls have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, it's a win for everyone, everywhere. Despite the world continuing to make progress towards gender equality, that progress is still slow and uneven, and inequality continues.  Here are nine facts you need to know about gender equality.   1. 70% of health and social care workers are women   Women and girls are the first responders during crises. So much so that 70% of social and healthcare workers are women....
Meet the seaweed farmers of Zanzibar. These women are pioneers in a profitable industry, which was previously dominated by men. They’ve used their profits to support their community and uplift women and girls in Zanzibar’s society. Now, that all could change. If they can’t adapt to the very real impacts of climate change, this $8 million industry, and these women’s livelihoods, are at risk. But these women aren’t giving up.  How these women broke barriers Seaweed farming began in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in the...
At the current rate of progress, it will take 286 years for the world to achieve gender equality. That’s… not a great number. Gender equality is essential in the fight against global inequality. When girls have the same opportunities as boys, great things happen. And sports can be a key way to empower girls on and off the pitch. To mark this year’s Women’s World Cup, we’re highlighting some female athletes and soccer stars who have started organizations that promote gender...
Things… aren’t great in the world right now. If it feels like the world isn’t making the progress we need on climate change, equality, and poverty, that’s because, well, we’re not. It can be hard to conceptualize what this long-term progress should look like. To break it down, we created five stats that help put things in perspective. We also have some ways you can take action. We’re not powerless to these challenges, no matter how big and gloomy they...
Earlier this month, we celebrated International Women‘s Day, where we highlighted a few women from around the world who are tackling the pandemic and working to end COVID-19. From inventors to leaders of major world organizations, these women have made strides in the fight against the pandemic. But we also want to hear from you, our global supporters. We asked you to tell us in a few words about the amazing women in your lives who have inspired you through...
Women around the world are working hard every day to fight the pandemic. From fighting food insecurity in their communities and inventing crucial tools to fight the pandemic, to using their positions of power to demand change, they’re working to make 2022 the year we end the pandemic. That‘s why we want to introduce you to a few of them. Keep reading to find out! Nomonde Kweza, or “Mama Nomonde” In South Africa, Nomonde Kweza, also known as “Mama Nomonde,” is feeding...
Empowering the girls of today can create a better future for everyone, and that‘s exactly what Techno Girl is trying to do. Working in collaboration with UNICEF South Africa, Techno Girl is a South African program that supports girls who are interested in pursuing careers in math, science, and technology. The program selects high school girls from disadvantaged communities to take part in mentorships, skills development workshops, and job shadowing in the STEM field. “Being part of Techno Girl and...
In Cape Town, the team at the Women‘s Legal Centre are champions of women‘s rights and staunch defenders of women when they‘re at their most vulnerable. They are at the forefront of changing South Africa‘s legal landscape. And as South Africa‘s only African feminist law centre for women’s rights, they are making huge strides, especially for black women. “We call it ’feminist activist lawyering,‘” Seehaam Samaai, the centre‘s director, said. “It‘s very important for us to ensure that the courts,...
COVID-19 has affected education everywhere, but the effects on school children in low-income countries are particularly concerning. It‘s been harder for children in the world‘s poorest countries to access remote learning programs designed to counter school closures. And girls have been particularly impacted: 20 million girls risk never returning to school after this global health crisis has passed. The key to remedying this global learning crisis is financing. Now is not the time to reduce available funds for international development,...