Gender Equality

Definition: Gender equality refers to the equal value of men and women and their contribution to society

Facts

• Approximately 70% of the world's poor people are women.
  
• In Niger, 1 in 7 women die of maternal death

Why it occurs

In many countries and religions, men and women are given different treatment and responsibilites which leads to inequality. Women are the worst affected and some are given no power at all to determine their life.

What can be done/who is doing something?

• International womens' day highlights equal rights for women
• White ribbon day to raise awareness about violence against women
• Goal 3 of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is to promote Gender Equality and empower women.
• The Australian Agency for International development is working with other countries to address inequality