Every year International Women’s Day (8 March) serves not only to celebrate the achievements of women, but also as a call to action for women’s equality. This year the theme is Accelerate Action, and international children’s charity World Vision is joining with IWD to urge the world to push for more action when it comes to supporting women and girls.
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 - around five generations from now - to reach full gender parity, according to data provided by the World Economic Forum.
World Vision’s community-based solutions address some of the key challenges for girls and women. Education is vital to keep girls and communities informed of their rights and the possibilities available to them, and health solutions provide valuable resources like sanitary pads and nutrition. Economic measures like supporting businesses and savings groups also uplift communities, and all these solutions work together to ensure girls are protected from harm.
Azeb, a sponsored girl in Ethiopia, is one example of a girl taking charge of her own destiny, as she is educating herself about children’s rights and child protection, including the harm that child marriage, child labour, and violence against women and children cause. Azeb is now a leader of the local child parliament group and is working to promote children’s rights and gender equality in her community by sharing what she has learned with her family, classmates, and community leaders.
“Sponsorship has many benefits. It provided exercise books, pens and pencils and covers medication fees for households in need. It drills clean water and constructs schools and toilets. It has benefited the community in a meaningful way,” Azeb said. “I am optimistic that change will happen soon. If everyone carries out their responsibilities, women are committed to claiming their rights, and children know their rights and obligations, then things will begin to be realised.”
Currently over 5,300 children are being supported in Ethiopia by UK sponsors alone, half of which are girls like Azeb, taking charge of their future and raising their voices. Even more can be done when it comes to the rights of women and girls though, and World Vision is helping to accelerate action to push for a fairer world.
ENDS
More details on World Vision’s work can be found here.
For more information, case studies, and assets, please contact Sam Bishop: sam.bishop@worldvision.org.uk