Gender Equality
Championing Gender Equality for a Just Future
We are building a world where every girl and boy can thrive—free from bias, discrimination, and limitations. Across all our programs, we embed gender-transformative strategies to break harmful norms, empower girls, and engage boys as allies in equality. From the earliest years, we work with parents and caregivers to nurture children without gender stereotypes and foster safe, respectful homes. We shape schools that meet girls’ unique needs and support their full participation. We amplify the voices of girls and women in climate action and invest in their education and economic opportunities to end cycles of violence, child marriage, labour, and early pregnancy.
Why It Matters
Gender inequality harms everyone. It limits opportunity, fuels violence, and holds back entire communities. When girls and boys are equally supported, families are stronger, societies are safer, and futures are brighter.
Our Pathways to Gender Equality
1. Gender-Transformative Parenting
We partner with parents and caregivers to raise children free from gender stereotypes—building homes grounded in respect, safety, and equality. Through the evidence-based ICS SP Gender-Transformative Parenting Programme, we tackle the root causes of gender inequality by shifting harmful norms and power imbalances that limit opportunities and fuel all forms of violence in the family. This approach strengthens families and supports every child’s right to thrive.
2. Preventing Gender-Based Violence
We implement community-led gender transformative programs that prevent violence against women and children by addressing its root causes—negative social and gender norms, inequality, silence, and stigma. We also ensure survivors access timely, compassionate, and trauma-informed support.
3. Social and Economic Empowerment for At-Risk Girls
We invest in skills, education, and livelihood opportunities for girls facing child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child labour, and violence. Through mentorship, financial literacy, mental health support, HIV Prevention initiatives, violence prevention training, and access to resources, we help them build independent, secure futures.
4. Safe and Inclusive Schools
We create learning environments where girls feel safe, valued, and supported to succeed. Our work includes improving menstrual hygiene, providing female mentorship, ensuring physical safety, and tailoring education to girls' real-world needs, so that every child can reach their full potential.
5. Engaging Men and Boys as Allies in Equality, Violence Prevention and Care
Gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue—it requires the active participation of men and boys. We work with them to challenge harmful gender norms, embrace positive masculinity, and become champions of nonviolence, care, and equity. Through open dialogue, community role modeling, and targeted programs, we promote men’s roles as supportive partners, nurturing fathers, and engaged caregivers. In many communities, caregiving and household responsibilities still fall disproportionately on women. We aim to shift this balance by encouraging shared responsibility in families, which improves overall well-being and strengthens relationships. We also advocate for policies and services that support men in caregiving roles, creating environments where men are empowered to contribute equally to raising children and maintaining safe, respectful homes.
6. Climate Smart Actions
Children deserve services that protect their dignity and meet their developmental needs. We work to ensure that health, education, protection, and social services are accessible, inclusive, and child centered. This includes advocating for trained, compassionate frontline workers, improving coordination across systems, and creating safe spaces where children are heard, respected, and empowered.
