Gender equality
Introduction
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© UNICEF/ HQ99-0943/ Holmes |
Socially constructed roles too often thwart the potential of girls and women. Discrimination denies them health care and education. It hides information that they can use to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. Discrimination robs girls and women of the the power to make decisions, to earn a living and to be free from violence, abuse and exploitation. Often it deprives them of any legal protection.
UNICEF is committed to levelling the playing field for girls and women by ensuring that all children have equal opportunity to develop their talents. We work to ensure that all babies receive the best start to life through gender-sensitive, integrated early childhood care. We work so that all children are afforded quality education, one that prepares them for a productive life.
By recognizing and addressing discrimination against girls and women, success in the fight against all forms of discrimination -- class, race, ethnicity and age -- will become more likely, and more lasting. We have learned that entire societies develop when girls and women are enabled to be fully contributing community members.
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Press releaseUNICEF marks International Women’s Day by stressing importance of investing in maternal health
Real lives
The State of the World’s Children 2007
Click here to see the multimedia version
Photo essay: The double dividend of gender equality
Press release: Empower women to help children
UNICEF flagship report focuses on women and children [with video]
In China, a mother lifts her family from poverty [with video]
Girls’ education in a Djibouti village [with video]
Opportunities for ‘untouchable’ women in Nepal
Opening doors for women in Nicaragua
Reaching women in remote Ethiopia [with audio]
Political clout empowers women in Madagascar [with video]
A new life for widowers in Sri Lanka
SOWC 2007: Women and Children – The double dividend of gender equality (publication)