Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

>>In Sub-Saharan Africa, the ratio of girl' to boys' enrolments in primary and secondary school was 19:81 in 1999

In some cultures, the birth of a son is celebrated while that of a daughter is not. Where this view is widely held, gender inequality starts even before birth.

Girls who do survive may well face life as 'second-class citizens' where food and nurture is focussed on sons and where they have little chance to realise their most basic rights. Women and children are often not aware of their legal rights and cannot often speak up in their defence, which makes them powerless and vulnerable.

Plan is supporting the immediate needs of girls and women who are excluded. We encourage them to share their experiences and speak out.

As women are the primary caregivers in almost all societies, girls' education contributes to the health and wellbeing of their families. Educated girls have fewer and healthier children and tend to be more receptive towards new and effective innovations aimed at improving their lives.

Plan aims to promote gender equality and empowerment for women from a very young age.

Some of our projects: