Girls’ and women’s empowerment is crucial to sustainable social, political and economic progress. It is globally acknowledged that the protection, education and empowerment of girls and women are among the most important prerequisites for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Although women’s rights are well-established by international agreements, the denial and violation of women’s human rights are persistent and widespread.
All over the world, women still face institutionalized issues such as:
- Women comprise more than 50% of the world’s population but own only 1% of the world’s property;
- 6 out of 10 of the world’s poorest people are still women and girls;
- 2/3 of all children excluded from schooling are girls;
- Women and girls comprise 80% of the people trafficked annually;
- 1 in 3 women worldwide will suffer some form of violence in her lifetime;
- Less than 16% of the world’s parliamentarians are women;
- Some 75% of the world’s women cannot get bank loans because they have unpaid or insecure jobs and are not entitled to property ownership.
By ensuring that girls and women are better educated, healthier, have greater access to jobs and financial resources and that girls and women can exercise their rights, and enjoy political participation, The Women’s Institute can support girls and women to become agents of positive change and participate fully in their societies.