As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, the world is facing a gender inequality crisis. The trend put the hard-won gains at risk, despite substantive progress made towards achieving gender equality.
According to the United Nations Development 2024 report, 80% of food production in developing countries is done by women, however, less than 1 in 5 smallholder farmers owning land are women [UNDP 2024].
This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, calls for inclusive conversation to confront gender equality challenges and pave the way forward to deliver permanent acceleration towards equal opportunities and rights for women and girls.
It is impossible to achieve sustainable development when women’s potential remains constrained by inequality and discrimination. Increasing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and decision-making power gives women the bargaining power to practice their agency and thrive in society.Women’s contributions are essential to creating a sustainable future for everyone, thus, investing in women and girls remains the best investment.
Since 1998, Humana People to People India, a member of Humana People to People, has supported the government of India in contributing to a more equitable society, where women and girls have the same access to opportunities for growth through education, economic empowerment, safe working environments, and civic participation. Humana People to People India has engaged more than 500,000 women in the past five years through these initiatives.
As part of this broader effort, the Women Empowerment Through Gender Equality and Livelihood Project, launched in 2024, specifically aims to enhance women's access to resources and participation in decision-making—areas where they are often marginalized due to traditional cultural norms and the lack of financial recognition for their contributions at home and in the community.
This project is bringing qualitative change in women's lives across 6 states constituting 33 districts of India. The project engages over 18,000 women and girls in financial literacy, vocational training, entrepreneurship and access to microfinance, thus enabling women to gain financial independence and stability. Apart from skills development, the project also empowers women to take a leading role in climate actions to reduce the effects of climate change, which disproportionately affects women. To date, more than 3,000 trees have been planted due to women-led climate actions.
Additionally, women are organised in Self-Help Groups to create strong networks for mutual support. They are provided with a platform for meetings to express their views, exchange ideas, and participate in recreational activities to increase their resilience to cultural shocks and traditional norms perpetuating their disadvantage.
It is not easy to end gender inequalities; it requires the collective strength of people coming together to scale up the efforts to prevent gender stereotyping at home, school and the entire society. Women need support to dream again, have hope, and have the confidence to believe in themselves. It is all possible if people act now.
Humana People to People recognizes the vital importance of gender equity and inclusivity. By embedding gender equality principles and practices into our work, we strive to create a more just, equitable, and resilient world for all. We believe that true progress and transformative impact requires an intersectional approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by all, including women and girls.
Check our Gender Capacity Statement to learn more about our commitment to promote gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches to our work.
