Gender equality is fundamental

Gender equality is fundamental for sustainable development. Investing in support for girls and women is a very effective investment in development. The NGO ‘CARE’ puts the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries at the centre of all polices because it has a huge impact on lifting their families out of poverty.

A recent World Economic Forum study showed that many developing countries with the lowest gender gap are the most prosperous and competitive. "Investing in support for girls and women in general is the most effective development investment that can be made.

However, international organizations working on gender issues must team up and pull their limited resources to get results. In future, gender equality in developing countries can have a multiplier effect and help break the cycle of poverty in the world. Effective implementation of the EU’s Action Plan on Gender Equality is vital.

Published on 1 March 2011