“If every child could grow up with a father and a mother, both of whom love and care for the child, ours would be a much better world.”

             -- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Imagine a world free of bias. Workplaces free of glass ceilings and pay gaps between men and women, with equal parental leave for new moms and dads alike. A world where women make up more than a quarter of the persons heard, read about or seen in the media. A place where the idea of “girl power” has run its course because strength, independence and confidence are – at last – not considered male by default.

While things are certainly better today than in decades past, there’s still much work ahead.

The AKDN is committed to raising the competence and confidence of women and changing the mindsets of communities so that women and girls are not overlooked or forgotten. Free of bias, they can feel safe, respected and ready to thrive and lead.

International Women’s Day is held every year on 8 March to help forge a gender equal world.