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3. Promote Gender Equality and Fairness to Women
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What is it? |
This goal is to make sure that women have the same chances as men to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
Gender Disparity is when men and women are not equal in things like money, representation, education and opportunities. |
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What are the targets? |
Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005
Eliminate gender disparity at all levels by 2015 |
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Facts and Stats |
- Two thirds of the world’s illiterate people are women
- 70% of the world’s poor are women
- 60% of the world’s children not attending school are girls
- In South Africa a woman is raped every 80 seconds
- Out of 191 countries only 11 have elected women heads of state or government
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Progress so far |
Most regions are meeting or close to meeting the Goal 3 education target except Sub-Saharan Africa, Southern and West Asia. In these regions, there are less than 80 girls for every 100 boys in school.
Progress is still far behind on all other targets. |
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Canada’s Contribution |
Canada is a world leader in promoting gender equality; all initiatives in Canada’s aid program make gender equality considerations clear.
The Canadian International Development Agency has been a contributor to many efforts including: a road construction program in Bangladesh that created 40,000 jobs for poor widows. With their earnings they are able to manage funds and begin small business. |
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Participating NGOs |
Global Fund For Women
United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
Women’s Action for New Development (WAND) |
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How you can take action |
Have a class discussion about the social differences and similarities between boys and girls. Follow up with a gender reversal role-play.
Learn about bullying and why excluding someone because they are a boy or a girl is a form of bullying.
Promote equality and fairness in your life by giving both boys and girls the same opportunities to learn and grow. You can do this by listening, respecting and encouraging each other. |
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Links
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www.unifem.org
http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/
www.wand.org |
