• Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education and empower women.

A Win for Women is a Win for All

Women disproportionately suffer the burden of poverty, are the victims of widespread and persistent discrimination in all areas of life, and put their lives at risk every time they become pregnant. However, the survival and development of children rests on the realization of the rights and equality of women.

Educated women are more likely to be able to support themselves and their families, raise healthier children, and participate in decisions affecting their future. Educating mothers also greatly cuts the death rate of children under the age of five and an educated mother is more likely to send her children to school.

SOS Children’s Villages responds by:

• supporting girls and women outside traditional family structures;
• building the capacities of women and girls, e.g. skills training, education on women’s rights, personal development, non-formal education;
• offering equal promotion opportunities for women within the organization;
• helping women and girls to avoid HIV/AIDS by providing access to youth-friendly, gender-sensitive health services that provide voluntary, confidential HIV testing and counseling.