Advancing women's rights is one of the biggest and most critical challenges in efforts to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. Women are disproportionately impacted by poverty and are often restricted in accessing the economic resources, education and training, and land and property rights that could help them break the cycle of poverty.
In many places, women’s rights continue to be curtailed by gender-based discrimination, and women face higher rates of violence and risk of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Globally, millions of young girls each year still undergo the harmful practice of female genital mutilation and thousands of woman die every day due to lack of adequate health care and as a result of pregnancy and childbirth.
The benefits of investing in and empowering women are huge: When more women work, economies grow. They invest their household incomes in ways that benefit children. Child mortality rates decrease when women have more education, and involving women in peace processes leads to more stable and secure societies.
About the author
Emma Smith
For four years, Emma Smith covered careers and recruitment, among other topics, for Devex. She now freelances for Devex and has a special interest in mental health, immigration, and sexual and reproductive health. She holds a degree in journalism from Glasgow Caledonian University and a master’s in media and international conflict.
