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UNICEF flagship report says gender equality benefits both women and children
On its 60th anniversary, UNICEF’s new edition of its flagship publication says gender equality is critical to child survival and development. The State of the World’s Children 2007, subtitled “Women and Children: The Double Dividend of Gender Equality”, examines the status of women around the world and concludes that ending gender discrimination would benefit both women and children, affecting the health and development of societies everywhere.
The report argues that recent progress in women’s status has not come far enough. Millions of girls and women continue to live in poverty, disempowered and discriminated against. They are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, less likely to attend school and often subject to physical and sexual violence. In most places, men continue to earn more than women for the same jobs.
The report finds that in families where women are the main decision-makers, a far greater proportion of household resources is devoted to child health, nutrition and education than in families where women do not have a voice.
The report suggests seven key interventions for gender equality, the first of which is to abolish school fees and invest in girls’ education. For the full article, please go to http://www.ungei.org/infobycountry/247_1246.html.
Tribute to a legacy
To honour Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Mrs. Nane Annan for their commitment to girls’ education in the past decade, UNGEI is highlighting a few of their many contributions to girls' education, which have affected communities and lives throughout the world. UNGEI recognizes that they have made girls' education a personal priority, lending their voices and energy, and is grateful for their commitment to advancing this agenda beyond their tenure.
For the full tribute, please go the UNGEI homepage and select “Tribute to a legacy”.
Upcoming events
20 Dec - UN Day of South-South Cooperation
15 Jan - 2 Feb - 44th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child | 
