The women and girls make up half of the world's population, yet they are less likely to have access to education and the labour market (of the 773 million illiterate adults in the world, 63% are women). Gender equality is essential for an inclusive society and for a country's economic growth.
The last two decades have seen significant changes in women's rights around the world. Women have had greater access to education, health care and the labour market. But while 2020 should have been a year to celebrate this progress, it is not, the COVID-19 pandemic marks a considerable setback in this area. Indeed, its economic and social impacts have been particularly violent for women: Nearly one in five women experienced violence in the year 2020, women account for 54% of crisis-related job losses and the gender gap will widen with an additional 47 million women and girls falling below the poverty line.
More than ever, women's rights are at risk despite the promises of many political leaders. For Aide et Action, the VCT-19 pandemic is a unique opportunity to transform society in a sustainable way, especially through education and empowerment of girls and women, and thus to give back to half of Humanity the active and civic place it deserves.
" When women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous. "Michelle Obama
