#AccelerateAction #InvestInWomen #InvestInGirls
International Women's Day
INVEST IN #WomenOFEASTASIA
Despite the progress in bridging education parity between boys and girls, many girls and boys in East Asia do not have equal opportunities due to the deep-rooted gender inequalities existing in the region. Social practices like the preference for a boy child leading to sex selection before birth, early marriage and pre-designated roles of carrying the domestic workloads puts girls and women in an unfavourable position. One of the consequences of gender inequality is violence against women and girls.
Embracing equity starts with addressing gender inequalities and advances with intentional investment in women and girls, for the dividends of empowerment and opportunity are boundless."
First, we need to check and challenge negative gender biases and norms prevalent in the communities by working with parents, faith and community leaders, men, women, girls and boys. Women and girls should not be treated as second-class citizens but as integral and contributing members of their communities.
Second, we should advocate for equal gender rights, freedom, access and opportunities so that communities become more resilient, and progress is sustainable. Girls and boys need to be empowered to go as far as they can academically and not limit them to any gender-based constraints.
Third, everyone should be taken into account and valued regardless of gender, thus promoting equality and inclusion should be inherent across all of development and humanitarian programming.
Lastly, we should accelerate economic empowerment by intentionally investing in girls and women in all stages of their lives, because our experience testifies to how supporting girls and women benefits not just themselves and their families, but their entire communities and beyond. That is a promised ROI.
When girls and women enjoy equal voice, freedom, resources, opportunities, and investments, individual and community resilience and progress are better strengthened and sustained.
On this International Women's Day, let us celebrate the women and girls who have stepped forward to ignite positive changes in their communities and contribute to improved child well-being in the East Asia region:
Four women inspiring changes in Laos
These women play a crucial role in their communities as vectors of change and empowerment towards greater equity.
The power of women inclusion in Myanmar
Transformation happens where inclusion knows no boundaries and empowerment knows no gender.
Di
Against all odds, Di is making confident strides on her path of education and reaching her full potential.
Ying
Ying is a teacher for children of special needs. She teaches children with disabilities online and face-to-face in a rehabilitation centre that World Vision supports.
Alia
Equipped with childcare knowledge, Alia has become an influential voice in her community. She provides lessons to child caretakers in her home and facilitates discussions on proper childcare practices to ensure children enjoy comprehensive development.
Nayantsetseg
Former alcoholic sensitised and supported to give up drinking and take on a livelihood in making handicrafts, Nayantsetseg has not only turned her life around but also become a loving mother to her three children. Today, volunteering in World Vision’s programmes, she is a frequent home visitor to 50 children and an ardent advisor for young people to stay away from smoking and drinking.
Oyunbileg
Oyunbileg is a tailor who lives with her husband and seven children. World Vision’s livelihoods training has empowered her start her own tailoring business and better provide for the needs of her family.
Thu Thu
There is no school in Thu Thu's village. From a very young age, she has made it her life's goal to become a teacher and help children in her community have more learning opportunities. Carrying the knowledge, skills and confidence she’s gained through World Vision’s programme activities, she’s step by step closer to making her dream come true.
Thuong
Before, only a few people would notice the petite and timid girl who rarely showed up at the village’s events. Through Sponsorship program, Thuong found her confidence and passion for her hometown’s development. Today, she is serving her community alongside World Vision in various positions, such as secretary and home visiting collaborator of a saving group, a member of the Village Development Board, and facilitator of her village’s children club.
Xa
Xa’s grandmothers got married at 15. Her mother got married and became the family’s breadwinner at 17. The same story almost repeated for Xa when her mother was made immobile due to a severe accident. Through sponsorship programme, Xa’s family received training and livelihood means, and Xa herself was supported to stay in school. She is studying hard to become a police officer and work with child protection agencies to help young girls fulfil their potential.
Mabel
For 18 years, Mabel has been a relentless warrior to build a barrier-free world for children and people with disabilities. Her service has contributed to improving the living environment and access to support services for those with disabilities so that they can enjoy a life with dignity.
Huong
Women like Huong are being empowered to take proactive roles in ensuring viable income sources and year-round food security for their families despite the dire effect of changing weather patterns.
World Vision works alongside local communities, peer civil society groups, donors, and private sector partners to provide inclusive water access, quality healthcare and education, protection, and economic empowerment opportunities to some of the world's most vulnerable women and girls. We aim to create lasting changes in the lives of girls and women in communities.
