International Women's Day

Globally, more than one billion people live in extreme poverty. The vast majority are women. Yet their potential is without limit.

According to the UN, women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours and produce half of the world’s food, yet earn just ten percent of the world’s income and own less than ten percent of the world’s property.

The voices of women living in the poorest parts of the world remain largely unheard. Their needs seldom inform policy choices. Lack of access to education can mean women have little idea of their rights.

Gender inequality contributes to poverty. Women’s full participation in development is crucial and must be embedded within poverty reduction strategies. For International Women’s Day, we celebrate some of the inspirational women behind the statistics who, in spite of the injustices they have faced, are living positive, hope-filled lives.