3. Promote gender equality and empower women
More years of schooling have been associated with many positive outcomes, including later ages at marriage, lower fertility, and healthier children. The Population Council is working in countries around the world to reduce gender disparities in schooling. Photo: Monica Grant/Population Council
- Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015
The Population Council explores how age, gender, socioeconomic status, schooling, family conditions, living arrangements, civic participation, and livelihood skills and capacities shape the transition to adulthood. Staff members focus especially on adolescents at risk of child marriage and those living in the path of the HIV pandemic. Researchers explore ways to decrease violence against women, reduce female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and lower rates of sexual coercion.
Read more about the Population Council's research and programs on child marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting, social isolation/support, and schooling.
Selected projects
- Ishraq: Bringing Marginalized Rural Girls into Safe Learning Spaces in Upper Egypt (2001–ongoing)
- Berhane Hewan: Supporting Married and Unmarried Girls in Rural Ethiopia (2004–2008)
- Abriendo Oportunidades: Creating Opportunities for Mayan Girls and Young Women (2002–ongoing)
- Managing and Preventing Female Genital Cutting (FGC) Among the Somali Community in Kenya (2005–2008)
- Addressing Child Marriage in Northern Nigeria (2005–2009)
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