Taking action

A world free of discrimination may seem like an impossible dream, but it is a dream within our reach.

© UNICEF/HQ05-0391/Mohan

Girls at school, Thailand.

It is clear that great change in favour of women and girls is possible and that for all children, such change is essential.

The international community is dedicated to achieving equality between women and men and to protecting the rights of girls and women.  Gender equality features prominently in the Millennium Development Goals set in 2000 and, as of September 2006, 184 countries have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

But despite these commitments, for many women and girls the promises have not been kept. What is necessary now is to turn the words of these agreements into actions by governments, organizations, men and boys, husbands and fathers, voters, teachers, religious and civic leaders, the media, the private sector and, indeed, women and girls themselves. Many steps have already been taken, but there are a number of areas that need more focus.

Read on to learn about the seven key areas that will make the greatest difference in the struggle to achieve equality between women and men.

…and to find out what you can do.

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