What is gender equality?
Gender equality is essential to human rights and peaceful society, and countless studies have proven that gender equality is important to the prosperity of all communities. The United Way of the National Capital Region believes in equality for all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or ability.

What does gender equality mean?
Gender equality is the state of having access to rights or opportunities independently of one’s gender. It is not just women who are affected by gender inequality – all genders are affected, including men, transgender people, and gender diverse people. This in turn affects children and families, and people of all ages and backgrounds.

Gender equality does not mean that women and men will have or need exactly the same resources, but the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for women, men, transgender, and gender diverse people will not depend on the gender they were born into.

We urgently need gender equality, because gender equality can prevent violence against women and girls. It is essential for economic prosperity. A society that values equality between men and women is safer and healthier. Gender equality is a human right. Everyone can benefit from gender equality.

Gender equality means that all people :

• Living in a safe and equal society
• Have equal access to power, resources, and opportunities
• Treated with dignity, respect, and fairness

We need to work with communities, schools, workplaces, businesses, and organizations to build a culture of respect and fairness. We all have a role to play in advancing gender equality.

Gender inequality affects every one
Everyone is affected by gender inequality. Read about how gender roles and stereotypes affect the lives of different people.

The benefits of gender equality
Everyone benefits from gender equality. It helps prevent violence against women, benefits the economy, and makes our communities safer and healthier.

We’ve put together a huge collection of books about gender equality. If you want to know more, check our books below: