New World Bank Report identifies gender equality as key to development

The World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development released today by the World Bank focuses on the importance of equality for women and girls if countries are to advance economically. According to the report, not only is gender inequality holding back the current generations, but unless women and girls are given equal access to education, healthcare and participation in the workforce, future generations will suffer.

So not only is it the ‘right’ thing to do to improve the lives of women and girls, but it’s also the ‘smart’ thing to do for the whole country. Their report shows that “countries that create better opportunities and conditions for women and girls can raise productivity, improve outcomes for children, make institutions more representative, and advance development prospects for all”.

Afghanistan was identified in the report as having one of the poorest record on the female mortality rate of women in their child-bearing years with 1 in every 25 dying from complications of childbirth or pregnancy.

Mahboba’s Promise has always focused on preparing young people for a better future in Afghanistan by providing opportunities to learn and expand their horizons. It continues to be committed to helping widows in a very practical way through the Widow Sponsorship program which provides women with some essential funds towards the welfare of their families and access to healthcare for themselves and their children. Its vocational training program for women helps them find a means for supporting their families so that they may become self-sufficient.

To read more of the World Bank Report and go to their website click here...