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Gender

Nawal Mohummed works as part of a CAFOD-funded women’s project in southern Sudan [Annie Bungeroth]

Equality is essential if we are to tackle poverty, and both men and women are part of the solution

Gender refers to the roles of both women and men (including young people and children) which vary hugely across different cultures, and can lead to a denial of the basic human right of equality.

Each year, we mark The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence from November 25-December 10, which calls for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence through raising awareness.

There are many common examples of gender inequality, such as women generally being poorer than men and having fewer resources and rights, less access to power, education, training, and paid employment, and less involvement in decision-making.

It is also more common for women to suffer sexual exploitation and, in many countries, caring for the home and the family falls largely on women's shoulders. Gathering fuel and water are often considered part of a woman's role.

But gender is about men too, as stereotyping men restricts their freedom to involve women and share power and influence. Working towards gender equality is central to our mission.

International Women's Day 8 March marks International Women's Day. Find out how we are working to tackle issues of domestic violence and post-war trauma. Take action to stop violence against women	A quiet-ish revolution Sareth is deputy village chief in a Cambodian community where the empowerment of women ensures its development stays in the hands of the local people	Ending a culture of domestic violence Young wife and mother Chhuo Khom tells how learning about her rights as a woman in Seam Reap, Cambodia helped her to end the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband
Growing benefits for women The women at COMUCAP own their own land and have formed six co-operatives making orange and raspberry wines, aloe vera soap, shampoo and organic coffee	Meeting women's basic needs Two years after Taliban rule ended in Afghanistan, thousands of refugees - most of them women and children - returned to the war-ravaged country

International women's day: Margaret's story

In her childhood, Margaret Mwaniki from Kenya witnessed women and children being beaten by their husbands and fathers. Growing up in a society which accepted violence against women inspired Margaret to fight for women’s rights.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

The 21st annual 16 Days Against Gender Violence campaign starts on 25 November

Durban COP17: Crunch time for climate talks?

The upcoming United Nations climate change conference in Durban, South Africa will be dominated by a question hanging over the future of the Kyoto Protocol (KP) which expires at the end of next year.

Get the latest on the talks from CAFOD’s team on the ground>>

Published on 24/11/2009, last updated on 15/08/2011

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CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales

Gender