This International Women’s Day, Counterpart celebrates advances for gender equality around the world. Our work in more than 22 countries reflects the core belief that gender equality and female empowerment are both essential to sustainable development. We address different ways in which men, women, boys and girls access information and resources in order to deliver programs that are inclusive of all populations.

Joining the UN Women’s #PledgeforParity Campaign, Counterpart’s staff speak their minds on gender equality, empowerment and integration in their everyday work.

What does Gender Equality mean to you?

Oriane Boudinot is one of Counterpart’s program officers working on our projects in Africa.

Oriane Boudinot, Program Officer: “To me, gender equality means that both men and women, girls and boys are treated with the same respect, and seen as equally important to their society and culture. Both genders know that they can go to school because it is a basic human right, not a privilege for only some in society. Gender equality is a mindset that people need to see everyone as part of humanity, instead of focusing on gender, race, religion or anything else that could separate us from our inner kindness towards people.”

Lindsay Alemi works on Counterpart’s New Business Development team.

Lindsay Alemi, Business Development Associate: “Gender equality to me is a society where no person’s opportunities, experiences, or ability to achieve their highest potential are limited by their gender.”

What does Women’s Empowerment mean to you?

Harris Ayuk-Takor is another one of our program officers with Counterpart’s projects in Africa.

Harris Ayuk-Takor, Program Officer: “Women’s empowerment is closely tied to men’s empowerment – that is, empowering men to recognize, value, and champion women’s ability to be equal.”

Lindsay: “Women’s empowerment is the process of providing women the tools, knowledge, and resources, to reach their full potential and the freedom to choose their own life path.”

What does Gender integration mean to you?

Oriane: “Gender integration is making sure that everyone is included in all aspects of international programming. Gender should be integrated into all parts of society, from agriculture to health and nutrition, from civil society to elections and governance; because both men and women have an important role to play.”

Desiré Barahwahura, Gender Specialist: “It means gender considerations are an integral dimension in all steps of policies and programs, in all domains (political, economic and social) in order to achieve gender equality.”

#PledgeForParity

UN Women’s #PledgeForParity campaign is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to pledge to achieve gender equality. Counterpart pledges to be a leader in integration, equality, and empowerment. Collective, purposeful action from individuals, organizations and the entire international community will accelerate gender parity. Each and every person’s voice counts in the global demand for gender equality.

Ways You Can Celebrate International Women’s Day

• Make your own #PledgeforParity by posting your photo with a selfie card or write your own pledge! Remember to tag it #PledgeforParity and mention @counterpartint and @womensday
• Be sure to look out for our other staff’s pledges on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Check out some gender equality successes worth celebrating from a few of our projects