The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Women are the twin halves of men.” 

(Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi) 

Fairness. Justice. Equity.  

We are all different. We come from different places and backgrounds and continue to grow in our uniqueness through different life experiences. While in the case of equality, we strive for the same opportunities for all, in the case of equity, we must strive to understand, accept, and accommodate our differences. 

Women worldwide have faced obstacles that have kept them from reaching their potential for as long as one can remember. Their voices, experiences, and contributions are often underestimated, unrecognized, and underrepresented by the law and by those in positions of power. In addition, a United Nations report found that women are more likely to be severely affected than men by many of the world’s challenges highlighted in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty, hunger, poor health, and lack of education. In fact, 338 million women live in poverty, and 129 million are out of school. These factors have a tremendous impact on societies and nations as a whole. By not tapping into the potential of half the world’s population, opportunities for advancement become extremely restricted and affect everyone everywhere. 

A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts.  

This year, International Women’s Day is celebrating women, raising awareness, and taking action to #EmbraceEquity. Valuing differences and utilizing the skills and strengths of every member of society through inclusion and opportunity is the only way to progress and truly achieve success. 

HHRD understands the importance of empowering women. While immediate assistance is vital in many circumstances, the necessity of sustainable, long-term self-sufficiency and independence is just as crucial. Programs such as Skills Development and Livelihood, Education Support, Healthcare and Nutrition, and more work to provide the support needed to bring about this change. Women are taught skills they can use to gain financial stability and take charge of their own lives; educational scholarships are provided to give girls the opportunity to achieve their dreams and become productive members of society; healthcare is made accessible to prevent and treat ailments that may otherwise impede the ability to live a life of dignity. 

Last year, donor support enabled HHRD to empower thousands by training 8,000+ through the Skills Development and Livelihood Program, providing Education Support to 6,000+ students, making healthcare accessible to 192,000+ people, and much more. To play a role in bringing about change, visit hhrd.org and support the many programs committed to embracing equity and empowering women everywhere. 

Written by Nausheen Ahmed.