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Each year around the world, International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8. The Health Policy Project (HPP) recognizes the important role women play in fostering healthy families and healthy communities. Our programs collaborate with government agencies, national and international organizations, women’s associations, donors, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that enhance access to health services and improve the well-being of women and girls.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, we recognize the economic, political, and social achievements of women and girls throughout the world. We also renew our commitment to address gender inequalities, and pledge our support in the effort to empower females to work toward a brighter future and improved health for themselves, their families, and their communities.

For more information about International Women’s Day, visit the official website.

Telling their Stories

Below are stories of individuals who are working for gender equality and improving the health of women and girls throughout their countries.

Walking Hand in Hand Last year, pastor Timoteo Bedane of Sofala, Mozambique had a revelation. Like many other religious leaders around the world, Pastor Bedane had preached – and practiced – male dominance in marriage. As the Pastor continued to participate in gender equality discussion sessions, his viewpoint began to evolve. Read his story

Evidence is the Best Policy Dr. Maryanne Ndonga knew she had a unique opportunity to help women and girls in Kenya. As the head of the Department of Gender, Human Rights and Education under the Ministry of Medical Services, she is using the What Works for Women and Girls website to help develop the country’s national gender policy in the health sector, and to inform the national HIV strategic plan. Read her story

Selected Publications and Resources

Approach for Promoting and Measuring Gender Equality in the Scale-Up of Family Planning and Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Programs
This document presents an approach designed to help countries advance the systematic integration of gender equality into the scale-up of family planning and maternal, neonatal, and child health interventions and best practices.

Brief: Violence Against Women - A Summary of Issues, Interventions, and Evidence
An overview examining how gender-based violence increases the risk of HIV, as part of What Works for Women and Girls: Evidence for HIV/AIDS Interventions. (PDF)

Respectful Maternity Care Charter and Advocacy Materials
The Respectful Maternity Care Charter and advocacy materials build a strong positive global standard to affirm the legitimacy of maternal health rights as basic human rights issues grounded in key international declarations. The charter, poster, and brochure are available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.

RAPIDWomen
RAPIDWomen is an interactive software tool that links family planning to other women-centered strategies such as girls’ education and promotion of gender equitable norms , thereby demonstrating how investing in these programs can increase quality of life for women, girls, and families, as well as overall development.

What Works for Women and Girls
What Works for Women and Girls is a website that provides strategies, comprehensive data, and evidence on a full range of gender-sensitive HIV programming for women and girls.

 
Learn more about Health Policy Project gender activities

Learn more about Health Policy Project programs to reduce gender-based violence