Much has been written about today being Women’s Equality Day. And there is much to celebrate! But the sobering reality is that we have not achieved universal equality for women globally. Undeniably, there has been progress and we are now more conscious of gender-based and racial and ethnic disparities. Nonetheless, inequality is still widespread. Although women are often the center of families, they frequently have little agency or power because social determinants, such as education and income, keep them in unequal social status and in poverty. Women also are often the caretakers for others’ health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women are experiencing more violence and victimization, with little voice and protection. How do women speak up? Where can they go when they have little agency? It will take a local to global community, national government, and civil society response to realize equality and empower women to have a voice. They are the most important element in the global change and impact equation. The RTI Global Center has projects around the globe addressing gender issues working to impact inequality by helping women to become empowered. When we, as a global community, invest in women and make sure they are educated, have equal opportunities, and are paid equal wages, we plant the seeds for healthier families, communities, and societies in future generations.  See what we are doing at www.rti.org/gender

Wendee M Wechsberg, Ph.D., RTI Global Gender Center