Medium: 5 Ways to End Poverty by Focusing on Women and Girls
Susan Markham, senior coordinator for gender equality and women’s empowerment at USAID

“…[A]ll too often gender inequality gets pushed aside because of competing priorities or a lack of resources. … The truth is … [w]e cannot end extreme poverty without focusing on women and girls, and the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. When we put women and girls at the center of development, we can see a positive ripple effect across their families, communities, and nations. We have the opportunity to make the world more stable, secure, and resilient. How can we do this? 1. We can #LetGirlsLearn … 2. Empower women to engage in their communities … 3. Recognize the unique challenges of women and girls … 4. Work with men and boys … 5. Fill the knowledge gaps … At USAID, we recognize that to #EndPoverty, we need to put women and girls at the center of development…” (6/13).