With the prevalence of gender discrimination, and social norms and practices, males and females become affected differently. Females then specifically become exposed to the possibility of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child domestic work, poor education, and health, sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence in all
its forms; while males become victims of sodomy, mental abuse, stigmatization, bully, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Many of these manifestations will not change unless males and females are valued equally.
To reach the ambitious goal of full and equal participation of everyone, we have to tackle critical remaining challenges and address the structural causes of gender inequality, such as violence against women and girls, early and forced marriage, sexual and reproductive health, and reproductive rights, persistent gender disparity in schools, homes, religious places, and communities, unequal employment opportunity and the gender wage gap, unpaid care work, limited control over assets and property, and unequal participation in private and public decision-making. YCWL’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment is closely linked with all our efforts. Our Gender Desk was created to ensure that all programs have a gender-sensitive lens and assist in bridging the gap between men and women through equal and equitable opportunities and to combat the disparity women face. We believe in a joint approach, awareness, and skills training for the most vulnerable groups of our society – women and children, while including men community dwellers local and national stakeholders in the discussion. A change in society can only be guaranteed if we treat our children equally and break with common societal stereotypes. At YCWL, we put a strong emphasis on staff training, regular Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and Child Safeguarding and Sexual Harassment training for all members of staff and all implementing partners as well as community volunteers and contractors.