This International Women’s Day, the Packard Foundation joins the global challenge to #BreakTheBias by imagining a gender equal world: a world where people of all genders are valued, supported, and able to meaningfully contribute to their communities.

When women and girls, in all their diversity, have the resources and power to make decisions about their lives and families, progress is accelerated on the most urgent and complex challenges our world faces today.

Despite this truth, we have a long way to go as a global society to close the gender gap. At the current pace of progress, it may take 135 years to achieve a gender equal world, according to the World Economic Forum. The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have only widened the gap and the need for gender-focused funding is stark: less than 2% of charitable giving in the U.S. supports the rights of women and girls.

Today we recognize the urgency of investing in women and girls to build inclusive, just societies. We celebrate their diversity and contributions as scientists, caregivers, farmers, elected officials, environmentalists, and as individuals who lead multi-dimensional lives.

Meet remarkable women, leaders, and organizations who aren’t just dreaming of a gender equal world, they are making it a reality.

Read the full article about gender equity by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.