For strong women and girls

Promoting gender equality is a central component of our Strategy 2027. In all our international programmes, we are committed to empowering women and girls and supporting national initiatives.

One example of this is the locally managed project ‘Raíces y semillas’ (‘Roots and Seeds’), which is being implemented by our partner organisation Profamilia in Ecuador and Colombia. We accompany the project in partnership and provide technical support. This is because ‘machismo’ (the feeling of male superiority) still shapes society in both countries, and gender-based violence is omnipresent.  

In workshops, the participants learn how to prevent violence, exercise their rights and find help when needed. Girls and boys learn how important it is to talk about feelings and strengthen their self-confidence. Many former participants are now involved themselves as peer educators or local advocates. Trained volunteers from the community continue to promote the issues, thus ensuring lasting change. Young people are also informed about topics such as contraception and abortion so that they can make their own decisions independently.