Let's stand together for Gender Equality

It's time to stand together on gender identity. Around the world, people suffer discrimination, violence, and exploitation based on their gender and gender identity. Women routinely receive lower pay, fewer opportunities, and face a greater struggle to achieve economic independence than men. These problems have plagued us for centuries. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can make a change for the better.

The problem of gender equality is two-fold. Governments around the world need to take a stand and enact laws and legislation that protect women's civil rights. And society needs to perceive women as equals to men, be it in the workplace, on the playing field, at school, or in elected office.

The facts about violations of gender equality are depressing. Worldwide, 41 million girls won't receive primary education today; 10 million more girls than boys are out of school. It is therefore not surprising that almost two-thirds of the 780 million people worldwide who cannot read are women. And it gets worse from there. Around the world, one in three women has been the victim of violence or abuse or coerced into sex. The not just unfair but disgraceful and harmful way we treat women around the world affects all of us. By changing the way we treat girls and the opportunities available to them, we can break the cycle of poverty. By changing the future for our girls, we can reduce occurrences of teen pregnancy, HIV, and AIDS. We can change the future.

By advocating for gender equality around the world, we can contribute to a sea change in our culture and improve the way that we think about women and girls and the ways we prepare for their futures. We can create a kinder, gentler, more inclusive world. We can put an end to gender equality violations around the world.

The petitions below cover a range of gender equality issues, from ending underage marriage to demanding sexual and reproductive rights legislation; from advocating for better maternal health care to speaking out on behalf of victims of domestic violence. When we stand up together and demand that leaders around the world protect gender equality, we can create real change.

When you create or sign a petition advocating for human rights you become part of the Care2 community&emdash;a community that has made world-changing impact through starting campaigns and supporting each other's work. We are a community united for good. Your signature conveys your support for gender equality and your voice will be heard.

By signing these petitions, or creating one of your own, you have the opportunity to save a woman from abuse or exploitation. You may even save a life. Your support of the petitions below will create a better life for girls and women around the world.

When we stand together, our actions have an impact. When we unite for good, we can contribute to the solution. Let's stand together for gender equality.