Centered on Women & Girls

RET’s programs are concerned with young people in general. However, by working consistently with vulnerable young women and mothers, our programs respond to pressing needs and have a more significant impact and effectiveness. Young women and mothers are amongst the most vulnerable in crises but are also often heads of households and play essential roles in the lives of children, youth, and the family unit. 

Though girls and boys face similar challenges in early childhood, gender disparities become more pronounced in adolescence (10-19 years of age), a crucial period when boys’ and girls’ attitudes about gender develop and gender norms consolidate. A person’s gender still significantly affects their opportunities and achievements. Due to expected gender roles, girls may also face a disproportionate burden of domestic work, expectations to be married, risks of early pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence. The social, economic, and cultural development of societies has created different gender roles, which are advantageous to men and detrimental to women. This gap widens in fragile contexts, as evidence shows that masculinities and femininities are heightened during a crisis. Also, when widespread violence in communities rises, there is a notable increase in gender-based violence. The use of rape as a weapon or forced early marriages are among the most notorious examples. Therefore, focusing on young women, adolescent mothers, women heads of households, and young widows is vital in addressing the most pressing needs. 

However, focusing on women goes beyond this question of vulnerability; it is also an issue of impact and effectiveness. Targeting young women has a far-reaching positive impact. Women are often at the heart of the family, influence children’s education, and play essential roles in health, nutrition, household management, and can have a direct role in generating income. The more education and capacity a woman have, the better the opportunities for the entire family. The impact of working to protect and build the self-reliance of young women through multi-sectoral interventions is therefore extremely positive.