EngenderHealth’s Commitment to Breaking Gender Norms and Advancing Equity

At EngenderHealth, we are committed to breaking gender norms and challenging the power dynamics that restricts access to care and limits people’s autonomy and opportunities. Our programs address persistent gender equality gaps by embedding gender-transformative strategies at every levels—from policymaking to frontline health services.

Challenging Gender Roles to Improve Health Outcomes

We envision a world where all people can realize their sexual and reproductive health and rights and participate fully in society. Our work focuses on challenging harmful gender roles and social norms that drive discrimination, restricts choices, and contributes to health inequities. We advance lasting change through high-quality programs and meaningful partnerships.

Our gender-transformative approach identifies and addresses the harmful norms and structural barriers that prevent women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals from living healthy, self-determined lives. By focusing on gender equality and centering the voices of those most affected, we’re driving forward a more just and inclusive future.

How We Drive Gender Equity Across Sectors

Policy and Advocacy for Structural Change
We collaborate with partners to advance gender equality issues through inclusive, youth-friendly, and gender-equitable policies at national and local levels.

Strengthening Health Systems with a Gender Lens
We train healthcare providers to deliver gender-inclusive, respectful, and youth-friendly care that meets individuals where they are.

Community Engagement to Challenge Gender Roles
Our community-based programs, which are co-led with youth- and women-led organizations, focus on challenging gender roles, reducing biases and stigma, and fostering inclusive, equitable spaces in schools, homes, and workplaces.

Practical Tools to Support Gender Integration
We provide implementers with a comprehensive suite of gender, youth, and social inclusion (GYSI) tools to apply gender-transformative practices across programs.

These include:

GYSI Strategy
GYSI Staff Training Manual (comprehensive version & abridged version)
GYSI Analysis Framework and Toolkit
GYSI Marker and Guidance
Risk Assessment Matrix and Do No Harm Framework

All resources are freely available to support others committed to breaking gender norms and creating lasting change.

Why Gender Equality Issues Matter for Global Health

Persistent gender equality issues continue to limit access to education, healthcare, safety, and leadership opportunities for women, girls, and marginalized populations.

The facts about gender equality are clear: when equity advances, so does progress—improving outcomes for individuals, families, and societies.

By addressing the root causes of inequality and breaking gender norms, we help build systems where all people can thrive with dignity and autonomy.

Our Commitment to Inclusive, Gender-Responsive Programming

EngenderHealth applies the same principles of inclusion and equity internally that we promote globally. Together with our partners, youth leaders, and communities, we are challenging gender roles, creating opportunities, and working toward a world where everyone can access quality care and fully exercise their rights.

“I believe that gender equality should be everyone's responsibility and to change the unequal norms in society, we must begin from ourselves. Gender equality in all its intersectionality, is very close to my heart, as a core human right.”

–Dr. Renu Golwalkar

Director of Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion, India