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Girls & Women

DFID is working to give girls and women choice, voice and control over their lives. Across the developing world, women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of poverty - but we know when we invest in girls, they have the potential to transform their prospects, their communities and the world. In these blogs various voices will show why this is important and how the UK is helping.

Ending violence against women and girls – the missing target in the MDGs

The UK is tackling all forms of violence against women and girls through its programmes. Picture: Robin Hammond/Panos

As I'm sure you know by now, I am passionately committed to tackling violence against women and girls wherever it occurs, and this issue was the theme of my last speaking event at CSW before heading back home. The Millennium …

International Women’s Day: getting women’s voices heard in Afghanistan

Open Jirga audience members - a special episode of Afghanistan’s TV and radio debate show Open Jirga was devoted to women’s role in the upcoming presidential election.

"In a society where woman can’t even choose her own life partner, how can she choose her own leader?" It was a question that left the whole room stunned at a recent recording of Afghanistan's TV and radio debate show …