At MCC, we put gender equality at the center of our work because we know that a world beyond poverty is only possible if women and girls are equal participants in their economies and societies.
When women and men have equal opportunities to thrive, we have a better chance at creating economic growth that can help families build better lives.
So, we celebrate International Women’s Day knowing that fighting for gender equality is not just the smart thing to do—it’s also the right thing to do.
MCC is proud to be a vehicle for investments that uplift women and girls around the globe. From women receiving certified plumbing training in Jordan to the female land owners in Mongolia to the women entrepreneurs in Lesotho, women and girls all over the world get a fairer shot at a better life thanks to the American people’s investments through MCC.
By changing the economic futures of women and girls, we transform the economic futures of families, communities and whole countries.
That is why MCC developed its Gender Policy and Gender Integration Guidelines to ensure gender is considered in all stages of its work with partner countries at the policy and project levels.
That is why MCC added a gender in the economy indicator on the scorecard we use to assess the commitment of our partner countries to sound political and economic governance. Inspired by this indicator, Cote d’Ivoire passed a law giving women equal rights.
And, that is why through an innovative initiative called Data2x MCC is leading the charge to make public sex-disaggregated data to evaluate our programs and measure what really changes the lives of women and girls.
In concrete ways, through MCC’s compacts and programs and through participation in wider U.S. efforts like the Let Girls Learn initiative, MCC will continue to make the promise of economic empowerment and equality for women and girls a reality.
International Women’s Day renews our resolve to build on the progress made. Because when women and girls prosper, we all prosper.