Gender Equality Vital To Development Because It Benefits Women, Children, UNICEF Report Says

Gender equality is "pivotal to human progress" because it produces a "double dividend" of benefiting women and children and also is vital to the health and development of families, communities and countries, according to a report released on Monday by UNICEF, the Toronto Star reports (Teotonio, Toronto Star, 12/11). The report examined data on several issues, including women's health and gender equality (Agence France Presse, 12/10). The report found that children whose mothers who have an equal voice in basic family decisions -- such as health care, income expenditures, and relations with family members and friends -- are more likely to receive proper nourishment, education and health care services.