How collaborative philanthropy helps gender inequality

By committing to bold investments and building Strategic partnerships, philanthropy can drive transformative change

- Aditi Premji

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a crucial driver of inclusive and sustainable development. Yet, in the Global South, entrenched gender inequality remains a significant barrier to social and economic progress. Women and girls in these regions face persistent challenges in education, employment, leadership and financial independence, limiting their personal potential and constraining their countries' overall growth. These disparities are exacerbated by systemic inequalities and the lingering effects of colonialism, which disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Historically, global conversations on gender equality have been dominated by voices from the Global North, leaving those from the Global South underrepresented.

Philanthropy has an increasingly important role to play in advancing gender equality, particularly in the Global South.

According to OECD's August 2024 policy paper, How Philanthropic Foundations Support Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, philanthropic giving towards gender-focused initiatives in developing countries has tripled over five years, from 2017 to 2022. Domestic funding for women's empowerment has also risen, though at a slower pace than crossborder contributions. While these trends are encouraging, there remains a pressing need for more systemic approaches that address the root causes of gender inequality, rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Indian foundations have emerged as key contributors to causes such as reproductive health, family planning, combating violence against women and girls, and supporting women's rights organizations.