Promoting Youth Leadership for Gender Justice (HEEL)
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
Gender justice
GFC and our partners promote gender equity, advance girls’ education, inspire healthy masculinities, support the rights of LGBTQ+ youth, and ensure that young people live free from gender-based violence and exploitation.
How we’re supporting gender justice
Harmful gender norms don’t just limit the potential of girls and young women, they also prevent boys and men from fully embracing their strengths and identities. We’re committed to championing girls’ rights while also promoting healthy forms of masculinity that focus on empathy, care, and respect. Gender justice is critical for every child to feel safe, valued, and confident in their potential to thrive.
We support our partners around the world to champion gender justice. Our community-based partners are dedicated to advancing the rights of girls and young women, , while addressing gender-based violence, harmful norms, and traditional practices that perpetuate inequality. We equally believe in the power of boys and young men to fully express themselves and to engage in actions that promote ‘healthy masculinities’ – challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting positive, supportive masculinity that benefits everyone.
For LGBTQ+ youth around the world, life can be incredibly challenging, often marked by discrimination, isolation, and violence, which can severely impact their mental health and overall well-being. GFC works with community-based partners to champion LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they have safe spaces to grow, learn, and express themselves fully.
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Our gender justice initiatives
Girls Experiencing Migration (GEM)
Guatemala, Mexico, United States
Investing in Youth Social Action in England
United Kingdom
The difference we’re making in gender justice
Through our work with partners across 22 countries, GFC is playing a crucial role in driving gender justice and equality for all children and young people. From championing girls' education and advocating for sexual and reproductive health to serving the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and conducting community advocacy and outreach, GFC’s vision is a world where every child grows up safe, valued, and free from discrimination.
66 gender justice focused organizations in 24 countries
59 % women-led partners
33 % youth led partners
Voices & stories
Gender justice, Safety and wellbeing, Youth power
Supporting adolescent migrant girls in Mexico to “take up space” and pursue their dreams
Gender justice, Youth power
Reconstructing masculinity with boys and young men in Guatemala
Youth power
Daniela’s story: Honoring my roots to write my own story
Helpful Resources
Gender justice
Fanzine: Unlearning by Playing
Global Fund for Children and its Girls Experiencing Migration (GEM) initiative partner Otros Dreams en Acción, co-designed a magazine, also known as a zine, in the form of a children’s activity book that shares activities and reflections from the initiative.
Gender justice
Podcast: Solidarity Studio with GFC's Amé Atsu David
Hear from GFC’s Ame Atsu David on the importance of standing by adolescent girls in their fight for gender justice.
Strong partnerships power our work
For funders
For community-based organizations
Your support drives real change
Innovative community-based organizations turn small amounts of money into, lasting impact. Your donation will support our partners working at the hearts of local communities to create a safer, more just future for children and young people.