Equality Now

Equality Now is an international human rights organization dedicated to the advocacy and promotion of gender equality. Founded in 1992, the organization focuses on creating legal and systemic change to address issues of violence against women, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation (FGM), and discrimination in law, among other gender-related issues. Equality Now works globally, partnering with local organizations to mobilize international action, support legal development, and challenge injustice.

Mission and Vision

Equality Now is driven by the vision of a world where women and men have equal rights under the law and full enjoyment of their human rights. The organization's mission is to achieve legal and systemic change that addresses violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world.

Key Areas of Work

Equality Now addresses its mission through several key areas of work, including:

• Violence Against Women: The organization campaigns against physical and sexual violence, aiming to influence and change laws that fail to protect women and girls.
• Sexual Exploitation: This includes efforts to combat sex trafficking, the exploitation of prostitution, and other forms of sexual exploitation.
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Equality Now works to end FGM through legal advocacy, education, and partnership with grassroots organizations.
• Discrimination in Law: The organization seeks to end discriminatory laws and practices that hinder the rights of women and girls, advocating for legal equality.

Campaigns and Achievements

Over the years, Equality Now has been involved in numerous campaigns and has achieved significant milestones in the fight for gender equality. Some of its notable achievements include:

• Influencing the amendment of laws that discriminate against women in various countries.
• Partnering with local organizations to challenge and change practices and laws related to FGM.
• Raising awareness and advocating for the end of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation through global campaigns.

Organization and Structure

Equality Now operates globally, with offices in New York, London, Nairobi, and Beirut. The organization works closely with a network of partners and activists in over 160 countries, leveraging legal advocacy, public education, and mobilization to achieve its goals.

Challenges and Criticisms

Like many NGOs, Equality Now faces challenges such as navigating complex legal systems, cultural resistance, and the need for sustainable funding. Criticisms may also arise regarding the prioritization of issues or the methods of advocacy, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the global movement for gender equality.

Conclusion

Equality Now plays a crucial role in the global fight for gender equality, advocating for the rights of women and girls through legal change and public awareness. By challenging discriminatory laws and practices, the organization strives to create a more just and equal world.