When it comes to the children, themselves, we believe in putting special emphasis on programs that will give girls the same chances as boys. We work to give girls the chance to reach their full potential, both for their own sakes and so that they can make their rightful contribution to their communities and countries when they become women. One of its main programs is the Women's Health and Development Resource Centre, established through the understanding that women's health concerns should be viewed from women's perspectives. Since 1975, significant knowledge and information has been generated about the status of women and the conditions in which they live. Throughout their entire life cycle, women's daily existence and long-term aspirations are restricted by unfavorable attitudes, biased social and economic structures, and a lack of resources in many countries that prevent their full and equal participation.
Girls of today are the women of tomorrow.
The skills, ideas, and energy of girls are vital for full attainment of the goals of equality, development, and peace. For a girl to develop to her full potential, she needs to be nurtured in an enabling environment where her needs for survival, protection, and development are met and her equal rights safeguarded. They often have less access to nutrition, physical and mental health care, and education, and enjoy fewer rights, fewer opportunities, and fewer benefits of childhood and adolescence than do boys. Their daily existence and long-term aspirations are restricted by attitudes, structures, and lack of resources that prevent their full and equal participation in society. More than half the world's population is under the age of 25, with 80 percent living in developing countries.