Global poverty often has a woman’s face. 70% of those living in poverty are women and more than half a million women die in pregnancy and childbirth each year. Gender-based violence causes more deaths and disability among women aged 15 to 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war (WHO - World report on violence and health, 2000).
Jesus treated both men and women as individuals, worthy of his full attention. He encouraged and affirmed women throughout his teaching, at a time when society gave women little value.
That’s why Tearfund is committed to ensuring that every aspect of our work is sensitive to gender, and encourages churches worldwide to support and advocate for the equal worth of men and women.
Tearfund’s pioneering work on gender has led to the launch of Restored, an international Christian alliance aiming to draw the church’s attention to violence against women both within and beyond its own walls.