Asia Pacific Accessibility

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Gender Equality: Twin Strategy

A group of women, several in wheelchairs, gathered in a circle outdoors, with a small dog among them.

Voice, choice, agency, safety and freedom

The twin strategy for gender equality is a two-pronged approach that combines gender mainstreaming and targeted interventions. The idea is that neither strategy alone is sufficient to achieve true gender equality. For example, a transportation project would consider how street lighting and public transit routes affect women's safety and mobility.

Micro-finance initiatives for women entrepreneurs, scholarships for girls to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, or programs to combat gender-based violence provide direct support and resources to empower women and girls in areas where they are most excluded.

The twin strategy acknowledges that while a systemic change is necessary, direct action is also crucial to correct historical injustices and provide immediate support. By combining these two approaches, organizations and governments can work toward both long-term structural change and short-term, impactful results.