Women comprise 70 per cent of the world's poor and are also more subject to discrimination and violence in everyday life. They are also more often the victims of war and natural disasters. Women have less of a voice and less access to land, credit, education and healthcare. Yet women are the bedrock of the family, society and economy. They work in households, in agriculture or in small businesses, often without pay. HEKS/EPER opts to work with men and women in its projects so as to tackle these injustices. In so doing it is also vital to question male role models. Breaking up unfair power distribution will benefit not just women but society as a whole. Gender equality is crucial if everyone in poorer countries is to benefit from sustainable development.