A new Focus On – Focus On Gender Equity

Over the years IAPB has successfully run its ‘Focus On’ series, attracting hundreds of participants and some of the world’s thought leaders for ‘Focus On Glaucoma’ and ‘Focus On Diabetes’. In 2022 IAPB is excited to continue its ‘Focus On’ series with the pertinent subject of Gender Equity.

Traditionally ‘Focus On’ has concentrated knowledge sharing over the course of a single week. However, this year IAPB is thrilled to be presenting a new format where they will continue to visit these topics throughout the year. By doing this we will include more members than ever before and shine a brighter light on the work that is happening to push these important areas forward in the eye health sector and beyond.

With last year’s landmark UN Resolution for Vision cementing the links between eye health and the UN Sustainable Goals, Focus On Gender Equity will take an in depth look at SDG 5 Gender Equality. Throughout the year, IAPB will work to raise the advocacy, awareness, and knowledge of this key eye health area with policy and decision makers around the world taking note.

IAPBs Gender Equity Work Groups will be highlighting their work and the important work of several of our other working groups.

Commenting on this year’s plans Peter Holland IAPB Chief Executive said “We know that there is a lot of great work happening to improve gender equity. IAPBs patrons, members and others in the sector have amazing initiatives that are continuously advancing these areas and we look forward to learning, sharing, and contributing to this work.”

Santen will be supporting Focus On Gender Equity.

Focus On Gender Equity

Women and girls make up 55% of the world’s vision impaired, meaning that over half of the population is unable to reach their full potential due to vision loss. In many countries, ​women cannot access services and assistive products with the same frequency or ease as their male counterparts.

Jennifer Gersbeck Co-chair of the IAPB Gender Equity Work Group said “For many years, the IAPB Gender Equity Work Group has been actively raising awareness about the inequity in eye health.  We have produced a Gender Equity toolkit, we conduct an annual survey which measures the state of gender equity in eye health, and we organise webinars to share and increase knowledge – much of this work culminates on International Women’s Day; however, with our year-long Focus On Gender Equity program we look forward to capitalising on our existing knowledge and increasing this important area of our work.”

Shigeo Taniuchi, President and CEO of Santen said “Santen is proud to be supporting this year’s Focus On Gender Equity.  Eye health is directly linked to around half of the SDGs agenda, including gender equity. Gender equity means fairness of treatment for all, according to their respective needs. It is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a sustainable world. As a global leader in ophthalmology, Santen is committed to reduce the loss of social and economic opportunities due to eye conditions for all people around the world. We will be promoting the importance of eye health for everyone in the world to bring Happiness with Vision, no matter their gender. Together with IAPB, we will play a role to pave the path for a more equitable future.”

IAPB wants to hear from people and organizations that are working in Gender Equity and learn more about initiatives that are advancing gender equity in vision health. For more information contact Saloni Nagpaul at [email protected]