We recognize that gender equality, women’s empowerment, economic growth and development are mutually reinforcing and significantly correlated. We are concerned that exclusion widens disparities and inequality and therefore support both programmatic and policy interventions in this area. We believe in paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations with a particular focus on ending open defecation, improving health for all, improving school attendance and learning for girls and raising awareness on menstrual hygiene practices.