Crossadder Foundation – The EqualEd Initiative for Gender Equality in Pakistan

In many schools across Pakistan, traditional gender norms and deeply rooted stereotypes continue to shape how students perceive their roles, opportunities, and potential. At the same time, many teachers lack access to structured training and resources needed to effectively address gender inequality and provide inclusive, psychosocially supportive learning environments.

Crossadder Foundation’s in Pakistan set out to address this gap. Supported by nearly 400 Chapter members, the EqualEd Initiative worked to promote gender equality and inclusive education across six schools. Through a specially designed and government-approved curriculum, the project delivered gender equality workshops for students, alongside structured teacher training, counselling, and psychosocial support sessions by trained psychologist aimed at strengthening inclusive classroom practices.

More than 2,000 children, youth, and adults were reached through the initiative. Students developed a stronger understanding of equal rights, leadership, and inclusion, while teachers gained practical tools to identify bias, foster gender-sensitive classrooms, and better support the emotional wellbeing of their students.

By investing in both students and educators, the EqualEd Initiative helped create safer, more inclusive school environments where every young person has the opportunity to learn, participate, and thrive, regardless of gender.

Inspired by this youth-led project? Learn more about State of Youth.