There are many forms of inequality and exclusion and they vary from place to place. But everywhere we work there exists some form of gender-based discrimination, gender stereotyping and an unequal distribution of power between women and men, girls and boys and other genders.  Robust evidence demonstrates that gender equality is beneficial for girls and boys, women and men, and for society as a whole. Adopting a gender transformative approach ensures that our work results in positive changes and sustainable outcomes for girls and young women, and for society more broadly. Working proactively with boys and young men to champion gender equality is part of this approach.  A gender transformative approach goes beyond addressing “symptoms” to explicitly tackle the root causes of gender inequality, particularly unequal gender power relations, discriminatory social norms and systems, structures, policies and practices. It improves the daily condition of girls while advancing their position and value in society.

Being open and accountable is one of our core values. We ensure that we report openly and transparently about what we do – on both our successes and failures – and about how we use the resources entrusted to us. We commit to using these resources responsibly in order to generate the greatest sustainable outcomes.
Wherever we work, we consider carefully whether and how we can add value to local development efforts. We listen to children and communities, and ensure that we apply the highest standards for keeping children, other people and the environment safe whenever we, or our associates, interact with them. 

Plan Kismat Trust is outward-looking. We recognise that we cannot achieve sustainable development outcomes by working alone. Key to this is building relationships with a variety of organisations, institutions, corporates and other actors that influence the changes we are seeking. 
We pay particular attention to partnerships with organisations of children and young people. Based on an understanding of other stakeholders and on the knowledge of our own strengths and limitations, we develop strategic relationships to enhance our reach, influence and capability at all levels.

In development, fragile and conflict-affected settings, we help to realise the rights of children and young people, and aim to add value to their lives through targeted responses. Following core humanitarian principles and standards, our emergency interventions deliver immediate life-saving assistance and protection to children and their communities affected by natural disasters or conflict. 
Our overall response or protracted crises programme plans have a gender transformative ambition. Even in the most acute emergencies all our projects will endeavour to identify and respond to the specific vulnerabilities and needs of girls and young women.
Our development work focuses on empowering children and their communities to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and to create lasting positive change. Our work increases the resilience of children, young people and particularly girls. Using an integrated development and humanitarian approach, we help them to overcome the multiple risks that they face.

Our experience has taught us that working at and across all levels – locally, nationally, regionally and globally – is key to bringing the changes that we are seeking. We recognise that the situations of children and girls, in particular, depend on many factors that transcend local borders. This can be a force for good – for instance, new media can help to trigger change at scale rapidly and across continents and cultures, magnifying the reach and power of individuals.
Building on our experience at local levels, we use our presence at multiple levels to forge long-term relationships that help us to further our programme and influence goals.