Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful and sustainable world.
Despite progress over the last few decades, many challenges remain for women’s rights: Globally, 1 in 5 women between the ages of 15 and 49 report experiencing physical or sexual violence. Women do 2.6 times more unpaid care and domestic work than men and continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women were less likely to receive cash relief or social protection than men even though they were more likely to lose their jobs.
At the same time, evidence shows that women and girls can be effective change-makers in our society. Women’s participation makes peace agreements stronger, societies more resilient and economies more vigorous.
In March’s Goal of the Month editorial, we focus on Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Why the Goal Matters
Gender inequalities faced by girls can begin right at birth and follow them all their lives. Disadvantages in education translate into lack of access to skills and limited opportunities in employment.
Our aspirations for a world of peace, prosperity, and dignity cannot be achieved without realizing the rights of women and girls to a life free from discrimination and violence. Investing in gender equality is essential for economic growth and social development, and is the most effective way to lift communities and nations.
Check here to learn more about why the Goal matters and what you can do to advance gender equality.
Gender and Climate Change
The climate crisis is not gender-neutral. Women and girls are more affected by the negative consequences of climate change, such as displacement, violence, and poverty.
At the same time, around the world, women and girls are taking climate and environmental action at all levels. We must empower women and girls to be effective change-makers to address climate adaptation and mitigation. We need more women in leadership in government and business, creating and implementing green and socially progressive policies that benefit all people.
In Focus
- International Women’s Day | 8 March
- 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women | 14 to 25 March
- ILO Report: Investing in care leave and services for a more gender-equal world of work | 7 March
- Women, Peace and Security Annual Report | 8 March
- International Day of Women Judges | 10 March
Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. The theme for the 2022 International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.
The United Nations observance of International Women’s Day will be held virtually on 8 March, 10:00 – 11:30am UTC–5. Visit here to learn more.
The sixty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) will take place in a hybrid format from 14 to 25 March 2022. The priority theme this year is “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programs.”
Visit here to learn more.
Finding solutions to care work is essential if women are to have equal opportunities in the world of work. The International Labour Organization (ILO) will launch a new report on Care at work: Investing in care leave and services for a more gender-equal world of work, on Monday, 7 March 2022. The report gives a global overview of national laws and practices on care policies, including maternity, paternity, parental, child and long-term care. It presents findings from a survey of 185 countries that looked at protection and legal gaps. It also offers analysis of the case for and impact of greater investment in the care sector.
Find out more here.
Women play diverse roles in peace and political processes, including as key actors in the implementation of peace agreements, in preventing and resolving conflict. The UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) will launch its annual report on women, peace and security, Leaders and Changemakers: Women Driving Sustainable Peace and Security Outcomes, on 8 March 2022.
The report highlights DPO’s implementation of the women, peace and security agenda in 2021, ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all stages of the peace process and integrating a gender perspective into all stages of analysis, planning, implementation and reporting in peacekeeping.
Find out more here.
Women in the criminal justice system are agents of change. Women judges bring unique perspectives. Women in leadership roles help disrupt networks of collusion.
The UN General Assembly Resolution 75/274 designates 10 March the International Day of Women Judges. This new international day represents a milestone in global efforts to achieve gender equality in a field where women have been historically underrepresented in many parts of the world.
To mark the first International Day of Women Judges and celebrate women and gender champions in law enforcement and the judiciary, UNODC will launch a new initiative “Women in Justice/For Justice,” to promote gender balance and gender responsiveness across the spectrum of justice.
Around the world, women are finding solutions to challenges and bringing hope to their communities. In India, women are trained to be salt farmers to work in the solar power industry. In Kenya, female engineers are fighting for equality.
Check here to read the series on women building a sustainable future.
“I don’t want to die in the body of a man… I have this strength and I am very proud to be involved in this fight.” Semi Alisha Fermond, an activist with the UNDP and UNAIDS-supported organization Community Action for the Integration of Vulnerable Haitians (ACIFVH), shares her hope to fulfill the dream of transitioning from being a man to a woman. Read her story here.