Gender equality and women's empowerment

Gender equality and women's empowerment play a vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. Acknowledging the significance of SDG 5, which explicitly targets gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, it's worth noting that these elements are fundamentally tied to all 17 goals. Each goal, whether it pertains to poverty eradication, quality education, or climate action, is directly or indirectly affected by gender dynamics. Gender inequality inhibits economic growth (SDG 8) by depriving economies of the full potential of half its population, thereby exacerbating poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2). Additionally, gender-based discrimination can limit access to quality education (SDG 4) and decent work (SDG 8) for women and girls, further perpetuating inequality. In health matters, gender roles and stereotypes often result in disparities in healthcare access and outcomes (SDG 3). With respect to environmental sustainability (SDGs 13, 14, and 15), women, particularly those in rural areas, bear the brunt of climate change impacts, but they also hold unique knowledge and skills crucial for mitigation and adaptation strategies. Likewise, women's underrepresentation in decision-making roles limits their influence on peace and justice (SDG 16) and partnerships for goals (SDG 17). Thus, achieving gender equality isn't only about justice for women and girls, but also about progress on every SDG. Women's empowerment creates a multiplier effect that boosts economic growth and promotes sustainable development, thereby setting a direct path towards achieving the SDGs. Encouragingly, concerted efforts worldwide are recognizing and amplifying women's roles in society, placing gender equality and women's empowerment at the heart of the SDGs. Such advancements signify a positive stride towards a balanced and equitable world.

Elsevier, International Journal of Educational Development, Volume 59, March 2018
Programs to keep young women in school across the developing world have become widespread. Education is key to improving their quality of life, but keeping them in school is a significant challenge. This article examines a scholarship program that provides 25 days of intensive leadership training for young indigenous women using a peer tutorial system. The program offers a unique experience, a variety of practical training, opportunities for personal growth, and evidence of empowerment.
Sex discrimination blog picture
The goal of SDG 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The issue of sexual harassment is now at the forefront thanks to the #metoo movement and the countless women coming forward with stories of facing harassment and inappropriate conduct at work. As a result, organizations are starting to change their policies and practices with a renewed awareness and emphasis on training.
In de Souza E Souza v Primark Stores Ltd, the employment tribunal awarded £47,433 to a transgender employee who suffered harassment and recommended that the employer adopt a written policy on how to deal with new and existing staff who are transgender or who wish to undergo gender reassignment. This advances goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), goal 10 (reduced inequalities) and goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).
In Guisado v Bankia SA and others, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) held that there is nothing in EU law to prevent a pregnant worker from being included in collective redundancies. This sets out legal implications for pregnant workers and aligns with goal 5.
Supporting goal 10 (reduced inequalities), goal 8 (decent work and economic growth) and goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) this blog discusses the fight for social justice and the links with inclusion and decent work for migrants in a global economy.
Elsevier, The Lancet, Volume 391, 3 - 9 February 2018
In the last decade, the number of women on corporate boards has increased slightly, but the prevailing minority status of women directors implies that they will continue to face social barriers. While prior research has largely focused on explaining social barriers (e.g., being categorized as an out-group member) to increase diversity and its negative consequences, how boards can avoid these obstacles remains unclear.

Household methodologies (HHM) intervene directly in intra-household gender relations to strengthen overall smallholder agency and efficacy as economic agents and development actors. Strengthening women's agency is one mechanism for progressing towards collaborative, systemic farm management. It is expected this will contribute to improved farm resilience in the face of climate change, strengthen food and nutrition security, and improve other development indicators.

Elsevier,

Sexual Assault Risk Reduction and Resistance: Theory, Research, and Practice, 2018, Pages 291-308

Advancing SDGs 3 and 5, this chapter provides an overview of the global prevalence of sexual violence and a summary of empirically supported approaches to reduce risk of sexual violence and identifies promising directions for future research.
Furthering goal 5, this report examines the aggregate results of companies using the Women's Empowerment Principles Gender Gap Analysis Tool (WEPs Tool) with the aim of providing insight into global corporate performance on gender equality and women's empowerment aligned with the WEPs. The study also demonstrates the value of using the WEPs Tool and showcases the efforts of partners and other stakeholders to drive gender equality around the world.

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