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,

Patterns, Volume 4, Issue 7, 2023, 100790, ISSN 2666-3899,

This Perspective explores the sources of bias in medical machine learning, and how these can contribute to unequal performance, for example for women. The authors discuss methods for mitigating bias, hopefully leading to more equitable use of machine learning in healthcare.
The United States Supreme Court's landmark decision to strike down race-based admissions programs in higher education has far-reaching implications which also extend to the workplace. This article discusses ways this ruling may affect corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program and also embolden some states to take further aim at DEI initiatives, and in so doing promote SDGs 5, 8 and 10.
The article focuses on gender issues in cross cultural communities.

International Women's Day 2025: A Call to End Violence Against Women and Support SDG Resources

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global event that recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while advocating for gender equality. In this article, we will explore the importance of International Women's Day and its contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality and ending violence against women.

The History of International Women's Day

Elsevier,

Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Volume 88, June 2023

This article highlights the risks of a polluted environment on our health, especially reproductive health and female fertility.
Explores gender differences in the interactions between people's travel behaviour and their mental health. Suggests policies and strategies that policy-makers and planners could use to promote better mental health specifically among either male or female populations.
The gender pay gap has declined slightly, although the majority of organisations continue to have a gap in favour of males. This article explores a number of statistics covering pay and bonus gaps, with details of broad sector and industry, and relates to SDG 5, Gender Equality.
Elsevier,

The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, Volume 7, May 2023

Cluver is a multi-award-winning researcher, earning her place as one of the UK Research and Innovation's 15 Women with Impact in Research in 2019. “I think if we get the science right we can improve people's lives, children's lives”, she says, convincingly.
This chapter aligns with SDG Goal 5: Gender equality and Goal 13: Climate action by discussing how effective implementation of a green economy can empower women to adapt to climate change.
Elsevier,

The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, Volume 7, April 2023

Having lived through the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Leyla Ismayilova's life experiences shaped her professional journey.

Pages