Sustainable Development Cannot Be Achieved Without Gender Equality
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Sustainable Development Cannot Be Achieved Without Gender Equality
Reana Sachdeva
28 minutes ago
Respecting women and ensuring their rights is not merely a moral imperative; it strategically advances efforts towards sustainable development
Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty
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The interconnection between gender equality and sustainable development objectives (SDGs) is increasingly recognised as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving global development progress worldwide.
As per United Nations data, women earn 23% less than men globally, on average. They also spend three times the number of hours performing domestic and care work in comparison to their male counterparts. Gender equality transcends mere humanitarian considerations and is a fundamental catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability. As per data published by the United Nations in 2023, 54% of countries still do not have laws to address key areas of gender equality, including equal marriage and divorce rights. As the United Nations approaches the 2030 Agenda, promoting women's rights emerges as a cross-cutting issue that can enhance both environmental and economic outcomes worldwide.
Gender equality is explicitly articulated in the objective of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and ensure their full participation in political, economic, and public life. The advancement of women's rights is intrinsically linked to improved health outcomes, enhanced economic services, and effective environmental management. Consequently, it fosters the realisation of sustainable development across all sectors. Investing in women's capabilities can catalyse substantial economic growth.
The realisation of women's rights catalyses pivotal social transformations, including enhanced educational outcomes, diminished poverty rates, and improved family health. Recognising women's reproductive rights and allowing access to health care, in particular maternal and reproductive health, is crucial to promote gender equality. Recent data records reveal that only 56% of women between the ages of 15-49 have autonomy over decisions about their sexual and reproductive choices.
Furthermore, when women have power, they are more likely to participate in the workforce, thus contributing to economic productivity. As per data published by the United Nations in 2023, 61.4% of women of prime working age are in the workforce, the number being 90.6% for men. The intersection of gender equality and environmental sustainability is evident in the roles of women in the management of natural resources. Their involvement in these roles can lead to improved environmental outcomes. Women frequently assume the primary responsibility for managing natural resources, possessing invaluable knowledge and expertise in sustainable practices. Research suggests that promoting gender equality in agriculture can enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, illustrating how the advancement of women's rights can establish positive feedback loops between gender equity, sustainability, and economic stability.
Conversely, the adverse impact of climate change will be disproportionate for women and girls, as globally 158 million (16 million more than the number of men and boys) of them may be pushed into poverty and also be impacted by food insecurity resulting from climate change. Food insecurity is projected to increase by a staggering 236 million more women and girls, compared to 131 million more men and boys. The effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda necessitates a critical examination of the socio-political power dynamics. Addressing systemic inequalities in the allocation of resources through policy making that is rooted in the politics of redistribution can catalyse transformative change within communities and facilitate increased participation of women in decision-making processes.
Legislation and governance models that prioritise inclusive, intersectional, gender-sensitive approaches can empower women to assume active roles in environmental management and economic development.
In numerous regions, particularly those experiencing economic instability or environmental vulnerability, women's rights are frequently safeguarded inadequately. Consequently, women, particularly those from marginalised communities, bear the disproportionate burden of any conflict or destabilising event. By adopting an approach attuned to emphasising gender equity within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), nations can harness the potential of women to address climate change and foster economic innovation.
In conclusion, the interconnection between gender equality and the Sustainable Development objectives has become increasingly complex and multifaceted.
Respecting women and ensuring their rights is not merely a moral imperative; it strategically advances efforts towards sustainable development. By fostering an inclusive environment that enhances women's voice, power and agency to enable their contribution to political and economic life, countries can simultaneously drive economic growth and cultivate environmental resilience, ultimately creating a sustainable future for all. To achieve this vision, global political initiatives are necessary, underscoring the pivotal role of women as key agents in pursuing global sustainability. Through these measures, the framework established by the 2030 Agenda can transform global perspectives, demonstrating that the advancement of women's rights is, in fact, a catalyst for transformative change.
Reana Sachdeva is a student at The British School, Delhi, and has a keen interest in the area of research around political science and international relations. Her website is youthemerge.in.
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