GOAL 5: Gender Equality

Gender inequality is one of the greatest obstacles to sustainable development, economic growth, and poverty reduction. Goal 5 calls for equal opportunities between men and women in economic development, the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including the elimination of early and forced marriage, and equal participation at all levels.

What is to be achieved?

End all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere in the world.
Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including human trafficking and sexual and other forms of exploitation.
Eliminate all harmful practices such as child marriage, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Recognise and value unpaid care and domestic work through the pro-vision of public services and infrastructure, social protection measures and the promotion of shared responsibilities within the household and family in accordance with national circumstances.
Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities to assume leadership roles at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the outcome documents of its review conferences.

How is the goal to be achieved?

Implement reforms to provide women with equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources, in accordance with national legislation.
Improve the use of enabling technologies, especially information and communication technologies, to promote women’s empowerment.
Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation to promote gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.