Global Goal 5: Gender equality

Equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that men and women have equal rights, however, this statement is insufficient.

According to the United Nations, gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. In practice, though, it appears that women and girls are still often disadvantaged compared to men and boys. Global Goal 5 states that by 2030 women and men must have equal access in practice to facilities such as education, health care and decent work. Additionally, they must be equally represented in political and economic decision-making processes. In past years, the position of girls and woman has improved considerably already.

By 2030, women must have equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. Countries must make specific policies and pass laws that give women and girls equal rights in all such areas. All forms of violence against all women and girls must be eliminated, including trafficking, sexual exploitation, child marriages and female circumcision.

• promote gender equality;
• improve the position of women and girls;
• reducing discrimination and violence;
• promoting equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes.