Goal 5: Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Achieving gender equality and empowering girls and women across the world is crucial, with the UN stating that: "Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world".
Gender discrimination exists in every country and every culture and operates as a barrier for women and girls to equally access to education, health care and employment opportunities to enable them to support themselves and their families. Due to family responsibilities and gender bias, women and girls are often less able to participate in "economic decision-making processes" and are disproportionately under-represented in political processes.
The UN acknowledges that there has been good progress through its Millennium Development Goals, however gender discrimination, violence and lack of opportunities remains one of the world’s biggest problems. Goal five aims to end all forms of discrimination, violence and harmful practises, such as child and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation.
The UN also wants global recognition of unpaid and domestic work, increased leadership opportunities for women and universal rights and access to sexual and reproductive health.
How is Monash helping to achieve gender equality?
See Monash University's summary of activities for this goal across research, education, engagement and operations.
Monash University Progress Report 2020
Monash University Progress Report 2021
Australia's progress towards Goal 5
The Transforming Australia: SDG Progress Report provides key information about how Australia is progressing towards achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Visit the Transforming Australia website to see Australia’s progress towards Goal 5.
Do you want to know how to achieve the SDGs?
MSDI has partnered with McMaster University to create the world's most comprehensive repository of research evidence. Click here for the latest evidence and research from around the world aligned with Goal 5.
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