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.
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.
How is Monash helping to achieve gender equality?
Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre
Research conducted by the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre addresses the prevention of gendered family and intimate partner violence, the ways in which local, national and international patterns influence social and criminal justice responses to violence, and how women and those who have experienced family violence can be supported to access economic and social security.
Monash Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) Centre
The Monash Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) Centre is building globally-recognised, gender-inclusive research evidence to inform scholarly debate, policy development and implementation, and public understanding about the gendered nature of insecurity and the search for peace.
Graduate Certificate of Gender, Peace and Security
Drawing on the expertise of Monash GPS, and backed by the strongest international research in the field, our Graduate Certificate of Gender, Peace and Security enable leaders to better integrate gender perspectives into peace and security policy making at all levels – local, national, regional and global.
Sign up to our newsletter
Subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter and stay up-to-date with all the latest sustainable development related research, education and event news at Monash University