MSD 019: Unit 06 - SDG5–Gender Equality

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 UNIT 6: SDG 5 – GENDER EQUALITY

6.0 Introduction

Gender Equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) aims to "achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls" by eliminating all forms of discrimination, violence, and harmful practices. Despite global progress, significant gender gaps still exist in education, employment, health, leadership, and access to resources. Achieving gender equality is central to the success of all other SDGs.

6.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the importance of SDG 5 in achieving sustainable development.

·         Trace the historical evolution of global gender equality initiatives.

·         Identify the targets, indicators, and global/national progress under SDG 5.

·         Recognize the key legal and policy achievements in India.

·         Understand the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality.

6.2 Why is SDG 5 Important for Sustainable Development?

Gender inequality restricts the potential of half the world’s population. When women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, work, and political representation, societies flourish economically and socially.

Importance of SDG 5:

·         Reduces poverty by increasing women’s access to resources and income.

·         Improves health and education outcomes for families.

·         Leads to more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

·         Strengthens peacebuilding and democratic governance.

·         Drives progress across all 17 SDGs, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Health), and SDG 8 (Decent Work).

6.3 Historical Evolution of SDG 5

SDG 5 builds on decades of international commitment toward gender equality:

1.      1948 – Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized equal rights of men and women.

2.      1979 – CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).

3.      1995 – Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a turning point for women's rights.

4.      2000–2015 – Millennium Development Goals (MDG 3) focused on gender parity in education.

5.      2015 onwards – Adoption of SDG 5 with broader goals: ending violence, increasing representation, ensuring rights, and access to resources.

6.4 Targets and Indicators

SDG 5 has 9 targets and 14 indicators, including legal frameworks, leadership, rights, and social equality.

Key Targets Include:

1.      End discrimination in laws, policies, and practices.

2.      Eliminate violence against women and girls in public and private spheres.

3.      Eliminate harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.

4.      Recognize unpaid care and domestic work through shared responsibility.

5.      Ensure women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

6.      Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

7.      Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, land, and property.

8.      Enhance use of enabling technology, especially digital technology, to promote empowerment.

9.      Adopt sound policies and enforceable legislation for gender equality.

6.5 Achievements

6.5.1 Legal Provisions to End Discrimination

·         Many countries have introduced gender equality laws and reformed discriminatory laws.

·         In India: Equal Remuneration Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, etc.

6.5.2 Violence Against Women

·         Awareness and reporting have increased, but gender-based violence (GBV) remains widespread.

·         One-Stop Centres, Nirbhaya Fund, and women’s helplines have been launched in India.

6.5.3 Child Marriage

·         Global child marriage rates have declined, but 12 million girls still marry before 18 each year.

·         India’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act has had impact, but challenges remain.

6.5.4 Genital Mutilation

·         Banned in many countries, but still practiced in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

·         Awareness campaigns and community-based interventions are key to elimination.

6.5.5 Unpaid Work

·         Women perform 3–5 times more unpaid work than men.

·         Time-use surveys and policy frameworks to reduce domestic burden are increasing.

6.5.6 Reproductive Rights

·         Access to contraceptives, family planning, and reproductive healthcare has improved globally.

·         India’s Reproductive and Child Health Programme, and Mission Parivar Vikas address this.

6.5.7 Representation in Political Leadership

·         Global average: ~25% of parliamentary seats are held by women.

·         India: 33% reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions for women has been a success.

6.5.8 Representation in Employment and Economic Activities

·         Women’s participation in labor force is improving but remains low.

·         Gender pay gap and access to leadership roles remain major challenges.

6.5.9 Right to Property and Land

·         Legal rights exist in many countries, but implementation and cultural norms are barriers.

·         India’s Hindu Succession Act (amended) gives daughters equal rights in property.

6.5.10 Access to Digital Devices

·         Digital divide between men and women is significant, especially in rural areas.

·         Schemes like Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) and PMGDISHA aim to bridge the gap.

6.5.11 Budget Allocation in Gender-Responsive Development

·         Many countries have introduced Gender Budgeting to allocate funds for women’s welfare.

·         India has included Gender Budget Statements in Union Budgets since 2005-06.

6.6 SDG 5 and Achievements in India

Key Initiatives:

·         Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

·         UJJAWALA Scheme for rehabilitation of trafficked women

·         Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

·         Mahila E-Haat – an online platform for women entrepreneurs

·         Stand-Up India Scheme – promotes bank loans for women-led enterprises

Status:

·         Women’s literacy and enrolment in education have increased.

·         Gender parity achieved in primary education.

·         Yet, labor force participation, safety, and health access remain concerns.

6.7 COVID-19 and Its Impact on SDG 5

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing gender inequalities:

·         Increased domestic violence and limited access to support services.

·         Women bore the brunt of job losses, especially in informal sectors.

·         Girls’ education was disrupted, increasing risks of early marriage and dropouts.

·         Healthcare diversion impacted reproductive and maternal health services.

·         Positive shift: More recognition of unpaid care work and the role of women frontline workers.

6.8 Conclusion

Achieving gender equality is essential for building just, inclusive, and sustainable societies. SDG 5 provides a comprehensive framework to empower women and ensure their rights in all spheres – social, economic, political, and personal. While progress has been made globally and in India, structural and cultural barriers still exist. Addressing these challenges requires policy reform, education, awareness, technology, and sustained investment.

6.9 Let’s Us Sum Up

·         SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment by eliminating discrimination, violence, and inequality.

·         It includes 9 targets and 14 indicators covering legal rights, representation, reproductive rights, and economic inclusion.

·         India has made notable progress through legal reforms and government schemes.

·         COVID-19 posed serious challenges, but also opportunities to reimagine gender-responsive development.

·         True gender equality requires transforming mindsets, systems, and policies to uplift women and girls across all walks of life.

 

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