Gender equality: what is it and why do we need it? (2024)

FAQs

Gender equality: what is it and why do we need it? ›

Gender equality requires equal enjoyment by women and men of socially-valued goods, opportunities, resources and rewards. Where gender inequality exists, it is generally women who are excluded or disadvantaged in relation to decision-making and access to economic and social resources.

Gender equality means that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals will not depend on whether they are male or female, handicapped or able bodied, young or elderly, white or black, or from rural or urban settings. Women are entitled to live in dignity, safety and security.

With income options equal to men, mothers can offer education, healthcare, and healthier food to their children. Studies also show that reduced infant mortality is linked to higher levels of education. Children raised in gender-equal environments will do better than those raised with inequality.

SDG 5 is focused on pursuing the main goal of real and sustained gender equality in all aspects of women and girls' lives which includes (1) ending gender disparities, (2) eliminating violence against women and girls' lives, (3) eliminating early and forced marriage, (4) securing equal participation and opportunities ...

Good equality and diversity practices make sure that the services provided to people are fair and accessible to everyone. They ensure that people are treated as equals, that people get the dignity and respect they deserve and that their differences are celebrated.

Gender is of key importance in defining the power, privilege and possibilities that some people have and some people do not have in a given society. It affects progress towards equality and freedom from discrimination.

Example 2: Equal Pay for Equal Work

Gender equality in the workforce means being paid the same salary for equal work, regardless of gender. It also means that if a woman takes time off from work to take maternity leave, for example, she will not be punished when she returns to work.

It has been found that when women and men hold the same position and participate equally, society progresses exclusively and creates a landmark. When a community reaches gender equality, everyone enjoys the same privileges and gets similar scopes in education, health, occupation, and political aspect.

Advancing gender equality is critical to all areas of a healthy society, from reducing poverty to promoting the health, education, protection and the well-being of girls and boys.

What are the benefits of gender equality? ›

Women and men deserve the same opportunities and outcomes in life. A person's gender should not get in the way of them leading the life they choose. Treating women and girls differently because of their gender is wrong. It is wrong for women to be overlooked for promotions and pay rises they deserve.

Why is gender equality important? Gender equality is intrinsically linked to sustainable development and is vital to the realization of human rights for all. The overall objective of gender equality is a society in which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.

Gender equality means that all genders are free to pursue whatever career, lifestyle choice, and abilities they want without discrimination. Their rights, opportunities, and access to society are not different based on their gender. Gender equality does not necessarily mean that everyone is treated exactly the same.

While equality promotes equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their needs, equity aims to balance the inequalities among them, considering their unique characteristics and promoting equal access to resources to achieve the same outcome.

By promoting equal access to education, gender equality can help to break down gender stereotypes and improve the skills of women and girls, leading to greater empowerment and independence. Gender equality can also help to reduce gender-based violence and discrimination.

Gender equity leads to actual gender equality. Actual gender equality means equal outcomes for men and women; equal enjoyment by women and men of goods, opportunities, resources and rewards.