Gender bias is deeply rooted in our society, weakening our social bonds and undervaluing the contributions of women and girls. This is not just a human rights issue—it is a massive loss of potential. When women and girls are denied equal rights and opportunities, half of humanity is held back from reaching their full abilities. True progress is only possible when women and men have the same political, economic, and social rights. Together, we can break down prejudice and work toward a world where everyone is treated with fairness and respect.
The Targets
Everyone can play a role in achieving the Global Goals. Let us explore the nine targets designed to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls:
Target 5.1: End Discrimination Against Women and Girls: Eliminate all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
Target 5.2: End All Violence Against and Exploitation of Women and Girls: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
Target 5.3: Eliminate Forced Marriages and Genital Mutilation: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Target 5.4: Value Unpaid Care and Promote Shared Domestic Responsibilities: Recognise and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies. Promote shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate.
Target 5.5: Ensure Full Participation in Leadership and Decision-Making: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
Target 5.6: Universal Access to Reproductive Health and Rights: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
Target 5.A: Equal Rights to Economic Resources, Property Ownership and Financial Services: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources, in accordance with national laws.
Target 5.B: Promote Empowerment of Women Through Technology: Enhance the use of enabling technology, particularly information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
Target 5.C: Adopt and Strengthen Policies and Enforceable Legislation for Gender Equality: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.
How You Can Make a Difference
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- Advocate for equal pay: Support initiatives that promote equal pay for equal work.
- Support a Goal 5 charity: Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference! Consider supporting our chosen charity: UN Women UK or a cause close to your heart.
- Challenge gender stereotypes: Recognise and challenge gender stereotypes in your own life and in the world around you.
- Speak out against harassment: Stand up to harassment whenever you witness it, whether in the workplace, on the streets, at home, or online.
- Seek out female role models: Look for inspiration and guidance from successful women in your community and beyond.
- Promote shared responsibilities: Encourage shared household responsibilities to foster gender equality within your own family.
- Stay informed: Follow local news and stay connected with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.
By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a world where gender equality is a reality, and women and girls can reach their full potential.