A patchwork approach to gender equality weakens the SDGs: time for cross-cutting action

The journey to realizing women’s and girls’ rights has been a long one. We marked the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration in 2020, committed to the 2000 Millennium Development Goals, and renewed commitment in 2015 with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development should be used as an advocacy tool to initiate action and hold Member States of the United Nations accountable (1 –3). At 5 years into the 2030 agenda, it is clear that many countries are not on track to meet some of the SDGs and targets. There is also fear the COVID-19 pandemic will result in setbacks and complacency from governments to commitments previously made. In order to realize women’s and girls’ rights, concerted action on gender equality throughout the SDGs is needed.

Morgan, Rosemary & Dhatt, Roopa & Kharel, Chandani & Muraya, Kui. (2020). A patchwork approach to gender equality weakens the SDGs: time for cross-cutting action. Global health promotion. 27. 3-5. 10.1177/1757975920949735.