The United Nations is calling on governments everywhere to act boldly and decisively for all women and girls. Closing the gender gap globally by 2030 will take an investment of $360 billion annually, but the cost of inaction is higher.
Here are six actions that can make a real difference, while placing the leadership of young women and adolescent girls in the centre of all efforts.
1. For All Women and Girls—A Digital Revolution
Closing the digital gender divide could save $500 billion over the next five years. Technology must be a force for equality, not exclusion. Support the Global Digital Compact and enact policies that bridge the digital gender divide, ensuring equal access and leadership for all women and girls in technology
2. For All Women and Girls—Freedom from poverty
Nearly one in ten women live in extreme poverty. Public services and social protection expand economic opportunities and security for women. Women also do at least twice as much unpaid care work as men do. Care is the backbone of all societies, and yet is largely undervalued and unpaid. It doesn’t have to be this way—closing care gaps could create 300 million jobs by 2035. Invest in national budgets to strengthen social protection, public services, particularly care services, to give women an equal chance to prosper and fight poverty.
3. For All Women and Girls—Zero Violence
One in three women experiences violence in her lifetime. Although globally we have many laws on the books, they are often poorly implemented and investment in prevention strategies is lacking. Adopt, implement and fund national laws and policies that signal zero impunity towards violence against women and support local women’s organizations.
4. For All Women and Girls—Full and Equal Decision-Making Power
Around the world, decisions affecting women’s lives are still made overwhelmingly by men. This is not just unjust—it is inefficient. Implement laws and policies, apply temporary special measures to increase the number of women in decision-making positions in politics, business and institutions.
5. For All Women and Girls—Peace and Security
Over 600 million women and girls live near armed conflict, with conflict-related sexual violence skyrocketing by 50 per cent last year alone. Women’s organizations are the first responders to crises and champions of peace. Yet they remain underfunded and undervalued. Adopt fully financed national plans to increase women’s meaningful participation in all aspects of peace and security and fund women’s organizations in crises and conflict settings.
6. For All Women and Girls— Climate Justice
As the climate crisis and biodiversity loss accelerate, women and girls—especially in rural and indigenous communities— bear the brunt of its devastating effects. They are also at the forefront of solutions. Prioritize women’s and girls’ rights and leadership in climate action by increasing investment in and their access to green jobs, like care, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.