SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND GENDER EQUALITY

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, provide a comprehensive global framework for achieving inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development by 2030. Among these goals, gender equality occupies a central position, recognizing that sustainable development cannot be realized without addressing persistent gender-based inequalities. This chapter examines the conceptual foundations, vision, and significance of the SDGs with a specific focus on gender equality as articulated in Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5). It analyzes the multidimensional nature of gender inequality, highlighting issues such as discrimination, violence against women, unpaid care work, limited access to education and economic resources, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes. The chapter further explores gender equality as a cross-cutting concern across all SDGs and emphasizes the role of institutional mechanisms, including the Global Indicator Framework and India’s National Indicator Framework, in monitoring progress. Special attention is given to gender indicators, gender statistics, and the Minimum Set of Gender Indicators as essential tools for evidence-based policymaking and accountability. Through a case study of India, the chapter illustrates how national policies, programmes, and governance mechanisms align with the SDG framework to promote women’s empowerment. The chapter concludes that advancing gender equality is both a fundamental human rights obligation and a critical catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.