NEED OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION RESEARCH IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Gender discrimination remains a pervasive challenge in contemporary societies, undermining human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. Despite advancements in legal protections and policy frameworks, gender-based inequalities continue to restrict access to education, health care, economic participation, and leadership opportunities. This chapter underscores the critical need for systematic gender discrimination research as a foundation for achieving sustainable development. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, it examines how gender discrimination operates across social, economic, educational, health, governance, and environmental domains. The chapter highlights that gender inequality is not an isolated social issue but a structural barrier that weakens economic sustainability, social cohesion, democratic governance, and environmental resilience. Emphasis is placed on the role of intersectionality in shaping diverse experiences of discrimination and the importance of context-sensitive research in addressing emerging global challenges such as digitalization, climate change, and migration. By providing empirical evidence and theoretical insights, gender discrimination research supports evidence-based policymaking, inclusive institutional reform, and rights-based development strategies. The chapter argues that prioritizing gender-focused research is essential for realizing Sustainable Development Goal 5 and for advancing an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future that enables all individuals to reach their full potential.