The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. This goal encompasses various targets, including ending discrimination against women and girls, eliminating all forms of violence and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, recognizing and valuing unpaid care and domestic work, ensuring women’s full participation and leadership in decision-making at all levels, and providing universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. SDG 5 also emphasizes the need for reforms to grant women equal economic rights and access to resources, including land and financial services, as well as the use of technology to empower women. Additionally, it calls for the adoption and enforcement of policies and legislation to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment at all levels.
Realizing gender equality is a critical goal, yet it confronts enduring obstacles. Deep-rooted social norms perpetuate traditional gender roles, limiting opportunities for women and reinforcing disparities. Discrimination persists in various forms, from unequal pay to limited access to leadership positions. The pervasive issue of violence against women further hinders progress, causing physical and psychological harm while silencing voices. To achieve gender equality, we must challenge these norms, dismantle discriminatory structures, and vigorously combat violence against women, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society for all genders.
Below are some organizations making contributions to gender equality.
Closing the STEM Gender Gap
Girls Who Code – Provides computer science education and mentorship programs for girls, closing the gender gap in tech and empowering girls to pursue STEM careers.
Malala Fund – Advocates for girls’ education globally and supports initiatives that ensure girls have access to safe and quality education.
She Hacks – Organizes workshops and hackathons to equip women with digital skills and encourage them to pursue careers in technology.
Black Girls Code – Offers workshops and programs in coding and technology specifically for Black girls, fostering their confidence and skills in these fields and addressing racial and gender disparities in tech.
Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
SheSays – Offers online resources and training programs to empower women entrepreneurs, fostering their business skills and access to networks.
Lendable – Connects investors with women-led businesses in developing countries, providing access to financing for female entrepreneurs.
SheEO – Supports and invests in women-led startups through a unique peer-to-peer funding model, providing access to capital and mentorship for female entrepreneurs.
Grameen America – Provides microloans and financial literacy training to low-income women, primarily immigrants and women of color, enabling them to start and grow businesses and achieve financial independence.
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
Safetipin – Develops a safety app that crowdsources safety data and provides real-time safety information to women in public spaces.
Plan International – Works to protect and empower girls and women, including initiatives to combat gender-based violence and promote access to justice.
Safe & Sound – Develops AI-powered technology to detect and prevent online harassment and abuse, creating a safer online environment for women and girls.
RAINN – Provides support and resources for survivors of sexual violence through a national hotline, online resources, and local advocacy efforts.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
Planned Parenthood Federation of America – Offers comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare services, education, and advocacy for women and girls, including access to contraception and abortion.
Maven Clinic – Provides virtual healthcare services for women, including telemedicine consultations, online resources, and prescription delivery, addressing access barriers and ensuring quality healthcare for women.
Political and Leadership Participation
She Leads Africa – Supports and empowers women leaders in Africa through mentorship programs, leadership development, and access to funding.
Equal Access International – Works to increase women’s representation in government and leadership positions globally.
WILPF – A global network of women working for peace, disarmament, and human rights, advocating for women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.
Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace
LeanIn.Org – Empowers women in the workplace through mentorship programs, networking events, and advocacy initiatives, fostering leadership and career advancement for women.
Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality
GenderSmart – Develops and promotes gender-inclusive technologies and practices, ensuring that technology benefits everyone equally.
Girl Effect – Invests in and supports innovative solutions for girls’ empowerment, particularly in low-resource settings.
DataKind – Uses data and analytics to address social issues, including gender inequality, and supports organizations working on gender equality initiatives.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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