SDG #5 Gender Equality

Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also a key ingredient to growing as a fair and sustainable planet. It has been proven time and again, that empowering women and girls has a multiplier effect, and helps drive up economic growth and development across all aspects of life.

In New Zealand, Pacifica women earn just two thirds of what Pakeha men earn.

In our high schools, transgender students are nearly five times as likely to be bullied as their peers, which impacts both their access to education and their wellbeing.

One third of New Zealand women report unmet need for primary health care compared to only 23% of men, and of course for trans and gender diverse people, access to healthcare is even more fraught.

Did you know just one third of our MPs are women?

The SDGs aim to ensure that there is an end to discrimination against women and girls across the globe. There are still huge inequalities in the labour market in some regions, with women denied equal access to jobs. Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office, all remain huge barriers.

Providing women equal rights to economic resources such as land and property are key targets to realising this goal. So is ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health. Today there are more women in public office than ever before, but encouraging women leaders will help strengthen policies and legislation for greater gender equality.