Gender Equality
Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is critical to achieving sustainable development. For any development effort to be sustainable and effective, it must consider the needs of all people, including those who don’t typically have a voice in decision making.
IISD actively works with governments and other actors to ensure consideration of gender issues in sustainable development policies and investments. We recognize that gender inequalities intersect with other forms of discrimination, requiring systemic change that enables people of all genders – in all their diversity – to realize their rights.
We focus on:
- Addressing gender differences in development needs, opportunities and capacities
- Promoting gender-balanced participation and influence in sustainable development decision-making processes
- Facilitating equitable access to, and control over, resources
- Tracking gender impacts of sustainable development policies and actions
To this end, we provide evidence, guidance, and tools for decision-makers to adopt gender-responsive approaches to policy development and implementation. We partner with like-minded organizations from the grassroots to the global level, working collectively to further the movement for gender equality.
Featured articles
Including Women in Sustainable Reconstruction in Ukraine
While Russia's aggression continues, planning for recovery in Ukraine has already begun. To ensure reconstruction is sustainable, women must be leading participants in the post-war recovery.
Putting Equity at the Heart of the Global Stocktake
Capturing the world's collective progress towards achieving the Paris Agreement goals requires a look at who is being left behind and what we must do to create an equitable, climate-resilient future for all.
Solving the Injustices Caused by Climate Change
"We have to ensure that we give a voice to people who are often considered voiceless in conversations about climate change and climate adaptation."
Research and analysis
Women and the Mine of the Future
A collaborative project to increase understanding of the status quo for women in mining, so stakeholders can anticipate, assess, and address gendered impacts as the sector evolves.
Integrating Gender Considerations into Sustainable Bonds
The purpose of this guide is to stimulate action through a step-by-step explanation of how a gender equality lens can be integrated into all sustainable bond issuances.
Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)
The report includes cases studies from Zimbabwe, Peru, and the Philippines and outlines some key principles for a more inclusive and equitable sector.
Mainstreaming Gender in Trade Policy: Practice, evidence, and ways forward
Gender-related provisions are becoming more common in trade agreements. To what extent do they help—or hinder—efforts to achieve gender equality?
Climate Change and Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights
How can we ensure that climate action works hand in hand with efforts to realize SRHR?
Gender and Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform in Bangladesh: Findings and recommendations
The report examines from a gender perspective the impact of kerosene subsidies and their reform in Bangladesh. The report advocates that kerosene subsidy reform needs to be handled with care.
Latest
You might also be interested in
Food and Agriculture
Agriculture is on the front lines of nearly all urgent global challenges, from hunger to climate change to rising inequality.
Standards and Value Chains
Voluntary sustainability standards contribute to biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction, and gender equality.
Climate Change Adaptation
As climate risks escalate, we help governments and communities anticipate, cope, and adapt.
Trade
Depending on how trade policy is designed and implemented, it can either advance or be a hindrance to sustainable, low-carbon development.
Investment Law & Policy
How can we ensure developing economies attract international investment that promotes sustainable development?
Mining
We work to optimize the benefits of mining and ensure the financial benefits are shared by supporting the development of laws and policies.