SDG 5

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

SDG 5 calls for the end of all forms of discrimination against women and girls. One area where this persists is the labour market. The gender pay gap, measuring the average difference in aggregate gross hourly earnings of women and men, is often used to gain an insight into progress towards tackling inequalities.

SDG 5 also calls for women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all decision-making levels in political, economic and public life. The indicator on women’s representation in national parliaments helps to monitor these priorities. Equal participation by women and men in decision-making is a matter of justice, respect for human rights and good governance. It is needed to better reflect the composition of society, to strengthen democracy and allow it to function properly.