A father and mother holding their smiling boy

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.

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