Sustainable Development Goal: Gender Equality

Gender equality is not only the goal but above all the foundation of a just and sustainable society, which still remains a challenge.

In a recent article on UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Sustainable Development Goal: Good quality education) we mentioned that equality in education between boys and girls has improved, although it should be stressed here that it is about education at the primary level. It is also one of the points that guides objective five, which speaks of gender equality. Although the world has moved forward in this respect, there are still many forms of gender discrimination, which girls in particular experience in everyday life. This goal is above all a fundamental human right, which constitutes his dignity. Women and participation in public and political life

Globally, we still have very little representation of women in politics, although this is changing for the better. Although women formally have the right to vote and run for office almost anywhere in the world, their real presence in politics still does not reflect their numbers in society. Women make up half of the global population, yet only 27 countries in the world are currently headed by women, and as many as 107 countries have never had a female leader. Only 23% of ministers are women, and in 141 countries less than a third of ministerial positions are filled by women. There are no women ministers in seven countries. Poland ranks 70th in the world ranking in terms of female representation in parliament, with a score of 29.6% (136 women out of 460 seats). These figures prove that women must continue to “prove” their worth in politics, even though studies show their greater involvement in social issues, equality policies and human rights. In addition, according to the IPU, as many as 45% of politically active women have experienced physical, psychological or online violence. This violence, which is a form of deterrence and exclusion, not only reduces their chances of participating in public life, but undermines the foundations of democracy. There is also still a clear disparity between large cities and smaller centres - where women have less access to local government structures, which translates into real differences in the functioning of communities.

Gender equality in the public sphere is, above all, a prerequisite for democracy, which we often forget, we are so used to the classic division of roles. Its absence is not only an injustice against women, it is also a poorer, less representative and less just social order. Therefore, the full presence of women in politics must be seen as a systemic necessity requiring regulation, education, real quotas and the fight against violence, because too often these rights are treated as a gesture of goodwill.

violence

We are still dealing with violence from men against women - unfortunately, this is confirmed by the data, and the topic remains relevant and requires decisive action. According to the study Global, regional, and national prevalence estimates of physical or sexual, or both, intimate partner violence against women in 2018, based on responses from 2 million women from 161 countries and territories, 27% of women and girls aged 15—49 who have ever been in a relationship have experienced physical, sexual, or both violence from a partner in their lifetime. The study shows clear regional differences — lower-income countries report higher levels of intimate relationship violence than higher-income countries. Significantly, as many as 13% of women in this age range have experienced intimate partner violence in the past year. This violence starts early - it also affects teenage girls and young women: 24% of women aged 15-19 and 26% of women aged 20-24 declare that they have experienced it at least once since the age of 15.

Unfortunately, subsequent data are also not optimistic, as UNICEF has for the first time published a global estimate of sexual violence against children (especially teenage girls), revealing the enormous scale of the phenomenon in the world. More than 370 million women and girls have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18. If we also included verbal sexual violence and online violence, the number would rise to 650 million. These data clearly show how widespread these forms of violence are and how serious the consequences are for the youngest. They also underline the need for effective and comprehensive prevention measures and support systems for victims. However, the most important thing here is to change the law and speak loudly about it in the public space.

In order to understand what stage of this brutal history we are at, it is also worth looking at data from Poland, for example that published by GUS. The 2013-2023 balance sheet shows that until 2015 in Poland there was no statutory obligation to collect data on domestic violence and rape by institutions such as the police, prosecutor's office, courts or statistical offices. This means that for many years there was no uniform monitoring system for such crimes in Poland. Starting next year, a new definition of rape in the Criminal Code will come into force in Poland, according to which the explicit consent of the other person will be required for sexual intercourse. For decades, the law treated rape only as intercourse forced by violence, threat, or deceit. This is a fundamental legislative change of enormous social significance; bringing Poland closer to international standards and strengthening the protection of persons experiencing sexual violence.

Of course, today, compared to at least the twentieth century, violence against women is much more socially condemned, and those who have experienced it are more likely to receive systemic protection. Yet rape and violence against women continue to be associated with unwarranted social stigmatization, feelings of shame, and deep-rooted cultural beliefs about the supposed rationality of male dominance and sexual drives. Moreover, these types of narratives reduce men themselves to beings guided exclusively by animal instinct.

Men as Victims of the System

Although the social discourse seems strongly focused on the equality of women, which is not surprising given the world's data, it is worth noting that men are also victims of the same system. However, it manifests itself differently and on a different scale.It is essential to focus on the values of healthy, stereotype-free masculinity and to pay attention to the problems that men face, especially those related to mental health and high mortality. The data show that men cope much worse with psychological pressure than women, which is largely due to entrenched patriarchal patterns requiring them to be strong, independent and hide their emotions. As a result, in 2021 in Poland, as many as 85% of suicide victims were men, and the suicide rate of men was more than twice as high as that of women. Moreover, this problem is particularly acute in post-communist countries, where mental health was taboo for decades and difficulties were often solved through alcohol abuse. Men are more likely than women to experience homelessness and other forms of marginalization, especially those with lower education and those living in rural areas. Serious social and economic inequalities can be seen in this group, which can be as severe as those experienced by women. Systemic underfunding of psychological support programs and the lack of cultural change in attitudes towards masculinity leave many men without adequate help. An example of national action is the Suicidal Behavior Prevention Program implemented by the Ministry of Health, however, experts emphasize that the resources for this purpose are far from sufficient in view of the scale of the problem. The inspiration may be the Finnish health care model, which, thanks to systemic reforms, has significantly reduced the suicide rate, although its full implementation in Poland is hampered by cultural differences.

summary

Despite global progress, women still face a real threat of violence from men, and men are still victims of systemic patriarchy that cripples them psychologically. As you can see, this system does not really serve anyone and although it is difficult to change it is worth fighting for this goal of equality. To achieve gender equality, systemic action is needed: combating violence, amending the law, psychological support, changing the cultural narrative, education and real representation in public life. All these actions lead to the creation of a safer and more sustainable society

Sources:

Sustainable Development Goal: Gender Equality

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Global Gender Gap Report 2025

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