In September 2000, world leaders agreed upon the Millennium Declaration, which distills the key goals and targets agreed to at international conferences and world summits during the 1990s. Drawing on the Declaration, the UN System, World Bank and OECD drew up a set of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with associated targets and indicators. By the year 2015, all 191 United Nations Member States have pledged to meet the MDGs.
No Progress Without Gender Equality
While Goal 3 reaffirms an international commitment to gender equality, the targets and indicators linked this goal are narrowly defined. But gender equality applies to all the Goals.
Women disproportionately suffer the burden of poverty, are the primary agents of child welfare, are the victims of widespread and persistent discrimination in all areas of life, and put their lives at risk every time they become pregnant. They are increasingly susceptible to HIV/AIDS and other major diseases, play an indispensable role in the management of natural resources, and have the right to gain as much as men from the benefits brought by globalisation.
Recognising women’s contributions and realising and protecting their rights thus impacts across all eight of the MDGs. Failure to address these concerns will lead to failure in achieving the MDGs themselves. Upholding the rights of women brings widespread benefits to everyone. And the links in respect of the MDGs are broad, not narrow.
Download a leaflet (PDF, 28KB) that summarizes how gender equality and the empowerment of women are essential to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
