Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality by ending all forms of discrimination, violence, and any harmful practices against women and girls in the public and private spheres. It also recognises the importance of universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for combating gender inequality.
SDG 5 calls for equal rights, recognition and value of unpaid care and domestic work and access to economic and natural resources, technology, basic and financial services and property as well as full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of political and economic decision-making for women. The adoption of sound policies and legislation to promote gender equality are seen as essential for eliminating gender discrimination and fostering women’s empowerment. As a commitment to SDG 5, CEN and CENELEC have both signed the UNECE Gender Responsive Standards Initiative link.