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Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
There has been progress over the last decades: More girls are going to school, fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality.
Despite these gains, many challenges remain: discriminatory laws and social norms remain pervasive, women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership, and 1 in 5 women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49 report experiencing physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner within a 12-month period.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could reverse the limited progress that has been made on gender equality and women’s rights. The coronavirus outbreak exacerbates existing inequalities for women and girls across every sphere – from health and the economy, to security and social protection.
Women play a disproportionate role in responding to the virus, including as frontline healthcare workers and carers at home. Women’s unpaid care work has increased significantly as a result of school closures and the increased needs of older people. Women are also harder hit by the economic impacts of COVID-19, as they disproportionately work in insecure labour markets. Nearly 60 per cent of women work in the informal economy, which puts them at greater risk of falling into poverty.
The pandemic has also led to a steep increase in violence against women and girls. With lockdown measures in place, many women are trapped at home with their abusers, struggling to access services that are suffering from cuts and restrictions. Emerging data shows that, since the outbreak of the pandemic, violence against women and girls – and particularly domestic violence – has intensified.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
 Cite a political initiative
Link to a political initiative or policy supporting the Gender Equality agenda
Add new theme
Suggest a theme or sub-theme that fits within the objectives of the Gender Equality agenda
Add new issue or concern
Suggest an issue or concern that arises within the context of the Gender Equality agenda where you have some particular expertise or insight
Add new keyword or tag
Suggest a subject or factor or aspect of Gender Equality which you believe adds new insight into realizing this goal
Add new agreement or charter
Suggest a charter or agreement or statement made by some group or individual which you feel is significant
Contact NGO
Contact an agency or group or Non-governmental Organization (NGO) and invite their participation
Invite person
Contact a person and invite their participation
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