The fifth goal listed in the United Nations' Agenda for Sustainable Development is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world, says the UN. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population – but gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress.
The aims of this goal include the ambition to end all forms of discrimination, violence and harmful practices against women and goals, while recognising and valuing unpaid care and domestic work and ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. SDG5 acknowledges that for this to happen, reforms are needed, and technology should be enhanced, while at national level, governments need to adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation.
On 8 March, International Women’s Day 2025 took the theme #AccelerateAction, noting that although the IWD has been around for over 100 years, there are many issues still impacting women's advancement.
“International Women’s Day during the International Year of Cooperatives is a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight for gender equality for women members of cooperatives,” said Xiomara Nuñez de Céspedes, Chair of the ICA’s Gender Equality Committee, in a statement for the IWD.
She highlighted how the development of cooperatives has “since they were created, relied on the contribution of women” and how 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, considered the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women's rights.
But, she added, “it is vital to remember that gender equality is not only a matter of social justice, but also one of development and prosperity. When women enjoy equal opportunities, society as a whole benefits.”
This is echoed in the ICA’s IYC SDG policy brief, published in March to coincide with the IWD.
“Research shows that when women gain economic independence, they reinvest in their families and communities, driving broader social and economic progress,” said the brief. “Cooperatives offer an alternative through collective financial participation, expanding access to capital and promoting financial autonomy.”
