UN Women has launched the report of a five-yearly survey that demonstrates why gender equality must be at the centre of sustainable development. The report is well timed to link in with current global debates around the definition of the Sustainable Development Goals and the emergence of the post-2015 framework.
The 2014 report focuses on gender equality and sustainable development, with chapters on the green economy and care work, food security, population dynamics, and investments for gender-responsive sustainable development. It recommends concrete policy actions to move towards an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future, in which all women and girls, men and boys enjoy their human rights.
It also compliments the World Survey 2014 by providing recommendations for the selected areas of gender equality which it emphasises. The World Survey uses three criteria to assess whether policy actions and investments for sustainable development adequately address gender equality. Do they support women's capabilities and their enjoyment of rights? Do they reduce, rather than increase, women's unpaid care work? And do they embrace women's equal and meaningful participation as actors, leaders and decision-makers?
Overall it offers a comprehensive set of recommendations for gender-responsive policy actions and investments towards sustainable development.