Government lacks plans for achieving commitments on equality

gender equality
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The Government lacks a plan for achieving its commitments on equality, a new report claims.

The Women and Equalities Committee’s report has revealed that the UK government has not set out a strategic plan for how they will achieve the international commitment to achieve gender equality by 2030.

The commitments are part of an agreement created by the United Nations who set out five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which would help to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls within the next 13 years.

The committee’s report also highlights that 22 other countries, including Germany and Finland, have already published their plans to meet the SDGs requirements.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals include ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere; eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls; recognising and value unpaid care and domestic work; and ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership. You can find the full set of requirements here.

The committee is now calling for the Minister for Women and Equalities, Justine Greening to take responsibility for ensuring the achievement of SDG 5 across the government. They are also calling for the government to domestically publicise its commitment to the SDGs in the UK and immediately commit to reporting to the UN’s High Level Political Forum in 2018.

Speaking about the report’s conclusions, Maria Miller MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee said, “The UK has led the world in developing the SDGs and we should be proud of the Government for championing the inclusion of a standalone gender goal.”

“Achieving the SDG 5 commitment domestically is key to maintaining our position as a proponent of women’s rights globally.”

“The UK has strong policies in many areas included in SDG 5 but stretching goals need to be agreed to demonstrate commitment to gender equality at home as well as abroad.”

“Other countries, including Germany, Norway and Finland have already set out clear plans for action and the UK appears to be lagging behind.”

“We strongly welcome the Government’s promise to include SDG 5 in its cross-departmental work, but the need for an overall strategy to ensure its successful delivery is clear.”

“Leadership must come from the top.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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