SDGs

To research and gather information about the challenges and inequalities related to gender
equality (SDG 5), we need to focus on several key areas where gender disparities are most
pronounced. Below is an outline of some major challenges, along with suggestions for
conducting interviews with individuals who have experience in this field.
Challenges and Inequalities Related to Gender Equality
● Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Gender-based violence, including domestic violence,
sexual harassment, and exploitation, remains a widespread issue globally. Women and girls
are particularly vulnerable to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Cultural norms, lack of
legal protection, and underreporting exacerbate the problem.
● Gender Pay Gap: Women in many countries still earn less than men for the same work.
This inequality is often driven by occupational segregation, unequal access to education,
and discrimination in the workplace.
● Lack of Political Representation: Despite progress, women are still underrepresented in
leadership roles in politics and business. Structural barriers, cultural stereotypes, and a
lack of supportive policies (such as maternity leave and flexible work hours) limit women’s
advancement to leadership positions.
● Access to Education: In some regions, girls face barriers to education due to poverty,
early marriage, and cultural restrictions. Lack of access to education limits their economic
opportunities and continues the cycle of inequality.
● Reproductive Rights and Healthcare: Inadequate access to reproductive health services,
including contraception and safe childbirth, continues to pose significant challenges for
women, especially in developing countries. This contributes to higher maternal mortality
rates and limits women’s autonomy over their own bodies.
● Unpaid Care Work: Women disproportionately bear the burden of unpaid household and
caregiving work. This limits their ability to participate fully in the labor market, reinforcing
gender disparities in income and career advancement.

The reason for choosing "Gender Equality" as the focus of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG) is due to the frequent appearance of gender inequality-related issues in social news.
These stories reflect the challenges women and girls face in various aspects of life, and they
highlight society’s shortcomings in advancing gender equality. Here are some specific examples
that illustrate why addressing gender equality is so crucial:
1. Domestic Violence News
In recent years, many news reports across different countries have highlighted incidents of
domestic violence. Women, in particular, suffer from physical and psychological abuse within
marriages and families. For example, some reports reveal that women, due to economic
dependence and societal pressure, are forced to endure long-term domestic abuse with little
legal support or protection from the community. These stories prompt us to question why
women’s safety continues to be so vulnerable within their own homes.
2. Workplace Gender Discrimination and Wage Gap
Many news stories have shed light on gender inequality in the workplace, especially regarding
the wage gap. In certain industries, women are paid significantly less than men despite doing the
same work. Such reports are often seen in sectors like technology and finance, which indicates
that even in developed areas, women still face barriers to career advancement and fair wages.
3. Sexual Harassment and Assault
The global #MeToo movement brought widespread attention to issues of sexual harassment and
assault. Numerous women came forward to share their experiences of being harassed or
assaulted in the workplace, public spaces, and even schools. These stories created a strong
public outcry and led to legal and policy reforms in many countries. However, many women still
remain silent due to social stigma and insufficient legal protections, making it difficult for them to
seek justice.
4. Educational Inequality
In some underdeveloped regions or conservative communities, girls still face barriers to
education. There have been news reports about girls from remote areas being forced to drop out
of school due to family financial difficulties or traditional beliefs, with some even pushed into
early marriages. These stories highlight how unequal access to education can alter the course of
a girl’s life and reveal how cultural and economic factors continue to hinder gender equality.
5. Restrictions on Reproductive Health and Rights
In certain countries or regions, women face excessive restrictions on reproductive health and
rights, such as being denied the right to choose whether to have children, or lacking access to
adequate contraception and maternal health services. These reports often expose government
shortcomings in protecting women's reproductive rights, leading to significant impacts on their
health and overall well-being.
Summary of Why Gender Equality Was Chosen
Through these social news stories, it is clear that gender inequality exists in many areas, whether
it is in the family, the workplace, education, or healthcare. Women and girls still face severe
challenges. Choosing "Gender Equality" as a key focus of the SDGs is important because these
issues not only affect individual groups but also hinder the progress and development of entire
societies. Promoting gender equality is not only about protecting women’s basic rights but also
about building a more just and inclusive society. This is a cause that everyone should be
concerned about and actively involved in.