OPENING PLENARY
The equality and inclusion of women can no longer be considered an option – it’s a prerequisite for achieving an equitable and sustainable future. The 2nd day of the SDG Action Zone will draw attention to the tangible action needed to make gender equality a reality. From guaranteeing women’s economic inclusion by recognizing the value of unpaid care and domestic responsibility, to assuring universal access to reproductive health and rights, to stamping out gender-based violence and exploitation in the public and private spheres, there is so much work still to be done. We must move beyond superficial steps, too small to notice behavior change, and the mere recognition of women’s potential to lead, innovate and contribute to their communities. For true gender equality to be realized, we need a rebalance of politics and power that ensures genuine, institutionalized gender equity and inclusion, with policies and programs that actively address the deficiencies that exist across all sectors, social, economic and political strata.
