Gender Equality and Disability (GED)

This year’s theme of the G20 is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” an ancient Sanskrit phrase meaning “The world is one family.” It embraces unity in diversity and signifies the collective strength of all working together to protect and uplift vulnerable members of society. This can be achieved by collaborating to develop needs-based approaches that will provide equitable and fair access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes. Further, this theme recognizes the fact that regardless of differences, mutual respect and compassion underline the oneness of existence.

There is ample global evidence that gender equality is essential to sustainable development. In order to achieve this, we need to have harmony between the genders and with the environment. Attaining equality requires addressing issues such as access to education, livelihoods, and resources; gender discrimination in professional and informal economic settings; increasing women’s leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life, as well as women’s role in environmental stewardship, and their maintenance of important cultural and indigenous knowledge. It will also require a shift in gender relations, importantly on topics such as domestic violence and gender-based harassment, both of which have drastically increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. This type of cultural shift requires the engagement of men and boys in the process of attaining gender equality and harmony. The working group proposes to adopt a holistic approach to addressing all aspects of inequality that affect the genders.

Social harmony also requires addressing the inequalities that those with physical or mental disabilities experience. The working group will focus on pragmatic approaches concerning access to education, healthcare, environmental resources, skill building, employment, and other critical aspects relevant for the differently abled to lead a dignified life. This way, vulnerable and marginalized groups will be supported in contributing meaningfully to address local and global challenges. Through this working group, the aim would be to reinforce the recommendations of previous C20 deliberations and attempt to mainstream and institutionalize equity and inclusion across sectors.