The Beijing Platform for Action (1995) highlighted the different needs of women and men, girls and boys. They are affected by policies in different ways and hence experience development differently. But all have the right to share in the benefits of development. If sustainable development is to be achieved, an engendered approach to development policy and practice is essential.
The shift from a focus on women in isolation, to a focus on gender, ensures a more comprehensive view of the co-operation and conflict between women and men. Of key concern are inequalities in the division of responsibilities, and access to and control over resources. Gender relations within the household are an important mediator of women?s life outcomes, as are gender relations within other institutions such as the community, market, and the state. In addition, other aspects of social differentiation which cross-cut gender – such as class, caste, age, race, and ethnicity ? cannot be ignored.
What evidence is there of these gender inequalities in outcomes between women and men? The following ?facts and figures? expose gender inequalities and provide evidence of the need to engender development. This collection does not claim to be comprehensive but offers an insight into the available gender statistics.
