NO WOMEN, NO SDGs: Addressing Gender Inequality for Sustainable Development, Prof. Sohier Elneil
Professor Sohier Elneil
UCL Professor of Urogynaecology
Institute for Women’s Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences
University College London
UK
ORCID: 0000-0002-9047-5418
Paper Type: Conceptual
Received: 22 March April 2025 / Revised: 30 June 2025 / Accepted: 4 July 2025 / Published: 6 July 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJWSD.1.1.2025.4
Purpose: This paper explores how gender inequality undermines global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Despite international commitments, women remain disproportionately excluded from economic opportunities, leadership, and access to finance and this exclusion impairs global economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A multidisciplinary qualitative analysis was undertaken using reports and economic studies from institutions such as UN Women, World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN). Comparative data across Africa, Asia, and Europe were used to assess gender disparities, especially regarding financial inclusion and institutional reform.
Findings: Key barriers include systemic financial exclusion, cultural norms (e.g., early marriage, workplace discrimination), and policy failures. Gender lens investing (GLI) has shown promise, increasing six-fold between 2017 and 2021, but scale remains insufficient.
Originality/Value of the Paper: The paper offers evidence-based recommendations for governments, financial institutions, and international bodies, emphasising economic empowerment, legal reform, and gender-transformative strategies.
Research Limitations: Primarily qualitative, based on secondary data. Future work should incorporate country-level studies and primary data.
Practical Implications: Integrated gender policies, GLI expansion, and inclusive institutional practices are essential to achieving the SDGs. Without full gender inclusion, sustainable development will remain out of reach.
Keywords: Gender Equality; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Women’s Economic Empowerment; Gender Lens Investing (GLI); Financial Inclusion; Women’s Leadership.
Citation: Elneil, S. (2025): No Women, No SDGs: Addressing Gender Inequality for Sustainable Development. World Journal of Women and Sustainable Development (WJWSD), Vol. 1, No. 1, pp.29-42.
