Coordinated and well-funded systems of social protection, public services, and sustainable infrastructure are imperative to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment (SDG 5). They also contribute to poverty eradication (SDG 1), health and wellbeing (SDG 3), quality education for all (SDG 4), decent work and inclusive growth (SDG 8), reduction of inequalities (SDG 10), and combating climate change (SDG 13).
This report underlines the potential of coordinated action in relation to social protection systems, access to public services, and sustainable infrastructure for realising the rights of women and girls throughout their lives. While there has been important progress in access in these areas in recent decades, persistent gaps and gender biases are highlighted, and suggestions are given on how these may be rectified. By targeting these three areas in a coordinated manner, women and girls can benefit from enhanced access to economic opportunities, strengthened resilience to shocks, and greater mobility.