How do we promote multilateralism and gender equality?

During a global pandemic, now is the time to unify international groups in promoting multilateral efforts. The top priority must be to configure UNSDGs 5 and 17 to fund efficient coalitions and deliver on gender equality

By Navi Pilay, Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Radhika Coomaraswamy 

In the time period of a global pandemic, which has exacerbated the already omnipresent levels of gender-based violence and discrimination, it is imperative for the international community to uphold a unified response to widespread gender inequality. At this year’s Generation Equality Forum, in Paris, responses to inequality have been generated within Action Coalitions and administered goals to specifically enhance gender equality and equal representation on the institutional, governmental, and civil society sphere. 

The Blueprint preceding Paris’ Generation Equality Forum has outlined various Action Coalitions to address gender inequality. In this case, it is imperative to highlight the Action Coalition on “Feminist Movements and Leadership,” comprising Draft Actions to: Double the funding for sectors committed to women leadership; support feminist human rights; increase women in positions of power; and dedicate resources to galvanise feminist youth leaders and movements. 

For too long, women have been at the centre of conflict – not as key decision makers (as it should be), but in carrying the brunt of the outfall. The pandemic has exacerbated the already extant issues that women have been placed with – from the increase in domestic violence to the loss of jobs or access to health services. In some countries, domestic violence has increased as much as 30% due to COVID-19 implications. In addition, women comprise only 25% of national parliaments, making it more difficult to pass equal policies and legislation.  

While addressing these issues in combination with the Action Coalition to strengthen and increase ‘Feminist Movements and Leadership,’ it is vital to incorporate the United Nations fifth and 17th Sustainable Development Goals. The fifth goal is to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”. The 17th goal calls for stronger alliances and concerted action, which will help revitalise partnerships and establish a flow of resources to fund coalitions for issues pertaining to gender inequality. 

The Generation Equality Forum will close in Paris at the end of June, this year, though the events have created a robust platform to foster multilateral partnerships. It has also been a strong environment to co-build a roadmap to deliver and act on the commitments adopted in the landmark Beijing Conference on Women – 26 years ago. To honour Beijing and its legacy, the Generation Equality Forum has established six action coalitions with goals such as the eradication of violence, economic justice, and addressing climate change. There is also a ground-breaking ‘Pact on Women, Peace and Security’. 

The formula for success, regarding these coalitions, will be the convergence of political will, investment in gender equality and staunch accountability measures on commitments made. 

Collaboration is the key term in the battle for gender equality and governments, civil society groups, philanthropies, and the private sector have subscribed around 1,100 commitments for the next five years (aiming to achieve their goals by 2026). 

Initiatives to promote financing for the Action Coalitions will require an integrated, coherent framework considering both public and private funding. To achieve these efforts, the role of multilateral banks will also be critical.  Furthermore, goals have to be set for achieving financial outcomes and gathering funding for coalitions and action to promote gender equality. The culmination of the Mexico Forum oversaw commitments totalling over $100 million for gender equality programs from the Ford Foundation, the Canadian Government, and the Women Moving Millions. With these initiatives, we believe that we can achieve combined international funding of up to $ 1 billion by 2026 to be directed towards the United Nations fifth and 17th SDGs. 

These highlighted efforts come at a time period where the Edelman Trust Barometer has shown a decline in trust within the two largest global economies (US and China). With these concerns, the time for an inclusive international system is now. The Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalition to promote ‘Feminist Movements and Leadership’ symbolises one of the most promising opportunities to reinvigorate global trust and create a rejuvenated multilateral system based off inclusion and equity for all. 

(Maria Fernanda Espinosa is the President of the 73rd session of the General Assembly. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador. Former Minister of National Defence of Ecuador. Member and consultant of GWL Voices.)

(Radhika Coomaraswamy is former United Nations Special. Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. Former Under-Secretary General. GWL Voices Member.)

(Navi Pillay is former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Former Judge of the International Criminal Court. Former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. GWL Voices Member.)