In an effort to close the gender equity gaps worldwide, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched in 2023 the Equity 2030 Alliancean initiative that brings together more than 100 leaders from the business, academic and government sectors to develop equitable solutions and to integrate the gender perspective in the science and technology.
With a focus on inclusive design, accountability, and strategic investment, the initiative seeks to transform the business innovation and close the economic and health gaps that affect women.
Since its inception, the alliance has identified three key pillars to achieve significant change:
Equity by design in business strategy
Incorporating gender equity from the conception of products and services not only strengthens innovation, but also boosts the profitability of companies. Designing with equity in mind allows reaching new audiences, strengthening trust with customers and generating deeper connections in the market.
Accountability with measurable objectives
For gender equity to become a reality, concrete and measurable targets are needed to assess progress and demonstrate impact. Collecting and analyzing data on women's participation in science and technology lends credibility to efforts for structural change.
Purpose with economic impact
Investing in gender equity is not only an act of social justice, but a smart economic decision. Currently, only 1 % of global research and development funds are allocated to women's specific health conditions beyond cancer.
In addition, the financing gap for women-led small businesses is $1.7 trillion. Solving these problems would not only improve women's health and economic opportunities, but also represent a significant growth in global GDP.
The Equity 2030 Alliance seeks to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors to foster inclusive research and the development of solutions that benefit all people.
The objective is that through measurable strategies, focused investments and strategic alliances, gender equity in science and technology can cease to be a future goal and become a tangible reality.
Source: World Economic Forum
