Is ‘maleism’ the new neglected skill set? – HRD America

Report on Evolving Gender Dynamics and Sustainable Development Goals

Analysis of Societal Shift in Gender Perceptions

A significant shift in societal dynamics regarding gender has been observed. This evolution presents new considerations for achieving universal equality, a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Historical Context: For an extended period, global efforts, in line with the future SDG 5, concentrated on dismantling systemic discrimination that limited opportunities for women.
• Contemporary Observation: Current discourse suggests an emerging perception of bias impacting men. This development challenges the traditional understanding of gender-based disadvantage.
• Core Principle: The fundamental objective remains the establishment of universal equality, fairness, and respect. This principle must be applied consistently to all genders to prevent the replacement of one form of bias with another, ensuring that progress is not reparative but universally inclusive.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality

The observed societal shift directly impacts the framework and implementation of SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The universal nature of this goal is paramount.

1. Universal Application of Equality: SDG 5’s mission for equality is not exclusionary. Achieving true and sustainable gender equality requires ensuring that policies and societal norms promote fairness and equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of gender.
2. Ending All Forms of Discrimination: Target 5.1 aims to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. The underlying principle of non-discrimination is a universal human right that must extend to men to create a truly equitable society.
3. Fostering Inclusive Progress: A holistic approach to SDG 5 recognizes that gender dynamics are complex. Addressing perceived biases against any gender group is essential for building the broad societal support needed for sustainable progress.

Implications for Broader Sustainable Development Framework

The principle of universal fairness is integral to other key SDGs, highlighting the interconnectedness of the 2030 Agenda.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): This goal calls for the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of sex (Target 10.2). Addressing gender bias in any form is critical to reducing overall societal inequality.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Promoting inclusive societies for sustainable development (Target 16.7) and ensuring non-discriminatory laws and policies (Target 16.B) requires that justice and institutional fairness are accessible to everyone, reinforcing the need for a gender-neutral application of equality.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article’s central theme is the dynamic of gender bias and the universal principle of equality. It directly addresses gender-based discrimination, historically against women and now, as the article posits, against men. This aligns with the core mission of SDG 5 to achieve gender equality for all.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The discussion of “discrimination,” “bias,” and “diminished opportunity” is fundamentally about inequality. By highlighting that men are now experiencing bias, the article frames the issue within the broader context of reducing inequalities for all groups within society, irrespective of sex, as targeted by SDG 10.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article’s call for “fairness, and respect” as guiding principles relates to the justice aspect of SDG 16. Addressing discrimination and bias is essential for building just and inclusive societies where everyone is treated equally under the law and by societal norms.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

   The article acknowledges the historical fight of women “against discrimination.” It then extends this principle, arguing that the goal of ending discrimination should be applied universally, now including men who “bear the sting of bias.” This implies a broader interpretation of the target to end gender-based discrimination against everyone.

2. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

   The article’s focus on fighting “bias” and systems that “confined and diminished opportunity” directly corresponds to this target. The call for “equality” and “fairness” for men is an argument for ensuring equal opportunity and eliminating discriminatory practices, regardless of who is affected.

3. Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

   The core message that the “principle has always been equality, fairness, and respect” for everyone implies a need for overarching non-discriminatory policies. The article advocates for a societal framework where bias is not tolerated against any gender, which aligns with the promotion and enforcement of such policies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article is conceptual and does not provide specific data or official indicators. However, it implies ways to measure the issues discussed:

• Implied Indicator: Prevalence of perceived discrimination.

  The statement that “men now find themselves bearing the sting of bias” suggests that a key measure of this issue is the personal experience or perception of discrimination. This aligns with official indicators like 10.3.1/16.b.1, which measures the “proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed.” The article implies that tracking this sentiment among men would be a relevant metric.

• Implied Indicator: Existence of legal and social frameworks ensuring equality for all genders.

  The emphasis on “equality, fairness, and respect” as a universal “principle” points to the need for systems and policies that guarantee these rights. Progress could be measured by the existence and enforcement of laws and institutional policies that actively promote non-discrimination for all genders, not just one.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hcamag.com