What to read about modern feminism

Feminism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Journey Towards Gender Equality

FEMINISTS HAVE a basic belief: that men and women are in all important respects equal. But getting people, especially men, to accept that truth and act on it has been the work of centuries. Feminists have made the case through activism, politics, economics, journalism, and art. The work is unfinished.

Waves of Feminism

Western feminist theory has divided the movement’s history, and writing about it, into “waves”. In this interpretation feminism began in the late 1840s with the campaign for women’s suffrage in America. The second wave came in the 1960s with the call for women’s “liberation” and equality under the law. A third wave in the 1990s was more rebellious than reformist, more anarchically individualistic than disciplined and legalistic. Some think we are in the midst of a fourth wave, sustained by the internet and social media; the #MeToo movement, which calls out sexual misconduct by powerful men, is its characteristic expression.

Feminism and the Sustainable Development Goals

1. Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
2. Goal 10: Reduce inequalities within and among countries, including gender inequalities.
3. Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

The Role of Feminism in Achieving the SDGs

• Feminism plays a crucial role in advocating for gender equality and empowering women and girls, which directly aligns with Goal 5 of the SDGs.
• By challenging gender inequalities, feminists contribute to reducing inequalities within and among countries, as outlined in Goal 10.
• Feminist movements also strive for social justice, inclusivity, and accountability, which are essential for achieving Goal 16.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
   • Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex
   • Indicator 5.1.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
   • Indicator 10.2.2: Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
   • Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group and form of exploitation

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the history and progress of feminism, which is closely related to achieving gender equality.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article highlights the need to address discrimination and promote equality for all, irrespective of gender.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article mentions the #MeToo movement, which aims to end sexual misconduct by powerful individuals, contributing to the goal of ending violence and exploitation.

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere – The article discusses the ongoing work of feminists to achieve equality and challenge discrimination.
2. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status – The article emphasizes the need for men and society as a whole to accept gender equality and act on it.
3. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children – The article mentions the #MeToo movement, which aims to end sexual misconduct and abuse of power.

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex – The article discusses the history of feminist activism and the legal changes that have been made to promote gender equality.
• Indicator 5.1.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months – The article mentions the #MeToo movement, which aims to address and prevent sexual misconduct.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities – The article highlights the need to address economic inequalities and promote inclusion for all.
• Indicator 10.2.2: Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions – The article emphasizes the importance of achieving equality and reducing poverty in all its forms.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group and form of exploitation – The article mentions the need to address exploitation and abuse, including through movements like #MeToo.

Source: economist.com