Equal Measures 2030: a new approach for advocacy and influencing beyond Beijing +25

Abstract

This article shares data insights and experiences of Equal Measures 2030 (EM2030), a new global cross-sector initiative that connects advocates and policymakers to easy-to-use data to guide efforts towards gender equality and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2019 EM2030 launched the SDG Gender Index, a tool to track 51 indicators critical to gender equality across 14 of the SDGs. This was a response to advocates’ calls for tools to support data-driven analysis and hold governments accountable for gender equality in the context of the SDGs. Here, we reflect on key questions about the current ecosystem of gender data and data-driven tools available to advocates; explain some key findings of the 2019 SDG Gender Index; consider how the SDG Gender Index can support advocacy and action to ensure both the Beijing Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda can make a real difference in girls’ and women’s lives; and evaluate lessons learned from the data-driven advocacy experiences of EM2030’s work with partner organisations.