See call for input for this study (deadline: 26 April 2024)

Equal opportunities for women's active and meaningful participation in the development process, including in decision-making, remains a transformation to be achieved. In accordance with the 2030 Agenda, gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

The UN Declaration on the Right to Development (DRTD) affirms the right to development without any distinction, including by sex (Article 4), and promotes women’s participation by requiring that effective measures should be undertaken to ensure that women have an active role in the development process (Article 8).

This study aims to analyze the relevance of women’s participation in development; the impact of discrimination against women and gender gaps on the realization of the right to development (RtD) for all; and how the good practices and relevant changes have affected indicators related to the realization of the RtD of women and of the country as a whole.

The study will focus on three main aspects: inequalities, discrimination, and the Human Development Index. It will therefore examine how women, including young women and girls, are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development. In analyzing women's participation, the study will take into account the diversity of women and the existence of intersectional discrimination.

From a general perspective, the study aims to contribute to the strengthening of knowledge and awareness related to the DRTD; to make visible valuable national and international experiences related to women’s participation; and to promote the RtD in all its dimensions by strengthening the women’s participation and inclusion in all stages of the development process.