Global Scans · Gender Equality · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.

• [New] The European Commission's new Gender Equality Strategy for 2026-2030 aims to advance equality between women and men across the EU and address persistent challenges such as gender pay gaps, unequal caring responsibilities and gender-based violence. European Economic and Social Committee
• [New] The EESC opinion 'Gender equality strategy 2026-2030' underlines that gender equality is not only a matter of fundamental rights, but also of Europe's economic resilience and competitiveness. European Economic and Social Committee
• [New] The gender gap is approximately 5.3 years, meaning women born in the U.S. can expect to live more than five years longer than men on average. North American Community Hub
• [New] Female human rights defenders in Somalia continue to face disproportionate risks, it said, including arbitrary arrest, judicial harassment, intimidation, online abuse and gender-based discrimination, aimed at excluding them from civic and political participation. The Guardian
• [New] Australia and the United Kingdom reaffirm the central role of gender equality in inclusive growth and climate resilience, and will deepen collaboration on gender-responsive climate finance in line with international commitments. Mirage News
• [New] Young people across Europe now have a unique opportunity to contribute directly to important discussions shaping the future of gender equality, economic growth, and competitiveness within the European Union. Opportunities for Youth
• [New] Conversion therapy: A new law will allow Colorado residents who were subjected to conversion therapy to sue mental health professionals who tried to change their sexual orientation or gender identity during treatment. Newsweek
• [New] Senate Bill 59 will strengthen confidentiality protections for individuals seeking to change their gender or name in California. Yahoo News
• [New] California will implement new laws in July, including a cell phone ban in schools, LGBTQ hotline on student ID cards, and all-gender restrooms in schools. Yahoo News
• [New] By 2030, at least 90% of FCDO bilateral ODA programmes will contribute to gender equality. GOV.UK
• [New] From 2026, all new ICF programmes will contribute to gender equality and an increasing portion will target gender equality as a principal objective. / UK GOV.UK
• At the current pace, closing the global gender gap will take 123 years. Lewis Silkin
• Closing gender employment gaps could boost global long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20%. Lewis Silkin
• Non-compliance with gender equality targets in Australia creates two distinct categories of risk: regulatory enforcement by WGEA and civil litigation brought by employees or their representatives. Global Law Experts

Last updated: 26 July 2026