Gender Equality Action Plan

The Progressive Alliance (PA) works to realise gender equality as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of just, inclusive, and sustainable societies. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality across member organisations, underscoring the PA’s dedication to this critical cause. Despite progress, gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and persistent gender gaps—such as those in pay, care, and representation in leadership roles—remain entrenched. These challenges are not just matters of fairness; they are strategic imperatives that affect broader social, economic, and political stability.

This action plan is not just a call to action, but a call to urgency for us as a global progressive movement. We must close all gender gaps by 2030. Gender inequality is not only a pressing global challenge but also a significant barrier to sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic success. Research by UN Women and other organisations demonstrates that gender inequality impedes economic growth, deepens poverty, and undermines social stability12. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), alongside international frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action, highlight the critical need for sustained efforts by the Progressive Alliance and its member political parties globally. However, transforming commitment into action requires a clear understanding of why these goals are crucial and how they can be achieved.

Gender inequality undermines the potential of half the world’s population, leading to economic losses, social instability, and the perpetuation of cycles of poverty and violence. Failure to address these issues exacerbates existing inequalities and diminishes the prospects for inclusive growth. The PA recognises that achieving gender equality is essential for the well-being of individuals and the health and prosperity of societies as a whole. This action plan is necessary to translate these commitments into concrete actions that address both the symptoms and root causes of gender inequality.

The PA’s strategy aims to achieve its goals externally and actualise these ideas and policies within our movement and organisation. This strategy is built on a multifaceted approach that integrates policy development, advocacy, capacity building, and international solidarity. The plan focuses on strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to protect and promote women’s rights while advancing the inclusion of marginalised groups. It aims to provide equitable access to resources and opportunities, ensuring all individuals can fully participate in economic, political, and social life. It also emphasises fostering representation by supporting women in leadership and decision-making roles, while promoting the inclusion of marginalised communities. Member organisations play a crucial role in implementing these strategies within their respective spheres of influence and internalising these principles in their practice of politics. Recognising the intersectionality of gender inequalities with other forms of discrimination, such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, the Progressive Alliance is dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind. Furthermore, the plan seeks to build strategic partnerships to support these efforts, acknowledging that gender equality is a shared responsibility.

The primary goal of this action plan is not just to actively promote the closing of all gender gaps by 2030, but to do so in ways that influence meaningful change as far as possible. This includes actively advocating for legal rights, equitable access to economic resources, equal participation and fair treatment in the labour market, an equal distribution of unpaid care work, and gender-balanced representation in all areas of life. It also aims to end violence against women, while addressing the specific forms of violence and discrimination faced by gender minorities, ensure access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and drive structural changes that foster sustained gender equality.

In the short term (2-3 years), the Gender Equality Working Group, as a collective within the PA, and the PA as a movement, will focus on:

• Increasing awareness and understanding of gender equality issues at key levels, such as national, regional, and organisational.
• Influencing policy frameworks and public discourse to prioritise gender equality.
• Creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy on gender issues.
• Enabling member organisations and allies to implement gender-sensitive policies.
• Harmonising efforts and sharing lessons learned across different regions to ensure acoordinated approach.
• Developing tools, resources, and exchanging best practices to support gender equality initiatives.
• Amplifying the voices and experiences of women, while ensuring that the unique challenges faced by gender minorities are addressed.
• Initialising policy responses that meet the distinct needs of women in crisis situations, while also addressing the specific vulnerabilities of gender minorities.

In the medium term (4-6 years), the goal is to meaningfully participate in policy  implementation and drive substantial improvements in both political and economic participation, particularly where the PA’s influence can make a significant impact. This includes encouraging member organisations to increase women’s and gender minorities’ representation in decision-making bodies, leadership roles, and electoral processes. The PA will advocate for gender quotas and inclusive leadership structures, ensuring that women’s voices are fully represented in political arenas. On the economic front, the PA will focus on empowering its members to address wage gaps, promote fair treatment in the labour market, and advocate for women’s economic participation by tackling barriers such as unpaid care work and expanding comprehensive social protection schemes. Additionally, through its network, the PA will support efforts to reduce economic disparities, expand access to vocational training, and help women entrepreneurs secure financial resources. While the PA will provide guidance and coordination, the implementation of these initiatives relies on the commitment of member organisations, ensuring sustainable progress toward gender equality and economic empowerment.

In the long term (6+ years), the goal is to contribute to the ongoing momentum for change that supports sustained gender equality across sectors. The PA recognises the need for continued collaboration, persistence, and flexibility beyond the scope of this plan. The PA will continue to build partnerships and support efforts that push for ongoing progress toward gender equality.