Sustainable Development In Bangladesh: Goal 5- Gender Equality

Fabliha Afia:

INTRODUCTION

“We cannot control what is happening around us. We can only control our reactions. Every moment we can choose to be more loving, more compassionate – to ourselves, to each other, and to our planet. We can choose to share a smile, or a loving thought, with someone, even from afar. Our thoughts and our words have immense power… let’s use them consciously, with extra kindness, so we create loving energy that touches everyone around us.” – Gisele Bündchen

Gender equality is a way to bring about such a change and establish a conscious, loving, kind and compassionate world. 

GOAL 5: GENDER EQUALITY  

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 is gender  equality. The United Nations (UN) has defined 9 Targets and 14 Indicators for SDG 5. The original texts of the Targets and Indicators are as follows:^[1]

5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

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

5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

5.2.1 Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age

5.2.2 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, by age and place of occurrence

5.3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation

5.3.1 Proportion of women aged 20-24 years who were married or in a union before age 15 and before age 18

5.3.2 Proportion of girls and women aged 15-49 years who have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting, by age

5.4 Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate

5.4.1 Proportion of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by sex, age and location

5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life

5.5.1 Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments

5.5.2 Proportion of women in managerial positions

5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences

5.6.1 Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care

5.6.2 Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee women aged 15-49 years access to sexual and reproductive health care, information and education

5.A Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws

5.A.1 (a) Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, by sex; and (b) share of women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land, by type of tenure

5.A.2 Proportion of countries where the legal framework (including customary law) guarantees women’s equal rights to land ownership and/or control

5.B Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women

5.B.1 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex

5.C Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels

5.C.1 Proportion of countries with systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment

DEFINITIONS, GOALS AND DATA OF THE INDICATORS  

Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. The Indicators can be further explained as follows:^[2]

5.1.1 Definition: Indicator 5.1.1 is whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.

Goal: By 2030 end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

Bangladesh: There are various legal frameworks which can be applied to promote and enforce non-discrimination on the basis of sex. This is assessed here. In Bangladesh universal suffrage was granted to women in 2017. There is also a nondiscrimination clause in the constitution which mentions gender according to 2015 data. The law however does not specifically prevent or penalise gender-based discrimination in the hiring process according to 2015 data.

5.2.1 Definition: Indicator 5.2.1 is the proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.

This is measured here as the share of women aged 15 years or older who experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in the last year.

Goal: By 2030 eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the share of women, older than 14 years, who experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner is gradually decreasing. In 2005 the ratio was 47.71%, in 2010 it was 46.43%, and in 2016 it was 44.45%.

5.2.2 Definition: Indicator 5.2.2 is the 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, by age and place of occurrence.

Goal: By 2030 eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

5.3.1 Definition: Indicator 5.3.1 is the proportion of women aged 20–24 years who were married or in a union before age 15 and before age 18.

This is measured as the share of women aged 20-24 years old who were married before the age of 15; and the share who were married before the age of 18.

Goal: Eliminate child, early or forced marriage by 2030.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the proportion of women aged 20 to 24 years old who were married or in a union before reaching the age of 15 was 22.40% in 2014.

The proportion of women aged 20 to 24 years old who were married or in a union before reaching the age of 18 is gradually decreasing. In 2011 the ratio was 64.90%, in 2013 it was 52.30%, and in 2014 it was 58.60%.

5.3.2 Definition: Indicator 5.3.2 is the proportion of girls and women aged 15–49 years who have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting.

This is measured as the share of women aged 15-49 years old who have gone through partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.

Goal: Eliminate harmful practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting by 2030.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

5.4.1 Definition: Indicator 5.4.1 is the proportion of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by sex, age and location.

This is shown here as the average time men and women spend on unpaid domestic and care work per day.

Goal: By 2030 recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work, and promote shared responsibility within the household and family.

Specific targets related to the distribution and recognition of unpaid work are not clearly defined.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

5.5.1 Definition: Indicator 5.5.1 is the proportion of seats held by women in (a) national parliaments and (b) local governments.

This is measured as the share of national parliamentary seats, and ministerial positions held by women for each country in a given year.

Goal: By 2030 ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political life.

Bangladesh: The proportion of women in national parliament is defined as the percentage of parliamentary seats in a single or lower chamber held by women. In Bangladesh the proportion of seats held by women in national parliament is gradually increasing. In 2015 the ratio was 20.00%, in 2016 it was 20.00%, and in 2017 it was 20.30%.

Women in ministerial level positions is the proportion of women in ministerial or equivalent positions (including deputy prime ministers) in the government. Prime Ministers/Heads of Government are included when they hold ministerial portfolios. Vice-Presidents and heads of governmental or public agencies are excluded. In Bangladesh the proportion of women in ministerial positions is gradually decreasing. In 2012 the ratio was 14.30%, in 2014 it was 6.70%, and in 2016 it was 6.30%.

5.5.2 Definition: Indicator 5.5.2 is the proportion of women in managerial positions.

This is measured as the percentage of firms in any given country with a female as the top manager, and the share of middle or senior management positions filled by a female.

Goal: By 2030 ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political life.

Bangladesh: The percentage of firms in the private sector who have females as top managers. Top managers refers to the highest ranking manager or CEO of the establishment. This person may be the owner if she works as the manager of the firm. The results are based on surveys of more than 100,000 private firms. In Bangladesh the percentage of firms with a top female manager is gradually increasing. In 2007 the ratio was 1.30%, and in 2013 it was 4.80%.

The proportion of females in total employment in senior and middle management corresponds to major group 1 in both ISCO-08 and ISCO-88 minus category 14 in ISCO-08 (hospitality, retail and other services managers) and minus category 13 in ISCO-88 (general managers), since these comprise mainly managers of small enterprises. The data is not available for Bangladesh.

5.6.1 Definition: Indicator 5.6.1 is the proportion of women aged 15–49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care.

This is measured as the percentage of married women aged 15-49 years old who makes their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, and reproductive healthcare.

Only women who answer “yes” to the following three conditions are considered to make their own informed decisions: can say no to sexual intercourse with their husband or partner if they do not want; decide on use of contraception; and decide on their own healthcare.

Goal: By 2030 ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

5.6.2 Definition: Indicator 5.6.2 is the Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee full and equal access to women and men aged 15 years and older to sexual and reproductive health care, information and education.

Goal: By 2030 ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

5.A.1 Definition: Indicator 5.A.1 is the proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, by sex; and (b) share of women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land, by type of tenure.

This is measured here as the percentage of men and women (aged 15-49) who solely own land which is legally registered to their name.

Goal: By 2030 give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

5.A.2 Definition: Indicator 5.A.2 is the proportion of countries where the legal framework (including customary law) guarantees women’s equal rights to land ownership and/or control.

This is measured on the basis of whether a given country’s legal framework guarantees women’s equal rights to land ownership.

Goal: By 2030 undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property.

Bangladesh: Ownership rights covers the ability to manage, control, administer, access, encumber, receive, dispose of, and transfer property. In Bangladesh married men and married women have equal ownership rights to property according to 2015 data.

5.B.1 Definition: Indicator 5.B.1 is the proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex.

Goal: By 2030 enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.

There is no defined target level for this indicator.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh the share of males who owned a mobile telephone was 54.3%, the share of females who owned a mobile telephone was 30.91%, and on an average of both sexes the share of mobile telephone owned was 42.51% in 2017.

5.C.1 Definition: Indicator 5.C.1 is the Proportion of countries with systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Goal: By 2030 adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh there are systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment according to 2018 data.

GENDER EQUALITY: WHY IT MATTERS

 The aim of SDG 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.^[3]

HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT ACHIEVING GENDER EQUALITY

An electorate mandate of the Government is women empowerment.^[4] Bangladesh has achieved progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Government is working to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls. There are laws as well as emergency helpline number 109 to protect women and children from domestic violence. There is also law which makes child marriage unlawful.^[5] Dowry is also illegal.^[6]

The Government ensures women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes. This fuels sustainable economies and benefits society and humanity at large.^[7]

There are reserved seats at the Parliament for women. To extend the participation of women in politics, there are reserved seats for women in union councils, upazila parishads, and pourashabhas (municipalities).^[8]

The Government also takes a stance against extremist and patriarchal mindset and encourages women to work.^[9]

Public transports have designated seats for women.^[10]

The maternity leave is for 6 months. It is also mandatory to include the mother’s name along with the father’s name in official documents.^[11]

Special facilities are given to women entrepreneurs to develop business. Tax benefit is given to female taxpayers. Social welfare allowances are given to widows, deserted, destitute, and elderly women.^[12]

The Government is a strong advocate for gender equality. Transgender has been recognised as a third type of gender. Equal treatment of transgenders is also being advanced; and so much more.^[13]

In respect of Covid-19, women and girls have equal access to health care. Women also have equal access to the different Covid-19 recovery benefits given by the Government, such as free food, food at a lower price, social welfare allowances, insurance coverage to front line workers, monetary awards to front line workers, direct money transfer to the poor, financial support to businesses and agriculture, etc. Access to support against domestic violence is also continuous. Women are also involved in Covid-19 response planning and decision-making. Data and coordination mechanisms also include gender perspectives.^[14]

The Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina has received the UN’s Planet 50-50 award in 2016 for her tremendous role in women empowerment. The Global Women’s Summit 2018 has also endowed the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina with Global Women’s Leadership Award.^[15] Recently Forbes, a prestigious US magazine, has recognised the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina as one of the successful global women leaders for  her efforts in dealing with Covid-19 challenges in Bangladesh.^[16] She is a symbol of women empowerment both in our country and around the world.

Gender discrimination has decreased in the country and the Government is continuing to work towards establishing gender equality.^[17]

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

 To further establish gender equality the law regarding marital rape should be amended. According to section 375 of The Penal Code 1860 a husband will be liable for marital rape if his wife is under 13 years.^[18] However there is no such loophole in the UK under section 1 of Sexual Offences Act 2003.^[19] The amendment is necessary to achieve SDG 5.6.1 which requires that women should be able to say no to sexual intercourse with their husband or partner if they do not want.^[20]

Businesses can also commit themselves to advancing gender equality. Gender equality is a fundamental and inviolable human right and women’s and girls’ empowerment is essential to expand economic growth, promote social development and enhance business performance. The full incorporation of women’s capacities into labor forces would add percentage points to most national growth rates – double digits in many cases. Further, investing in women’s empowerment produces the double dividend of benefiting women and children, and is pivotal to the health and social development of families, communities and nations.^[21]

Empowering women and girls and achieving gender equality requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including business. All companies have baseline responsibilities to respect human rights, including the rights of women and girls. Beyond these baseline responsibilities, companies also have the opportunity to support the empowerment of women and girls through core business, social investment, public policy engagement and partnerships. As the engine for 90 percent of jobs in developing countries, technological innovation, capital creation and investment, responsible business is critical to the advancement of women’s and girls’ empowerment around the world. With a growing business case, private sector leaders are increasingly developing and adapting policies and practices, and implementing cutting edge initiatives, to advance women’s empowerment within their workplaces, marketplaces and communities. The launch of the SDGs provides a tremendous opportunity for companies to further align their strategies and operations with global priorities by mainstreaming gender equality into all areas of corporate sustainability and systematically and strategically scaling up actions which support the development and livelihoods of women and girls.^[22]

EXAMPLES OF KEY BUSINESS ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Businesses can for example:^[23]

• Assure sufficient participation of women – 30% or greater – in decision-making and governance at all levels and across all business areas.
• Pay equal remuneration, including benefits, for work of equal value and strive to pay a living wage to all women and men.
• Support access to child and dependent care by providing services, resources and information to both women and men.
• Establish a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of violence at work, including verbal/ and/ or physical abuse and prevent sexual harassment.
• Expand business relationships with women-owned enterprises, including small businesses and women entrepreneurs.

HOW ACCESS TO INFORMATION WILL HELP

 A website for Sustainable Development in Bangladesh should also be built. Sustainable development has 17 goals (SDGs). Each of these goals have targets and indicators. If data is collected for all the targets and indicators and regularly updated, then the system will be more organised and the progress will be easier to monitor. This will also ensure better coordination.

If such a website is built then the system will be transparent, accessible and easy to monitor. Anyone will be able to access the information, anytime and from anywhere.

Availability of information will give a better view and make it easier to monitor the progress of the SDGs. This will help to form a better understanding of what further needs to be done to meet the SDGs.

For example, SDG 5 is gender equality. The United Nations (UN) has defined 9 Targets and 14 Indicators for SDG 5. Each of the indicators will be analysed to explain how data can help form the perfect strategy and thus help achieve SDG 5 by 2030.

The analysis is however based on outdated information. Many developments have occurred over the years to establish gender equality. Improvements are continuously being made to achieve SDG 5 as mentioned above. Thus updated information is required for accurate analysis.

The following analysis of SDG 5 is therefore only to exemplify how data can be used to form the perfect strategy.

The indicators of SDG 5 are as follows:

5.1.1 In Bangladesh universal suffrage was granted to women in 2017. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.

There is also a nondiscrimination clause in the constitution which mentions gender according to 2015 data. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.

The law however does not specifically prevent or penalise gender-based discrimination in the hiring process according to 2015 data. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh does not meet the target and that law is required which specifically prevents or penalises gender-based discrimination in the hiring process.

5.2.1 In Bangladesh the share of women, older than 14 years, who experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in 2016 was 44.45%. Thus on a scale of 1 – 7 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 5. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is 44.45% in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years) 44.45% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (44.45 ÷ 10 = 4.445) 4.445% to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

5.2.2 Indicator 5.2.2 is the share of women, older than 14 years, who experienced sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner. The goal of the indicator is to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls by 2030. Data for this indicator is not available. The information is required.

5.3.1 In Bangladesh the proportion of women aged 20 to 24 years old who were married or in a union before reaching the age of 15 was 22.40% in 2014. Thus on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 5. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is 22.40% in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years) 22.40% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (22.40 ÷ 10 = 2.24) 2.24% to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

The proportion of women aged 20 to 24 years old who were married or in a union before reaching the age of 18 in 2014 was 58.60%. Thus on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 10. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is 58.60% in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years) 58.60% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (58.60 ÷ 10 = 5.86) 5.86% to reach the target of 0% by 2030.

5.3.2 The goal of indicator 5.3.2 is to eliminate harmful practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting by 2030. Data for this indicator is not available. The information is required.

5.4.1 The goal of indicator 5.4.1 is to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work, and promote shared responsibility within the household and family by 2030. Data for this indicator is not available. The information is required.

5.5.1 In Bangladesh the proportion of seats held by women in national parliament in 2017 was 20.30%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 65% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 6. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 65% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(65 – 20.30 = 44.7%) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 44.7% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (44.7 ÷ 10 = 4.47) 4.47% to reach the target of 65% by 2030.

The proportion of women in ministerial positions in 2016 was 6.30%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 70% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 2. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 70% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(70 – 6.30 = 63.7%) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 63.7% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (63.7 ÷ 10 = 6.37) 6.37% to reach the target of 70% by 2030.

5.5.2 In Bangladesh the percentage of firms with a top female manager in 2013 was 4.80%. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 65% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 1. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 65% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(65 – 4.80 = 60.2%) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 60.2% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (60.2 ÷ 10 = 6.02) 6.02% to reach the target of 65% by 2030.

The data for female share of employment in senior and middle management is not available. The information is required.

5.6.1 Indicator 5.6.1 is the proportion of women who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care. The goal of the indicator is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights by 2030. Data for this indicator is not available. The information is required.

5.6.2 Indicator 5.6.2 is the share of women who have access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. The goal of the indicator is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights by 2030. Data for this indicator is not available. The information is required.

5.A.1 The goal of indicator 5.A.1 is to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property by 2030. Data for this indicator is not available. The information is required.

5.A.2 In Bangladesh married men and married women have equal ownership rights to property according to 2015 data. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.

5.B.1 In Bangladesh the share of females who owned a mobile telephone was 30.91% in 2017. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 50% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (5 being the best), the global target reached is 4. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 50% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(50 – 30.91 = 19.09%) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 19.09% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (19.09 ÷ 10 = 1.909) 1.909% to reach the target of 50% by 2030.

5.C.1 In Bangladesh there are systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment according to 2018 data. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.

MONITORING BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Data can be further used to set target levels daily, weekly and monthly accordingly for the SDGs. Artificial intelligence can also be affiliated to monitor such progress, and in case of any variation (high/low) from the target level set, then everyone concerned can be notified by email and text message. Thus the variation can be looked into and the progress can be maintained. Thus such a system will enable easy monitoring and efficiency.

DATA REQUIRED FOR SDG 5

Thus for example to monitor the progress of SDG 5 the kind of data required are as follows:^[24]

1. Whether universal suffrage is granted to all women in the country (5.1.1). This data can be made available by map format.^[25] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether universal suffrage is granted to all women and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure it.
2. Whether there is a nondiscrimination clause in the constitution which mentions gender (5.1.1). This data can be made available by map format.^[26] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether there is a nondiscrimination clause in the constitution which mentions gender and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure it.
3. Whether the law specifically prevents or penalises gender-based discrimination in the hiring process. Job advertisements, selection criteria and recruitment, although equally important, are not considered “hiring” for the purposes of this measure (5.1.1). This data can be made available by map format.^[27] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether the law specifically prevents or penalises gender-based discrimination in the hiring process and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure it.
4. Does law mandate equal pay for males and females?, Does legislation explicitly criminalise marital rape?, Do married men and women have equal rights to property and land?, Are married women required by law to obey their husbands?, Does law mandate paid or unpaid maternity leave?, Does a woman’s testimony carry the same weight as a man’s in court? should also be included as additional information (5.1.1).^[28]
5. The share of women, older than 14 years, who experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in an area, in a district, and in the country in the previous 12 months (5.2.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[29] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease the ratio.
6. The share of women, older than 14 years, who experienced sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in an area, in a district, and in the country in the previous 12 months (5.2.2). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[30] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease the ratio.
7. The proportion of women aged 20 to 24 years old who were married or in a union before reaching the age of 15 in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.3.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[31] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease the ratio.
8. The proportion of women aged 20 to 24 years old who were married or in a union before reaching the age of 18 in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.3.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[32] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease the ratio.
9. Does the law prohibit or invalidate child marriage? should also be included as additional information (5.3.1).^[33]
10. The proportion of girls and women aged 15–49 years who have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.3.2). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[34] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether there are such harmful practices in the country and accordingly initiatives can be taken to eliminate such harmful practices.
11. Average daily time spent by women on domestic work (paid and unpaid) in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.4.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[35] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to promote shared responsibility within the household and family.
12. The average hours per day that women and men aged 20-74 spent on housework, child and adult care, gardening and pet care, construction and repairs, shopping and services, and household management in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.4.1). This data can be made available by chart format.^[36] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to promote shared responsibility within the household and family.
13. The proportion of seats held by women in national parliament (5.5.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[37] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase the ratio.
14. The proportion of women in ministerial positions (5.5.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[38] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase the ratio.
15. The percentage of firms with a top female manager in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.5.2). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[39] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is less and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase the ratio.
16. Female share of employment in senior and middle management in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.5.2). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[40] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is less and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase the ratio.
17. The proportion of women who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.6.1). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[41] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is less and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase the ratio.
18. Share of women using modern contraceptive methods, Share of women using any contraceptive methods, Unmet need for contraception should also be included as additional information (5.6.1).^[42]
19. Share of women who have access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.6.2). This data can be made available by chart and map format.^[43] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand where the proportion is less and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase the ratio.
20. The percentage of men and women (age 15-49) who solely own a land which is legally registered with their names or cannot be sold without their signature in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.A.1). This data can be made available by chart format.^[44] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property.
21. Whether married men and married women have equal ownership rights to property (5.A.2). This data can be made available by map format.^[45] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether married men and married women have equal ownership rights to property and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure it.
22. The proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex in an area, in a district, and in the country (5.B.1). This data can be made available by chart format.^[46] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
23. Whether there are systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment (5.C.1). This data can be made available by map format.^[47] Such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether there are systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment and accordingly initiatives can be taken to ensure it.

The sources of the data should also be made available for all the SDGs.^[48] This will ensure clarity and transparency.

CONCLUSION

Under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is striving towards the achievement of sustainable development, including SDG 5. If more systematic, organised and updated information is available of all the SDGs in a website, then it will give more clarity, it will increase efficiency, it will enable easy monitoring of the progress, it will also enable to form effective strategies, and achievement of the SDGs by 2030 will become a reality.

^[1] UN – SDG 5 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg5> accessed 21 May 2020

^[2] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/gender-equality> accessed 22 May 2020

^[3] UN – SDG 5 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/> accessed 21 May 2020

^[4] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 22 May 2020

^[5] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 21 May 2020

^[6] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 22 May 2020

^[7] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 21 May 2020

^[8] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 22 May 2020

^[9] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 21 May 2020

^[10] Ibid.

^[11] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 22 May 2020

^[12] Ibid.

^[13] Ibid.

^[14] Ibid.

^[15] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 22 May 2020

^[16] Desk Report, ‘Covid-19 Efforts: PM lauded in Forbes’ The Daily Star (27 April 2020) <https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/covid-19-efforts-pm-lauded-forbes-1897159> accessed 22 May 2020

^[17] Ibid.

^[18] The Penal Code 1860,  s.375 <http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-11/section-3231.html> accessed 22 May 2020

^[19] Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.1 <https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/part/1/crossheading/rape> accessed 22 May 2020

^[20] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/gender-equality> accessed 22 May 2020

^[21] SDG Compass – SDG 5 <https://sdgcompass.org/sdgs/sdg-5/> accessed 21 May 2020

^[22] Ibid.

^[23] Ibid.

^[24] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/gender-equality> accessed 22 May 2020

^[25] Ibid.

^[26] Ibid.

^[27] Ibid.

^[28] Ibid.

^[29] Ibid.

^[30] Ibid.

^[31] Ibid.

^[32] Ibid.

^[33] Ibid.

^[34] Ibid.

^[35] Ibid.

^[36] Ibid.

^[37] Ibid.

^[38] Ibid.

^[39] Ibid.

^[40] Ibid.

^[41] Ibid.

^[42] Ibid.

^[43] Ibid.

^[44] Ibid.

^[45] Ibid.

^[46] Ibid.

^[47] Ibid.

^[48] Ibid.

: The Writer is a Barrister-at-Law.