Achieving gender equality by 2030: Transgender equality in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 5

abstract

Despite an increase in visibility of trans and gender-diverse persons in western media, globally, dominant narratives remain those of discrimination, marginalisation, invisibilisation, violence and erasure. Rarely are trans and gender-diverse persons represented as people that belong, able to exercise self-determination as autonomous beings, and/or positioned as positive builders and shapers of societies. This briefing argues that this is no coincidence, as the phenomenon has been actively and intentionally produced by patriarchy to maintain a system of gendered oppressions and inequality. Based on a critical desktop research methodology, this briefing queries this phenomenon with a brief discussion of South Africa and its construction of gendered (in)equalities. It also engages Sustainable Development Goal 5 on ‘Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls’ and whether it has any value-add for trans and gender-diverse persons in context of ensuring that no-one is left behind in the rush to build an inclusive and sustainable future.

keywords:

• transgender
• gender equality
• Sustainable Development Goals

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Liberty Matthyse

LIBERTY MATTHYSE is the Executive Director of Gender DynamiX. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the organisation advances access to human rights and social justice for trans and gender-diverse persons through health, education and legal advocacy. Liberty is a trans non-binary woman and holds an LLM degree (cum laude) as well as qualifications in Leadership and Project Management, Financial Management and Strategic Business Management. In 2016, she/they also self-published a book entitled A Darling’s Journey to Liberty: A compilation of experiences of a young gender non-conforming (fluid) person. In addition to academic writing, she/they have also published numerous articles in magazines focused on sexual and gender diversities. Email: [email protected]