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Gender equality and intersecting vulnerabilities

Read more about the work DI is doing to impact gender inequality and intersecting vulnerabilities

What we do

The persistence of extreme poverty combined with large inequalities, protracted crises and mounting environmental pressures threaten sustainable social and economic development and undermine peace and stability.

As we increasingly recognise the interconnectedness of global and national challenges, it is clear that the longer-term consequences of entrenched inequality, which perpetuate poverty, are not limited to a marginalised few, and it is people facing intersecting vulnerabilities who are most at risk.

Addressing these inequalities requires more than better data and greater investment – it requires strong and effective governance systems, accountable governments, strong international norms and standards, as well as transformed and effective multilateral solutions. But the place to start is better data, which can help ensure that policies and funding are targeted at those most in need, and in support of the best solutions.

Progress on gender equality is a mixed picture, and very context-specific. Better-funded women’s organisations can deliver more targeted and effective services, but limited access to funding is creating barriers to these organisations’ meaningful participation and decision-making. Applying a gender lens not only helps to understand the problem but also highlights potential solutions.

DI works to ensure women are included in the data because we know this will help identify and tackle the drivers of poverty, inequality, vulnerability and crisis. We use this expertise to support and equip advocates with the data they need to create better policy and programming.

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