Equal measure. It means giving two things the same importance. And it's the most appropriate name for our new partnership – Equal Measures 2030. Our partnership is committed to making sure the benefits of sustainable development are felt in equal measure by girls and women and by boys and men.
The name Equal Measures 2030 also speaks directly to our goal of measuring progress towards equality by 2030, the date for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs offer a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our world. Partnerships and collaborations like ours are the only way to bring them to life.
Better together
The real strength of Equal Measures 2030 is in the combined forces of its founding partners: the Asia-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (Arrow); the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Data2X; the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET); the International Women’s Health Coalition; KPMG International; ONE Campaign; Plan International; and Women Deliver.*
Together these organisations represent some of the world’s foremost champions for girls’ and women’s rights. From the grassroots to the private sector, these partners and donors have been carefully chosen to ensure the initiative is bold, independent and globally representative. Their joint efforts and resources will be focused on supporting real changes for girls and women.
There’s no time to waste. Putting plans in place to reach the goals must start now, because while 2030 may seem like a long way off, the years will go by in a heartbeat. If we're not careful, the opportunity to make a tangible difference will be squandered.
Information will drive action
A critical first step is to ensure that policy- and decision-makers have the credible, timely and unbiased information they need to take actions that can transform lives. At the moment, vital data that accurately reflects the real lives of girls and women is incomplete or missing in many places. This leaves half the world virtually ‘invisible’ because girls’ and women’s realities are often overlooked or go uncounted.
We know that a world in which every girl and woman counts – and can be counted – is not just possible, it is essential if the world is to achieve true equality and reach the SDGs. That’s what Equal Measures 2030 is all about. We use evidence-based advocacy to ensure decision-makers keep a focus on gender equality and are accountable for achieving the SDGs. In simpler terms, what that means is that we analyse existing quantitative data and collect qualitative data to more fully reflect girls’ and women’s realities. We then use these insights to inform reports, campaigns and grassroots activism.
You might find us calling on global and regional decision-makers to keep the promises they made to the girls and women of the world. Or you might see us hard at work in places like Colombia, Nicaragua, India, Indonesia, Kenya or Senegal, collaborating with the leading voices in those countries to ensure governments are truly meeting their commitments and achieving global targets.
Join forces with us
Partnerships at all levels will be central to our success. Equal Measures 2030 is committed to working collaboratively and creatively with a wide range of partners beyond our 9 founders. We know we can’t do this alone – everyone has a role to play. Share your ideas with us, tell us about the work happening in your country, and help us shed light on the dark areas that make girls and women virtually invisible. With the right mix of collaboration, optimism, objectivity and boldness, the sky is the limit in terms of the impact we can make together.
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