Uruguay’s National Strategy for Gender Equality 2030

Equality implies the recognition of economic, social, cultural and environmental rights for a society as a whole. Substantive gender equality refers to real equality, to the possibility of practicing recognized rights, whether we are men or women. Social class, sexual and gender identity, racial ethnic ancestry, age, disability, up to the place of residence, are some factors that differentiate us and that generate inequality. Why and for what is gender equality necessary? In Uruguay, 51.6% of the population are women. Without the contribution of women, the development of the country is not possible and democracy is incomplete. Therefore, Uruguay needs to plan a future of equality and justice. That is why Uruguay presents a 2030 strategy as a road map to achieve gender equality.

The National Strategy for Gender Equality was constructed in a participatory manner and in consultation with several international, state and social organizations of women and feminists. Achieving gender equality requires an active role of the State and organized Civil Society to achieve a profound cultural change. To achieve greater gender equality, this strategy proposes 11 aspirations that Uruguay believes can be achieved by 2030.

1. Sustainable development with substantive equality of gender that guarantees the full exercise of human rights without ignoring the diversity of women and men.
2. Principle of gender equality guiding public policies. All State action should promote the redistribution of resources, opportunities and responsibilities between women and men.
3. Sufficient and public knowledge about gender inequalities. Access to information and transparency is fundamental to achieve real equality.
4. Effective participation of women in decision-making in all public and private spheres, and women’s and feminist organizations with advocacy capacity.
5. The National System of Public Education and its leading role in the path towards an egalitarian culture. We want to educate society on human rights, gender equality and non-discrimination.
6. The equal culture and the recognition of diversity. We want to promote the exercise of cultural rights and respect for cultural diversity.
7. To establish equality in daily life through co-responsibility between women and men in domestic tasks and care.
8. Women and men access and maintain equal opportunities in the productive, business and labor fields.
9. The integrated national health system provides universal and comprehensive services taking into account the specific needs of women and men.
10. Substantial decrease in gender-based violence throughout the national territory.
11. Housing, environment and sufficient habitat, safe and sustainable for women.

Dreams are the impulse for change. For this to be possible we need to plan it. Building that future requires the commitment of the State to address the problem and work for change.