We are living through a gender equality crisis. The coronavirus pandemic is rapidly undoing the progress we’ve made towards gender equality. This year, we need decisive action if we are to begin to move forward again.

The 2021 Generation Equality Forum is a once in generation opportunity: to repair the damage done by the pandemic, to address long-term barriers to gender equality, and to secure women’s rights for decades to come. It will bring together governments, corporations and change-makers, united in pushing for urgent implementation and action. The event is organized by UN Women with the governments of Mexico and France, and with the involvement of youth and civil society organizations all over the world.

The forum has established six Action Coalitions, which are defining the critical steps to achieve the goal of gender equality.

o   Gender-Based Violence

o   Economic justice and rights

o   Bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights

o   Feminist action for climate justice

o   Technology and innovation for Gender Equality

o   Feminist movements and leadership

It is critical that we all step up to the challenge together. The Youth Cafe’s ask is that you stand up with others and be counted. Governments, organizations and businesses can participate by making commitments linked to any of the Action Coalition goals. You can learn more about the process here. These commitments will be announced at the forum in Paris in June 2021.

At The Youth Cafe, our ask is simple: Act For Equal, make a commitment and help us put gender at the heart of the recovery from Covid 19 and beyond.

HOW CAN YOU #ACTFOREQUAL

USE YOUR VOICE

Share the campaign placards and help us draw attention to the issue.

WRITE

Ask your government or major companies to act - download an example letter you can use here.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Influence the Generation Equality Forum – link to Public Conversations platform.

SHARE THE CARE LOAD

Make sure you are sharing care-giving equally in your family. Check out this unpaid care calculator as a first step to re-balancing roles in your home.

DONATE TO A YOUTH-LED ORGANIZATION

In your local community. Our Action Coalitions have found that a key gap in advancing gender equality is a lack of funding for grass-roots women’s rights organizations and movements. Research and invest in these organizations, or in women’s funds, which exist to fuel them. You can also donate to The Youth Cafe's work.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Understand the extent of the problem and learn how we can fix it:

• Read this summary of the current status of women’s rights

• Unpack how gender inequality affects women’s everyday lives.

• Visualize the data on women’s representation across the world.

• Read this book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, or this book by Melinda Gates.

• Check out this UN Women report on gender equality in the wake of COVID-19.

HOW ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES CAN #ACTFOREQUAL

COMMIT FOR EQUAL

Become a commitment maker via the Action coalition process.

USE YOUR VOICE

Share our campaign content and help us draw attention to the issue and encourage other businesses to join you and #ActForEqual.