4: The Role of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in Reducing Gender Inequalities

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 aims to reduce inequality within and among countries and its targets address gender inequality challenges such as eliminating discrimination and violence against women and girls; and ending harmful practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and trafficking. SDG 10 targets that all women have equal access to economic resources, land, and property and equal opportunities in leadership positions. Education for Sustainable Development focuses on building a society equipped to address global social inequalities. Over time, universities have been creating curricula and pedagogical strategies to teach students about the effects of inequality. This chapter examines and highlights the role of higher education institutes (HEIs) in achieving SDG 10. Through secondary data analysis, this study used qualitative methods to explore the function of HEIs in advancing gender equality. HEIs can promote gender-sensitive policies, gender mainstreaming, training, and awareness, and provide equal access to education. They can also facilitate research and collaborate with various stakeholders to lessen gender inequality and work to enable women’s access to leadership positions.