Chapter 5: Gender Equity and Reproductive Justice

Despite progress made toward gender equity around the world, gender disparities in political power, economic opportunity, education, and health persist (World Economic Forum, 2018). The fight for gender equity may be understood through the frameworks of reproductive justice (the human right to maintain personal and bodily autonomy and reproduce - or not - in safe, sustainable communities; SisterSong, n.d.) and reproductive rights (the codification of rights and protections related to gender and sexuality; Gilliam, 2009). These two frameworks have had different impacts globally and serve as guideposts for enhanced protections and reforms concerning gender, sexuality, and reproduction. This chapter will assess the status of gender equity through the lenses of reproductive rights and reproductive justice, including the intersectionality of gender issues, behavioral research on gender-based discrimination, and the progress of interventions at the United Nations and at the community and individual levels.