Working Group V: Gender, Diversity and Equity

This working group focuses on WOMEN and UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATIONS and their role in all facets of society, including government, and civil society, and in all types of economic, political, social and developmental activities.

Gender, diversity and equity is critical to the development process across territories in developed and developing nations. Across the globe, vast inequalities exist between racial and ethnic groups. The recent rise in populism around the world has heightened the importance of understanding the need for diversity and equity in society.

Some critical questions come to the fore:

• How has globalisation impacted women’s rights and equality amidst a patriarchal hierarchy and system? And what opportunities and challenges does globalization present to gender issues?
• How do structural inequities impact underrepresented populations and how can structures promote equity?
• Has women’s position in the labour market lead to increased unemployment and poverty? And to what extent women are challenged or motivated by working in multi-cultural work setups resulting from globalization?
• What are the positive and negative effects of globalisation on the lives of women and underrepresented populations, with emphasis on health and education?
• With the breaking down of boundaries, and with the increasing rates of massive and forced migration, what can nation states do to alleviate negative impacts on women and marginalized population segments?
• What prospects are there for women to break glass ceilings in a male dominated environment where there is competition for skills, resources and opportunities?
• What implications does the use of technology have on women and underrepresented population’s transformation in a global society? Does technology provide more room for women to have a voice in society? What job opportunities are possible through new technology?
• What is the role of government in assuring the safety and equality of underrepresented populations in an era of populism?
• In what ways has globalisation aided women to shed their traditional roles to take on leadership positions?
• How are demographic patterns changing around the world and what are the implications for promoting equity in governance?"