Gender shapes people’s experiences of poverty and inequality, yet current data systems fail to capture these differences adequately. Less than half of the data needed to track progress on SDG 5 is available, and women, children, and marginalized groups remain underrepresented even in basic identity systems like Civil Registration and Vital Statistics. This lack of visibility undermines rights, livelihoods, and access to services, making it difficult to design effective policies.
The briefing identifies four major gender data gaps—within-household inequalities, intersectional analysis, recognition of diverse gender identities, and measurement of outcomes relevant to women and girls—and outlines opportunities to address them. It stresses that closing these gaps requires inclusive, well-financed data ecosystems that protect rights and ensure no one is left behind.
