This briefing paper is a call to resource gender equality agendas as a crucial component of, and a pathway to creating, inclusive societies. By this we mean societies anchored in human rights, where everyone is recognised and treated as equal and lives with dignity.

These are societies where the economy is oriented towards achieving wellbeing, where the system of governance is democratic and accountable, and where the social fabric is strong and resilient. Together, these characteristics contribute the realisation of human rights, as well as individual and collective prosperity.

Because gender-based violence (GBV) has a central role in the creation and perpetuation of unequal structures and relations, this paper focuses on how tackling GBV can help bring about inclusive societies. Worldwide, at least one in three women are subjected to physical and sexual violence at some point throughout their lifetime, and nearly two in three transgender and gender-diverse adults experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (UN Women, 2025; McLellan et al., 2026). Addressing GBV is vital for creating more equal and peaceful societies, for maintaining healthy and resilient democracies, and for creating more prosperous economies.

Report by the Overseas Development Institute