Gender Equality

Awareness & Understanding

Gender equality means that people of all genders have the same rights, opportunities, and respect — at school, at work, and in the community. But in many places, including Utah, gaps still exist. Women earn less than men in many jobs, girls face barriers in some STEM fields, and people who don't fit traditional gender roles often face discrimination. Visit UN Women's website (unwomen.org) and explore their educational resources. Check out the UN Sustainable Development Goal #5 (Gender Equality) at sdgs.un.org to see global progress and challenges. Think about your own school or neighborhood: where do you see unequal treatment based on gender? You're ready for the next step when you can name two specific ways gender inequality shows up in everyday life.

Research & Investigation

Time to research the facts. Look up the gender pay gap in Utah — Utah has one of the largest pay gaps in the nation, with women earning significantly less than men on average. Visit the Utah Women and Leadership Project at usu.edu/uwlp for free reports and data. Check the American Association of University Women (aauw.org) for national statistics on education and workplace equity. Make a list of five facts that surprise or concern you. Also note one area where progress has been made — for example, girls now graduate from high school and college at higher rates than boys in many states. You're ready for the next step when you can share five gender equality facts and explain what they mean.

Planning & Preparation

Now make a plan to promote gender equality in your own community. Think small and specific: Could you organize a "Women in STEM" lunch discussion at your school? Create a bulletin board highlighting Utah women leaders? Write a letter to your school principal asking for a gender equity club? Research organizations in SLC you could partner with, like the YWCA Utah (ywcautah.org) or the Women's Leadership Institute (wliutah.org). Draft your plan with a clear goal, three action steps, and a timeline. Remember: promoting equal treatment doesn't mean putting anyone down — it means lifting everyone up. You're ready for the next step when you have a written plan with a clear goal and at least three action steps.

Taking Action

Put your gender equality plan into action this week. Lead your discussion, set up your display, write and send your letter, or attend an event hosted by the YWCA Utah or Women's Leadership Institute. As you take action, notice how people respond. Some may be enthusiastic; others might push back or seem uninterested. That's normal — social change takes time and repeated effort. Document your experience: What did you do? Who did you talk to? What was the reaction? Even a small action — like speaking up when you hear a gender stereotype — counts as taking a stand. You're ready for the next step when you've completed at least one action from your plan and written a brief description of what happened.

Leadership & Expansion

You've learned, researched, planned, and acted — now build a team. Recruit two or three friends, classmates, or community members to join your gender equality efforts. Share your research in a short presentation or a social media post. Reach out to the YWCA Utah about youth volunteer opportunities, or ask a teacher to sponsor a gender equity club at your school. Connect with UN Women's youth program (Generation Equality) to link your local work to a global movement. Leaders don't just act alone — they inspire and organize others to act together. You're ready for the next step when you've recruited at least two other people to join or support your gender equality efforts.

Impact & Reflection

You've completed a full gender equality journey — from learning about the issue to taking real action and building a team. Now reflect: What changed because of what you did, even in a small way? What was harder than you expected? What moment made you most proud? Write a one-page reflection and share it with someone who influenced you during this quest — a teacher, family member, or peer. Consider submitting your story to the Utah Women and Leadership Project or your school newspaper. Gender equality work is ongoing, so identify one habit you'll keep — like calling out stereotypes when you hear them or reading one story about a trailblazing woman each month. You're ready for the next step when you've written your reflection and committed to one ongoing gender equality habit.