SDG 5 Gender Equality

A 24 country study found women reported more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions than men during COVID 19. Cultural values—not standard gender inequality indices—best explained these gaps, which were wider in individualistic societies. Findings underscore the need for culturally informed, gender sensitive mental health policies during crises.

A seven wave study of 10,238 participants showed that the pandemic pushed households toward traditional gender roles, increasing women’s domestic workload. In more gender equal countries, this shift harmed women’s well being, while in less equal societies it sometimes improved. Men’s well being remained stable, highlighting unequal emotional impacts and context dependent gender dynamics.

Lingnan University promotes SDG 5 through research and NGO collaboration addressing gendered inequalities in housing, caregiving, youth marginalisation, and social services. Studies led by Prof Ruby Lai and colleagues inform targeted support for vulnerable women, while consultancy projects strengthen evidence based programmes and advocacy for women’s wellbeing and empowerment.

The University is committed to equal opportunity in academic pursuit and employment, and hence to the elimination of any form of discrimination and harassment by members of the University community.

Sexual harassment is both an ethical and legal issue for members of staff and students as well as an issue of discrimination which LU will not condone or tolerate any form of sexual harassment. LU has established policy and procedures against sexual harassment which sets out the mechanism for handling complaints of sexual harassment.