The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day is Investing in Women: Accelerating Progress – a call to action for all stakeholders to make a contribution toward gender equality through investing in women. Our exploration into the Global Data Barometer‘s (GDB) findings regarding gender data reveals a pressing need for this investment to extend into how we use data to foster equity and inclusion.
The land use indicator, a key component of the GDB’s land module (first edition), shines a light on the use of data in promoting policy and inclusion. This is especially crucial in tackling long-standing inequities in land tenure and ownership, which disproportionately affect women and traditionally marginalized groups. The State of Open Data Land Ownership‘s latest update emphasizes a shift in perspective. It’s no longer just about making data open but understanding how its use, access, and sharing can drive value, delivering services that champion equity and justice.
Let’s take a deeper dive into some results from the first edition of the Global Data Barometer. In terms of availability of gender-disaggregated data, relatively few countries even identify gender clearly as an element within their existing data. The GDB’s approach to request information on “sex and/or gender” and noting the presence of both is a step towards better identification of best practices globally. However, it’s a temporary fix to a systemic problem that requires a more nuanced solution.
Moving on to other Barometer findings, the visibility and accessibility of gender data vary greatly across countries. For instance, in Colombia, accessing data through notarial and registry superintendency comes with a cost, making it only partially accessible. Contrast this with Estonia, where gender identification is streamlined through the isikukood (personal code), and the Netherlands, where titles facilitate easier identification.
In Africa, Namibia stands out due to its legislation which explicitly protects women’s rights in land ownership, reflecting a commitment to gender equality in land governance. Efforts such as this promote transparency and provide key information for government, civil society, and the private sector to make decisions that empower women. Rwanda also makes a compelling case for collecting and publishing data on the gender of landowners. GDB researchers identified the Land Administration Information System and the Rwanda Land Dashboard as key tools used in policy analysis among academics, civil society, media, and government.
While commendable progress has been made in some areas since 2005, challenges persist in refining statistical findings into actionable insights for policymakers and other stakeholders. The significance of transparent land use data extends beyond policymaking; it permeates through academia, civil society, media, and grassroots advocacy. Access to reliable information empowers diverse stakeholders to engage in informed dialogue, driving more inclusive and effective policy debates.
Examining these cases from the GDB sheds light on the intricate relationship between land use data and sustainable development. Transparent and gender-disaggregated information is not merely a matter of statistical significance; it’s a fundamental enabler of equitable development. On occasions like International Women’s Day, it is essential to recognize the critical role of transparent land use data in advancing gender equality and sustainable development. By advocating for improved data accessibility, accuracy, and transparency, we pave the way for a more just and equitable world, where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal rights and opportunities in land ownership and management. As we celebrate progress, let us also acknowledge the work that lies ahead and the role open land use data must play in reaching the sustainable development goals.
We encourage our readers to support initiatives that promote gender equality in land ownership and use. Engage with policymakers, support organizations working on the ground, and advocate for the use of gender-disaggregated data in decision-making. While the pathways to involvement and advocacy may vary, each step taken is a part of the broader effort toward fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Photocred: Helen Torreggiani on Canva