Gender differences among first authors in research focused on the Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality

Abstract

In 2016, the United Nations officially launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address urgent global challenges over the next 15 years. Among the seventeen SDGs, Gender Equality (SDG5) is recognized as important for the achievement of the other 16 goals because gender inequality exists across education, employment opportunities, healthcare facilities, life expectancy, family life, and political participation, thereby holding back the capacity of half of the world’s population to contribute to solutions to the global challenges. This bibliometric study explores gender balance and differences among first authors within SDG5 oriented research during the first 5 years after the implementation of SDG5 in 2016. Compared with other SDGs, the field of SDG5 produces relatively less scientific publications, which feature a dominance of female first authors. Within the field, male and female first authors focus on partly different topics. Potential readers show more interest in publications by female first authors. This investigation highlights the importance of increasing gender diversity in SDG5-related studies, which is helpful for the achievement of sustainable development.