Gender equality, also known as sexual equality, gender egalitarianism, or equality of the sexes, is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making, and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations, and needs equally, also regardless of gender. Gender equality is a core human rights that guarantees fair treatment, opportunities, and conditions for everyone, regardless of gender. It supports the idea that both men and women are equally valued for their similarities and differences, encouraging collaboration across all areas of life. Achieving equality doesn't mean erasing distinctions between genders, but rather ensuring that roles, rights, and chances in life are not dictated by whether someone is male or female.

The United Nations emphasizes that gender equality must be firmly upheld through the following key principles:

Inclusive participation: Both men and women should have the right to serve in any role within the UN's main and supporting bodies.

Fair compensation: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that gender should never be a factor in pay disparities—equal work deserves equal pay.

Balanced power dynamics: Authority and influence should be shared equally between genders.

Equal access to opportunities: Everyone, regardless of gender, should have the same chances to pursue education, healthcare, financial independence, and personal goals.

Women's empowerment: Women must be supported in taking control of their lives and asserting their rights as equal members of society.

UNICEF (an agency of the United Nations) defines gender equality as "women and men, and girls and boys, enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities and protections. It does not require that girls and boys, or women and men, be the same, or that they be treated exactly alike."