Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

Gender inequity and the change imperative

Read Dr Maree Pardy and watch Sheryl WuDunn's TED talk 'Half the Sky', a campaign to take global action on gender inequity.
Close up of the statue of blind justice.
© Getty Images
Deep in the heart of development work is a desire to change, and to realise social justice.

It’s that impulse that banker Sheryl WuDunn and her partner, journalist Nicholas Kristof, place at the centre of their campaign Half the Sky.

WuDunn points out that in the 19th century the key global injustice was slavery and in the 20th century it was totalitarianism.

In the 21st century, WuDunn argues the single greatest global injustice is gender inequity.

However, as WuDunn notes, the global challenge of gender inequity rarely makes the front pages; hence her desire to startle others into action by joining a movement for global change.

Your task

Watch WuDunn’s TED talk Our century’s greatest injustice.

As you watch, note your emotions. For example:

  • How did the video make you feel?
  • Did your pulse quicken?
  • Did you feel distressed? Angry?
  • Or perhaps you had no emotions?

Use the comments to share and reflect on your response.

Also take a moment to use like and reply to respond to the posts of others learners.

© Deakin University
This article is from the free online

Gender and Development

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now