Data2X and Open Data Watch have released a report showing that recurrent data gaps are exacerbating gender inequalities. They calculate that additional financing of approximately USD500 million per year is needed from donors to adequately fund core gender data systems; this is roughly double current financing. 

The report titled, ‘State of Gender Data Financing – 2021,’ published on 11 May 2021, builds on the 2019 issue of the report. In the context of COVID-19, it notes that the lack of reliable gender indicators “leaves women and their children more vulnerable to the pandemic and at risk of being neglected in recovery efforts.”

The publication finds that the recognition of the importance of gender data has increased, along with the understanding of gender data gaps. But financing has not risen accordingly to meet the identified needs. As of August 2020, less than 0.5% of international aid for COVID-19 relief focused on data and statistics, despite the increased demands on statistical systems due to the pandemic. Of that half a percent, only 11% had a gender statistics component. 

Strengthened support for gender data would yield broad benefits; according to the report, gender data instruments overlap significantly with those needed by robust statistical systems.

Since “persistent low levels of financing for gender data go hand in hand with recurring gender data gaps,” the authors recommend six actions for the global community to gradually increase support for gender data: 

1. Build a coalition for more and better financing;
2. Increase demand for gender data;
3. Deliver on the promise of new sources of data;
4. Encourage a country-driven approach;
5. Prioritize core data systems; and 
6. Advocate for increased donor funding.

Gender equality is the subject of SDG 5, and SDG target 17.18 stresses the need for “high-quality, timely and reliable data” disaggregated by gender, among several other characteristics. [Publication: State of Gender Data Financing – 2021]