A gender specific goal is seen as essential to tackle the underlying causes of gender inequality. Studies have shown that political commitment to gender equality is declining when gender is only mainstreamed. The importance of gender targets for securing funding is also being stressed. In addition to a standalone goal, considering gender equality throughout the post 2015 framework is also seen as crucial by many. Concerns are being expressed that without gender sensitive targets and indicators and sex disaggregated data under each goal, there is a real risk of persistent poverty of women being hidden behind.
