From Global Goals to Local Governance: Analyzing SDG5's Steering Effects on Gender Transformative Governance in South India

Abstract

Achieving gender equality is not just a holy grail, but a fundamental necessity that influences the well-being of every individual on the planet (Buzzanell, 2019). While all people are impacted by gender-based dynamics, certain genders are disproportionately marginalized and face systemic barriers. Addressing these disparities is central to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015 to foster global transformation. Among these, SDG5 targets the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by 2030 (Khurana & Verma, 2023). This thesis investigates two central aspects of SDG5’s influence. First, it examines the steering effects of global goals on political actors, specifically sub-national states, to see how they may adopt and respond to the framework. I investigate responses in narratives and rhetoric (discursive steering effects), policies and schemes (normative steering effects), and in programs and structures (institutional steering effects). Second, I critically assess whether these responses align with principles of gender transformative governance. This form of governance is not only inclusive and intersectional but also actively challenges the underlying power structures that reproduce inequality and exclusion. To explore this, the study draws on a qualitative comparative case study of two Indian states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and addresses the research question: To what extent does SDG5 discursively, normatively, and institutionally steer toward gender transformative governance in India? Through this lens, the thesis questions whether the SDG framework, shaped by narrowly defined, Western-centric interpretations of gender equality, can be interpreted and implemented in ways that foster meaningful, localized change. The findings suggest that SDG5 has discursive and institutional steering, but limited normative steering. In terms of gender transformation, a key finding of this study is that SDG5’s overall contribution to gender transformative governance in India is limited. This is because SDG5’s framework often fails to address deeper power structures. This is also While both states engage with intersections of gender, Tamil Nadu overlooks the root causes of exclusion. Thus, this research reveals that strict adherence to global frameworks like the SDGs can hinder localized, transformative implementation. Only states like Kerala, which adopt the SDGs in a less-strict way, are more likely to achieve meaningful outcomes. Thus, this study emphasizes the need to integrate intersectionality and challenge power structures within global governance. Without these elements, SDG5's gender transformative potential remains limited, and future goals beyond 2030 risk being superficial.