LAUSR

This paper provides an audit of how the needs of women are addressed in new global sustainable development policy agendas. The policy agendas audited include the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (AfSD), the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. An auditing matrix of 21 indicators was developed through a critical discourse analysis. Among the indicators identified were: violence against women; capacity building and access to technology; involvement in leadership and decision‐making; access to finance, land and other property ownership; inheritance; gender equality; and full access to job opportunities and equal pay. The main findings were that the development agendas address women and girls, although to varying degrees, with the 2030 AfSD emerging as outstanding in this regard. However, there were inherent weaknesses in the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework regarding land rights. Further work is needed in following up the promises from these development agendas.