Intellectual Property and Gender Inequality: Mending the Divide

This paper explores the intersection of Intellectual Property (IP) and gender inequality. It highlights how IP acts as a catalyst for innovation and economic progress but examines how the current system limits non-male genders, especially women, from fully participating in creative fields. It also sheds light on the limited access women have to innovation-based sectors. Additionally, the paper focuses on non-binary genders, discussing how their contributions are often overlooked in traditional IP frameworks, which mainly address binary gender gaps. The unique challenges faced by non-binary individuals, and their lack of recognition, are emphasized, showing how their exclusion hinders progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing the intersectional nature of gender inequality in the IP sector, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers faced by disadvantaged genders. Finally, the paper calls for policy changes and reforms to create gender-inclusive IP frameworks that cater to both women and non-binary individuals. It advocates for incorporating gender perspectives to bridge the gender gap, advance SDG targets, and promote social justice, aligning with constitutional principles that explicitly support gender equality.