Towards Gender-Equitable in Surabaya, Indonesia

This study examines the progress of gender equality in Surabaya through an analysis of the Gender Development Index (GDI) between 2020 and 2023, with projections up to 2025. Using secondary data from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) Surabaya and applying linear regression modeling, the research captures the trajectory of gender equality across dimensions of health, education, and economic achievement. The findings reveal a consistent upward trend, with the GDI rising from 93.58 in 2020 to 95.56 in 2023, indicating medium-to-high equality, though women’s outcomes remain slightly below men’s. Projections suggest continued improvement, with GDI values estimated at 96.17 in 2024 and 96.86 in 2025. These results indicate that Surabaya is progressing toward gender parity, though structural barriers particularly in income distribution and political participation persist. The study concludes that while statistical improvements highlight meaningful gains, sustained policy interventions and gender-responsive governance are essential to translate numerical progress into substantive equality. This research contributes to the discourse on gender mainstreaming in urban Indonesia and underscores Surabaya’s role in advancing the national agenda toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality by 2030.