Gender equality and the empowerment of women enshrined in human rights are key foundations of human rights, including the universality and indivisibility of the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Gender equality is also considered a first-order development goal because it is multidimensional in terms of social differentiation and power relations. The article examines the links between gender and development and between gender and human rights through the lens of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The purpose of this article is to critically highlight the role that gender equality and women’s empowerment can play in the context of contemporary development and human rights. Based on a qualitative methodology, the article addresses multidimensional aspects of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as diverse approaches and perspectives, and provides a literature review and analytical synthesis. The study’s findings shed light on the main patterns underlying gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as the challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Ultimately, the article highlights the importance of gender equality to the development agenda and how gender inequality can undermine People’s Rights; suggests a new gender contract based on economic forces and the state to support sustainable empowerment and inclusive social development.