How Far We Have Come on the Road to Gender Equality

Although progress has been made, gender equality is not yet a global reality. International organizations emphasize the need for a continuous and coordinated effort to address persistent inequalities worldwide. We are going through very important changes, which require more significant advances in terms of gender equality and human rights.

By Alexandra Zareth

Some media coverage might have you believe gender equality is both everywhere and some even say it “feels extreme nowadays.” But the reality is that “feels extreme” is not a feeling and more importantly, algorithms are probably dictating what you consume and the measurable facts show a very different picture. There are many ways to view this “issue” and any lens you choose can demonstrate a realistic picture.

What follows is breakdown using accessible international data that seeks to plant seeds of curiosity for more critical thinking as well as share important contextual information that popular media coverage often does not have time or interest in expanding on.

FINANCIAL

Gender Pay Gap	In 2023, women working full-time earned 83.6% of what their male counterparts earned, reflecting a persistent gender pay gap. (from the bureau of labour statistics)
Business Owners/Entrepreneurs	Specific recent statistics on the percentage of women business owners or entrepreneurs were not available in the provided sources. However, historically, women have been underrepresented in business ownership compared to men. (From National Women’s Business Council & U.S. Small Business Administration)
Women living in poverty:	Although the available sources do not provide exact percentages, it is well documented that women are more likely than men to live in poverty, influenced by factors such as wage disparities, single-parent responsibilities and longer life expectancy. (from World Bank)
Non-Remunerated Work	The provided sources did not contain specific data on the amount of unpaid work performed by women daily. However, globally, women disproportionately shoulder unpaid labor, including household chores and caregiving responsibilities. (UNWomen & the International Labour Organization)

HUNGER

Gender differences in hunger: Gender inequality exacerbates food insecurity, as discriminatory norms and gender-based violence increase the risk of women and girls suffering from hunger and malnutrition (from Welt Hunger Hilfe).

EDUCATION

Preventable Deaths Among Women: The provided sources did not specify the types of preventable deaths that disproportionately affect women. Generally, maternal mortality, cervical cancer, and complications from unsafe abortions are considered preventable causes of death that disproportionately impact women. (from the World Health Organizations)

VIOLENCE

Gender-Based Violence: Approximately 1 in every 8 women and girls aged 15-49 has been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner. (from UNWomen)

WAR/CONFLICT

• Wars/Conflicts: The exact number of active wars globally was not specified in the provided sources. However, it is noted that 44 million women and girls were forcibly displaced by the end of 2021 due to factors like war and conflict, exposing them to risks such as violence and sexual abuse. (from Global Citizen)

• Impact of War on Women: Conflict exacerbates food scarcity, forcing women and girls to travel further for resources, increasing their risk of encountering armed groups and sexual violence. This not only affects their well-being but also hampers their ability to care for their families. (from UNWomen)

CLIMATE CHANGE

• Climate Change: Gender inequality threatens food security, with women in developing countries facing increased risks of trafficking, sexual exploitation, poverty, food insecurity, and displacement due to climate change. (From Cesvi)

LEGISLATION/ VOICES IN POWER (As of February 1, 2025)

Women in Legislative Roles:

• Women occupy 27.2% of seats in lower or single legislative chambers worldwide.

• In upper chambers or senates, women hold 27.5% of the seats.

• This indicates that approximately 72.8% of seats in lower or single chambers and 72.5% in upper chambers are held by men. 

Women as Heads of State or Government:

As of June 2024, only 26 countries are led by women, meaning that approximately 13.5% of the 193 UN member states have a female head of state or government, while 86.5% are led by men. 

In addition, about 31% of UN member states have ever had a female head of government.

These figures highlight the ongoing underrepresentation of women in both legislative bodies and executive leadership positions globally.

The goal cannot stop at decreasing violence or gaps but we need to advocate for women in legislative roles and entrepreneurship to help craft the policies and systems that have, up til now, created or maintained women in the current inequitable conditions. 

The commission on the status of women is ONE international space created within the United Nations to take a real and accurate pulse-check as to how women are doing. This yearly United Nations commission, which is in March and lasts 2 weeks, hosts member states, receive reports, engage in dialogue about creative solutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) host parallel events that share best practices, connect vital leaders, and help shape international agendas to empower women and change the picture described above. 0

To expand your awareness, we encourage you to read an article or two from a trusted news source, follow an NGO channel as they attend and engage this year’s commission, and/or reach out to us for information on how you can learn more about these issues.

Alexandra Zareth Founding Director

Your voice matters and we want to empower you to use your voice within your spaces to create change and improve conditions for us all. Because we know, it is not about just me or you, but us all as we rise together.

We share with you this infographic that summarizes the evolution in anthropological terms on gender inequality, this will help you to visualize the path that humanity has followed in social terms.

You can open and download it HERE