Did you know that
On average, women in the labour market still earn at least
25% less than men globally?
With that fact, don’t you see a reason for us to achieve gender equalÂity and empower all women and girls.
Because women and girls represent more than half of the world’s popuÂlation and therefore also half of its potential.
But, today gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress.
According to the Global Goals desk at the United Nations,
As of 2014, 143 countries have guaranteed equality between men and women in their Constitutions but 52 have yet to take this step.
You might want to know, right now, what happens if gender equality is not ensured….trust me
Inequalities faced by girls can begin right at birth and follow them all their lives.
In some countries, girls are deprived of access to health care or proper nutrition, leading to a higher mortality rate.
As girls move into adoÂlescence, gender dispariÂties widen.
Child marriage affects girls far more than boys.
For those that love their numbers, globally, nearly 15 million girls under age 18 are married every year—or 37,000 each day!
Marrying young also affects girls’ education.
About one third of develÂoping countries have not achieved gender parity in primary education.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania and Western Asia, girls still face barriers to entering both primary and secondary school.
How does gender inequality affect women?
 In a number of ways….
Disadvantages in eduÂcation translate into lack of access to skills and limited opportunities in the labour market.
Women’s and girls’ empowÂerment is essential to expand economic growth and promote social develÂopment.
The full particiÂpation of women in labor forces would add perÂcentage points to most national growth rates— double digits in many cases.
Are there any other gender-related challenges that are facing us?
Yes.
Worldwide, 35 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.
An estimated 133 million girls and women have experienced some form of female genital mutilation/cutting in the 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, where the harmful practice is most common with a high risk of prolonged bleeding, infection (including HIV), childbirth complications, infertility and death.
Why should gender equality matter to me? I am living the best of my life and don’t need any of that crap….
Regardless of where you live in, gender equality is a fundamental human right.
Advancing gender equality is critical to all areas of a healthy society, from reducÂing poverty to promoting the health, education, proÂtection and the well-beÂing of girls and boys.
Investing in education programmes for girls and increasing the age at which they marry can return $5 for every dollar spent.
Investing in programs improving income-generÂating activities for women can return $7 dollars for every dollar spent.
Is there something we can do about it all?
If you are a girl, you can stay in school, help empower your female classmates to do the same and fight for your right to access sexual and reproÂductive health services.
If you are a woman, you can address unconscious biases and implicit associations that can form an unintended and often an invisible barÂrier to equal opportunity.
If you are a man or a boy, you can work alongÂside women and girls to achieve gender equality and embrace healthy, respectful relationships.
You can fund educaÂtion campaigns to curb cultural practices like female genital mutilaÂtion and change harmful laws that limit the rights of women and girls and prevent them from achievÂing their full potential.
I am feeling ready for this one. Are you?
When you see the numbers in black and white it is frustrating..you would think that the numbers would start to go down..I know 20 years ago I was paid 40% less then the men doing the same job! They just kept telling me so was fortunate to have the job!?
Wwwoooaaahhhh….that’s disgusting! Times are changing now and much faster than ever before, Holly!
I will never understand why we are still fighting this. I look forward to a time when there is no inequality in any form. We are headed in the right direction all be it a slow pace.
??? me too.
This has been an issue for at least a few years, at least when I first heard of it. It’s safe to say it’s probably been going on longer than I’m aware of. Why this hasn’t been fixed is beyond me.
Hhhmmm….I beg to differ, Bill. It begins with you.
I know this has been in discussions a lot lately. I hope that this gets fixed before our girls are old enough to work
?? for sure, Brianne.
I really value gender equality. I have been an advocate of this. Are you?
Oh yes, I am. Good to know you, Damian!
Definitely ready! I am a software developer and the only woman among 30 developers. This is a career where women can make significant salaries and contributions – let’s push more women toward STEM careers and help bridge the gap. 🙂
???? I am so proud of you, Ronnie!
I’m thankful that we are making progress in equality but we still have a long way to go! I hope our children can grow up in a world where they never have to worry about issues like this!
For sure….it’s such a long way, Jess!
I think it’s BS that men and women aren’t treated with the same standard. Seriously, why is this still an issue?
Patriarchy and gate-keeping, I guess!