Investing in Gender Equality

Gender inequality is the unequal distribution of opportunities and power between men and women. It is driven by entrenched gender norms that limit individuals’ access to resources and opportunities, with consequences that last a lifetime.

Gender equality is a critical human rights issue that affects all of us – regardless of where we live, our socioeconomic status or whether we are women or men. In many countries, gender inequality is exacerbated by social, economic and cultural barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.

For example, women are more likely to be out of the workforce to care for children and other family members – which has long-term negative impacts on their earnings – and they are more often paid less than men for doing the same job. The global average wage gap for people ages 25 to 44 has increased since 1982, due in part to the fact that women’s wages are lower than men’s and that mothers tend to work fewer hours per week when they are employed. This explains why it takes so much longer for mothers to reach the same level of earning as men after they leave the workforce.

The gender wealth gap – or the difference in the amount of money that men and women earn over the course of their lives – is also widening, particularly for those in professional and technical roles and senior expert positions. It is largely explained by pay gaps, unequal career progression trajectories, and differences in financial literacy, among other factors.

Investing in gender equality can help to close these gaps, but the work must involve all stakeholders and focus on addressing the root causes of inequality. This means taking a holistic approach to development that includes tackling harmful practices of masculinity, including those that lead to violence against women. It also involves recognizing that men have their own rights and needs, and ensuring that their benefits from development are distributed equally with women.

We can all help to combat gender inequality by supporting initiatives that promote equality, including empowering women to participate in political and decision-making processes; providing gender-transformative education and training; promoting girls’ participation in school so they can fulfil their potential; and tackling the root causes of gender-based violence. It is also vital to support campaigns by marginalised groups, including those fighting racism and homophobia, as the voices of these communities are often overlooked. The more people join together to tackle inequality, the stronger we will be.