How to Get Rid of Gender Inequality

Across the globe, gender inequality is an injustice that robs people of their lives’ potential – and deprives nations of the energy and talent they need to progress. It starts in childhood, limiting children’s choices and opportunities – often disproportionately hurting girls. And it continues throughout life – in the form of discrimination, harassment and violence, unequal access to education, legal protection and financial services, unequal division of paid and unpaid care and domestic work, as well as a lack of representation in public offices.

The gender gap is wide, with women earning only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. Even after accounting for differences in education, jobs and working conditions, the gap remains significant. The disparity is particularly pronounced in countries with high levels of conflict, poverty and unemployment. Getting rid of it will take strong commitments by governments, companies and other stakeholders.

Gender equality is good for everyone, and there are many reasons to promote it. Aside from the moral argument – that no one should be treated less favourably because of their identity or sex – it’s also important for economic growth and stability, as well as for human wellbeing and happiness. Specifically, reducing gender gaps brings efficiency gains, as illustrated by the evidence from business and politics (see the box above).

These benefits are not limited to advanced economies. In fact, gender equality is especially vital in poorer countries where it can help lift living standards. That is because, in these contexts, achieving equal participation by women and men can boost economic growth, as it leads to better decisions about family planning, investment, and the use of natural resources.

In addition, it improves decision-making with regard to issues such as age at marriage, the use of contraception and the avoidance of harmful practices like female genital cutting. Moreover, it helps ensure that girls are not deprived of the opportunity to grow up to be educated and skilled, thus contributing to stronger, more stable societies that can support their families, as well as those of future generations.

But despite the many reasons to promote it, there are still many barriers that prevent gender equality from being realized. These include ingrained attitudes and stereotypes, cultural norms, and rigid societal structures that create obstacles for both men and women. To tackle these, policies must be implemented, including inheritance reforms and land rights for women; equal pay for equal work; and a push to reduce discrimination and stigma. In addition, people must call out discriminatory rhetoric and behavior. This will not only raise awareness, but also contribute to the creation of a new agenda for promoting gender equality and improving people’s lives.