Gender inequality

Gender inequality manifests in unequal opportunities, rights, and access to resources based on gender. It stems from deeply ingrained social, cultural, and historical norms that prioritize certain genders over others, particularly men over women, and often excludes or marginalizes non-binary and gender-diverse individuals. 

Gender inequality manifests in numerous aspects of life, from education and employment to political participation and personal autonomy. Women, in many parts of the world, face barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, limiting their ability to achieve independence or participate fully in society. The professional world remains highly gendered, with women often relegated to lower-paying, less secure jobs while men dominate positions of power and influence. 

In politics, gender inequality is evident in the underrepresentation of women and gender minorities in leadership roles, leading to policies that fail to address their needs or perspectives. This inequality is further compounded by cultural expectations and stereotypes that dictate how individuals should behave, often forcing people to conform to rigid gender roles that restrict their freedoms and opportunities. 

Globally, women are paid, on average, 20% less than men for similar work, and this gap is even wider for women of color and those in low-income countries. In political representation, women hold only 26% of parliamentary seats worldwide, and in some regions, the percentage is far lower, making it difficult to influence policies that address their needs. Gender inequality is also visible in education, where an estimated 130 million girls worldwide remain out of school, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. These barriers to education perpetuate the cycle of poverty, as women without access to education are more likely to face limited employment opportunities. Additionally, women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. 

Despite progress in some areas, women spend nearly three times more hours on unpaid domestic and care work than men, contributing to a gendered division of labor that restricts economic and career opportunities for women. In the workforce, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, holding only 29% of managerial roles globally. Gender inequality is also exacerbated by cultural norms and laws that limit women's rights, particularly in terms of reproductive health, inheritance, and freedom from violence. These systemic inequalities result in women being excluded from fully participating in the political, economic, and social spheres of life.