5 Ways to Close Gender Inequality
Inequality between women and men is a global development challenge. It affects people across all countries, both rich and poor. It’s a reality that impacts every aspect of life, from the legal system to healthcare to the economy. It’s a condition that perpetuates poverty and limits economic opportunities.
Gender inequality is a complex issue that includes many factors, from social norms to cultural beliefs to the way people choose to use their resources. It is a problem that can be overcome in different ways.
1. Increasing women’s earnings 2. Reducing barriers to education 3. Providing equal access to health care and nutrition 4. Enhancing female leadership
When women and girls have an opportunity to learn, earn, and lead, economies thrive. It is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ending extreme poverty.
Increasing women’s earnings, particularly in the agricultural sector, is critical to reducing gender-based income inequality and improving livelihoods for farmers. If women farmers and businesses have access to the same resources as men, they can increase productivity and create better lives for their families.
Closing gender gaps in employment and promoting equal access to economic independence boosts GDP per capita, and can be an important driver of inclusive growth. Studies estimate that on average across countries, long-run GDP per capita would be almost 20% higher if gender gaps were closed.
The world has seen some progress in this area over the past few decades, but much more needs to be done to close gender gaps on all fronts. To do this, leaders need to create transparent salaries and offer flexible work arrangements, as well as provide training for women on how to advance in their careers. Employees also need to speak up and share their experiences, as they are the first line of defense against workplace discrimination.
2. Increasing women’s property rights and enhancing their access to land is critical to reducing the effects of gender inequality. When women have access to property, they can start their own businesses and invest in their communities. This can increase their access to credit, changing the lives of their families and creating a more productive economy.
3. Providing equal access to resources, like fertilizer and seeds, is a key to reducing the impact of gender inequality on agriculture. When women don’t have access to these resources, they have less access to the food and medicine they need, as well as a decrease in the incomes of their families.
4. Providing gender-sensitive services and interventions is a key to improving outcomes for women and children living in fragile and conflict-affected settings. When governments respond to disasters, they must ensure that women are represented equally in planning and decision-making processes, and that they are empowered and able to participate fully.
5. Gender-based violence is a serious global concern, with more than 3 billion women and girls facing violence worldwide. It impacts women and girls in a variety of ways, from economic exploitation to sexual abuse, to physical violence, including forced child marriage and rape.