UN Study Reveals Widespread Gender Inequality and Low Women's Empowerment Globally

A comprehensive study conducted by two leading UN agencies, UN Women and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), has highlighted the prevalence of significant gender inequalities and low women's empowerment across most countries worldwide on July 19, 2023. The study examined 114 nations and found that not a single one had fully achieved gender parity. Shockingly, less than 1% of women and girls globally live in a country where they experience high levels of women's empowerment and minimal gender gaps in sectors such as health and education.

The study sheds light on the complex challenges women face globally and aims to provide a roadmap for targeted interventions and policy changes. It introduces two new indices—the Women's Empowerment Index (WEI) and the Global Gender Parity Index (GGPI)—to assess women's empowerment and gender gaps in essential areas of human development, including health, education, inclusion, decision-making, and violence against women.

According to the Women's Empowerment Index, women worldwide are only able to realize 60% of their potential, while the Global Gender Parity Index reveals that, on average, women accomplish important human development characteristics 28% less than men.

The study's findings indicate that these disparities and weaknesses in women's empowerment not only hinder women's individual success but also impede overall human development progress.

Sima Bahous, the executive director of UN Women, emphasized the strong commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, she noted that the full potential of women remains untapped due to persistent gender disparities, hampering efforts to achieve these goals. She called for sustained efforts to fulfill the promise of gender equality, protect women's and girls' human rights, and ensure their fundamental freedoms are fully realized.

The indices highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policy changes in areas such as family support, work-life balance, and addressing violence against women. Implementing such changes would accelerate the transition towards a more equal and inclusive society.

Achim Steiner, the director of the UNDP, expressed concern about the limited opportunities for many women and girls, stating that these insights aim to drive real change for real people. It is evident that transformative actions are required to empower women fully and dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder their progress.

The UN's study serves as a critical call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide to work collectively towards achieving gender equality, uplifting women's empowerment, and fostering a more just and inclusive world for all.