Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and thus also half of its potential.
Yet, gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress.
Although there have been improvements, many challenges remain.
Achieving full human potential and sustainable development is not possible if half of humanity continues to be denied all human rights and opportunities. Women and girls must enjoy equal access to quality education, economic resources, and political participation, as well as equal opportunities with men and boys for employment, leadership, and decision-making at all levels.
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
It would take another 40 years
for women and men to be represented equally in national political leadership at the current pace
Women’s share in national parliaments
Gender-responsive budgeting needs to be strengthened
Proportion of countries with systems to track gender-budget allocations (2018-2021)
26%
Comprehensive systems
59%
Some features of a system
15%
Lacking minimum elements of such a system
Women accounted for
Of total employment in 2019
but
Of global employment losses in 2020
More than 1 in 4 women
(15+ years)
Have suffered intimate partner violence (641 million) at least once in their lifetime
Only57%
of women (15-49 years)
Are making their own informed decisions on sex and reproductive health care
(64 countries, 2007-2021)