Gender gap, including in education, not closing this century: Report

The World Economic Forum released its annual Global Gender Gap Report on June 20, revealing that the world is projected to achieve gender parity by the year 2154. 

This timeline of 131 years is a setback from the previous estimate of 100 years made in 2020, indicating the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality. The report assesses 146 countries based on four key categories: economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

With scores ranging from zero to 100, representing the percentage of the gender gap each country has closed, Iceland secured the top position with a score of 91.2 percent. The Nordic countries dominated the top five positions. 

However, both the United States and Canada experienced a slight decrease in their scores compared to the previous year. Afghanistan scored the lowest with 40.5 percent. The report evaluates various factors within each category, such as income equality, educational enrollment ratios, life expectancy gaps, and political representation.

The report highlights progress in educational attainment and political empowerment on a global scale but reveals a decline in economic participation. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly widened the gender gap in employment. While women have entered the workforce at a slightly higher rate than men, they are more likely to be employed in informal sectors, leading to poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of social protection.

This year’s Global Gender Gap Report specifically focuses on the impact of the pandemic on gender disparities in the workplace. Previous studies primarily emphasized health-related statistics, showcasing a higher number of men contracting the virus. However, the report sheds light on the economic and social consequences of COVID-19, demonstrating its disproportionate impact on women. 

Women were overrepresented in high-risk jobs, such as frontline healthcare and care workers, and faced increased gender-based violence during lockdowns, alongside limited access to support and safe spaces. The pandemic also contributed to higher rates of child marriage and human trafficking, further highlighting the socioeconomic repercussions for women.

The report further emphasizes the underrepresentation of women in political leadership roles and STEM careers. Women make up only 29 percent of all STEM workers, despite a gradual increase of 1% per year in hiring women for leadership positions. Experts advocate for systemic changes, including inclusive hiring practices, increased visibility of women in top jobs, and expanded career opportunities, particularly in high-growth sectors like STEM.

The Global Gender Gap Report also explores the success of countries like Iceland and attributes it to investments in care infrastructure, including affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and universal healthcare. In contrast, the United States’ recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is cited as a factor affecting women’s health, economic participation, and overall ranking in the report.

Gender equality remains crucial for economic stability and societal harmony. Despite international commitments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, women continue to face wage gaps and various forms of injustice. Addressing gender inequality requires global attention and collaborative efforts, integrating it with other pressing issues like climate change. 

Public awareness campaigns and the use of gender-inclusive language play vital roles in fostering understanding and promoting equality. Achieving gender parity is not only a responsibility of governments but also an opportunity for individuals and communities to drive change and create a more equitable world, potentially achieving this vision well before 2154.