Facts, Figures, and Solutions
Women make up half of the world’s population and play crucial roles in every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to science and technology. However, statistics reveal that there is still a long way to go in achieving true gender equality. Women face significant barriers in workforce participation, education, access to healthcare, and political representation. So, what does the state of women’s rights look like globally, according to the numbers?
Women’s Participation in the Economy and Income Inequality
Women’s participation in the workforce is a fundamental driver of economic growth and social development. However, data shows that women continue to face significant disadvantages compared to men.
- If women participated fully in the workforce, global GDP could increase by $28 trillion. (McKinsey Global Institute)
- Women spend 2.5 times more time than men on unpaid domestic and care work. (ILO, 2024)
- Women worldwide experience food insecurity 47.8 million times more than men. (FAO, 2024)
- Closing the gender gap in agricultural productivity and wages could lift 45 million people out of food insecurity. (FAO, 2024)
Without increased access to economic opportunities, these inequalities will only deepen. Addressing the gender pay gap, promoting workforce participation, and ensuring a fair distribution of care responsibilities are critical to economic progress.
Women in Education: Opportunities and Barriers
Education is one of the most powerful tools for empowering women and securing their place in society. However, millions of women and girls are still denied their right to education.
- 3 million girls worldwide are still out of school. (UNESCO, 2024)
- The global skills gap in education costs the economy more than $10 trillion annually. (UNESCO, 2024)
- Women represent only 35% of graduates in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). (UNESCO, 2024)
Expanding girls’ access to education not only transforms individual lives but also improves overall societal well-being. When educational equality is achieved, women gain financial independence, and social change accelerates.
Women in Politics: Representation Is Still Insufficient
Women’s representation in decision-making processes is crucial for achieving gender equality. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership roles worldwide.
- As of 2023, women held only 26.9% of parliamentary seats globally. (UN, 2024)
- Women’s representation in local governments stands at 35.5%. (UN, 2024)
- 51% of countries have at least one law preventing women from working in the same jobs as men. (UN, 2024)
Without women’s full participation in political and economic processes, it is impossible to create truly sustainable and inclusive policies. Increasing women’s representation in leadership positions will enhance societal progress and strengthen decision-making mechanisms.
Violence Against Women and Legal Barriers
Women around the world continue to face physical, psychological, and economic violence. The lack of effective legal protections makes addressing this issue even more challenging.
- One in eight women aged 15-49 has experienced intimate partner violence in the past year. (UN, 2024)
- In countries with domestic violence laws, the rate of partner violence is 9.5%, compared to 16.1% in countries without such laws. (UN, 2024)
- 54% of countries worldwide do not legally define rape based on explicit consent. (UN, 2024)
- Migrant women are at high risk of human trafficking and gender-based violence. (UN, 2024)
Preventing violence against women requires stronger legal frameworks, increased awareness campaigns, and better enforcement of protective measures. Ensuring women’s safety is a fundamental pillar of societal progress.
Is There a Solution?
To address existing gender inequalities and strengthen women’s roles in society, concrete actions must be taken. Based on the data, some effective solutions include:
- Increasing women’s workforce participation could boost global GDP by $28 trillion.
- Encouraging more women to enter STEM fields could accelerate innovation and lead to 12% more growth in the technology sector.
- Expanding girls’ access to education could reduce intergenerational poverty by 60%.
- Closing the agricultural productivity and wage gap could lift 45 million people out of food insecurity.
Achieving gender equality is not just a human rights issue; it is also the key to economic and social development.
When women win, the world wins.
