Over the past three decades, the world has witnessed significant advances in the field of women's rightsThe country has achieved improvements in political representation, education and social protection. However, despite progress, challenges persist that are holding back the gender equity and demand immediate action.
Since 1995, the participation of women in parliaments has doubled, child marriage has declined, and more women have essential rights such as maternity leave and pensions.
At educationthe female schooling and the legal protection against theft has reached historic figures, and the legal protection against gender violence has increased: from 19 countries with laws in 1995, there are now 152 countries with regulations to combat it.
In addition, in the last five years:
- The 90% of countries have strengthened their laws against gender-based violence.
- The 79% has implemented social protection initiatives to reduce female poverty.
- 70% has prioritized girls' access to education.
- Women's access to land and natural resources has increased by 10 percentage points since 2019.
Barriers still holding back gender equality
Despite progress, equity continues to face critical obstacles. Economic crises, armed conflict and climate change disproportionately affect women and girls. The labor participation gap has hardly changed in 20 years, and women continue to take on the lion's share of unpaid care work.
Another major challenge is the financing. Between 2021 and 2022, funding for women's rights organizations decreased by 33%, affecting their capacity to generate effective change.
Six strategies to accelerate progress
To consolidate and expand the progress achieved, the UN highlights six key strategies:
- Closing the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology.
- Invest in social protection and care services to reduce poverty and improve economic opportunities for women.
- Strengthen legislation against gender violence and ensure its effective implementation.
- Encourage the participation of women in decision-making, promoting inclusive policies.
- Ensuring women's leadership in peace and security by supporting organizations working in conflict zones.
- Prioritize climate justice by investing in women's leadership in sustainable solutions.
Although the figures show significant progress, the gender equality requires global commitment and immediate action. The coming decades will be critical to transform promises into tangible realities for all women and girls around the world.
Source: UN Women
