The latest edition of the annual report by UN Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has revealed that global efforts to achieve gender equality are falling far short of expectations. Despite some areas of improvement, the report finds that with just six years remaining until the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), not a single indicator under Goal 5—gender equality—has been fully realized.
While poverty rates are declining and the gender gap in education is narrowing, the report warns that without accelerated efforts, many targets related to women’s rights will remain unfulfilled for generations. The findings underscore the critical need for countries to commit to radical reforms in order to meet their promises to women and girls.
The latest Gender Snapshot report by UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs highlights that while some progress has been made on gender equality, significant gaps remain across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite positive trends such as a decline in extreme poverty among women and girls, and a rise in women holding parliamentary seats, no indicators under Goal 5 (gender equality) have been fully achieved with just six years left until the 2030 deadline.
Key progress includes a reduction in child marriages and an increase in legal reforms aimed at closing the gender gap. However, challenges persist, including slow progress towards gender parity in parliaments, with full equality projected not to be achieved until 2063, and it could take 137 years to eradicate extreme poverty among women and girls.
The report emphasizes the high cost of inaction on gender inequality, including a $10 trillion global loss due to inadequate education and another $500 billion over the next five years from the digital gender gap. UN Women calls for urgent global efforts to accelerate gender equality ahead of the upcoming Summit of the Future.
The report estimates that at the current rate of change, it could take an astonishing 137 years to eliminate extreme poverty among women. This grim outlook highlights the persistent inequalities that continue to hold women back economically. No country has implemented all the necessary laws to end gender discrimination, prevent gender-based violence, uphold equal rights in marriage and divorce, guarantee equal pay, and provide full access to sexual and reproductive health services. Achieving gender parity in national parliaments remains elusive. The report projects that gender balance in political leadership might not be reached until 2063, further hindering progress on policies that benefit women and society.
The report stresses the high societal and economic costs of not investing in women’s rights. Gender equality is vital for the success of all 17 SDGs, and progress across sectors like agriculture, energy, digital access, and education depends on realizing women’s full potential. Women are essential contributors to food production but face structural barriers. Gender-responsive policies in agriculture could help reduce poverty, increase productivity, and improve food security, with a potential $1 trillion boost to global GDP. The report highlights how clean energy access could significantly improve women’s health and labor participation.
However, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the energy sector. Technology presents opportunities for women’s empowerment, yet the global gender digital gap remains a challenge. Bridging this gap could unlock massive economic potential and accelerate development. Investments in girls’ education are crucial for sustainable development. Despite progress, 119 million girls remain out of school, limiting their future opportunities and countries’ economic growth. Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, yet their participation in environmental decision-making remains limited. The report calls for feminist climate justice approaches that prioritize women’s rights in climate solutions.
The report concludes with a call for radical and immediate action to reverse the slow progress on gender equality. It emphasizes that proven solutions exist but require stronger political will, increased investment, and comprehensive reforms across sectors. Investing in women and girls is not only a matter of rights but is key to achieving sustainable development for all. Without urgent intervention, gender equality—and the broader SDG agenda—could be delayed by decades, with devastating consequences for global prosperity and justice, the report warns the world leaders.
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