What is Gender Equality, and Why is it So Hard to Achieve?

Gender equality, or the equal treatment and rights of individuals regardless of gender, is a crucial issue in contemporary society. Despite significant progress in recent years, there are still many challenges that impede the achievement of true gender equality. 

On March 6th, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret that “gender equality” is a goal that will, at best, be attained “in 300 years.”

“Gender equality, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, is getting further away.” At the current rate of progress, “UN Women sets it at 300 years from now,” Guterres denounced in a speech at the opening of two weeks of debates of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York City, and two days before the International Women’s Rights Day on March 8th.

At the General Assembly, the UN chief said that “women’s rights are being abused, threatened, and violated around the world” and that “the progress made for decades is disappearing before our eyes.” He used the example of Afghanistan, where “women and girls have been erased from public life since the Taliban regained power.” He mentioned “many places where women’s sexual reproductive rights are being rolled back, and girls who go to school are at risk of abduction and assault.”

Guterres’ speech underscores the seriousness and magnitude of the problem of gender inequality in the world. This means that while we have made progress in addressing gender-based injustice and discrimination, much must be done to achieve true equality between women and men.

Guterres highlighted how “centuries of patriarchy, discrimination, and painful stereotypes have created a gender gap in science and technology,” in which women represent only “3% of Nobel Prize winners.” Indeed, women have less access to education than men in many countries, especially in developing regions. According to OHCHR, 130 million girls worldwide are not in school. 

Guterres’ speech acknowledged the heartbreaking reality of persistent gender inequality and the urgent need for collective action to address and to end it.

Why Does the Gender Gap Persist?

The gender gap will take many years to close due to various cultures, norms, and societal structures. One of the most significant challenges facing gender equality is the persistence of gender stereotypes. Gender stereotypes are deeply ingrained beliefs about what appropriate behavior, interests, and characteristics are for individuals, based on gender. These stereotypes can lead to discrimination against individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles. For example, women who pursue careers in male-dominated fields may face discrimination and prejudice. Similarly, men who show emotional vulnerability may be stigmatized and seen as weak.

Gender stereotypes are reinforced by media, advertising, and popular culture, which often portray gender in a narrow and limiting way. This perpetuates the idea that certain traits and behaviors are exclusively masculine or feminine, discouraging individuals from pursuing their true interests and passions. Overcoming gender stereotypes is a critical step towards achieving gender equality, as it allows individuals to be judged based on their abilities and character rather than their gender.

Another significant challenge facing gender equality is the gender pay gap. Despite progress in recent years, women still earn less than men on average for the same work. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women in the US earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap is even wider for women of color, who face both gender and racial discrimination in the workplace. 

In many countries, the gender pay gap is more significant. Women are paid less than men for doing the same work, and they must work almost three months longer to earn the same salary as men.

The causes of the gender pay gap are complex and multifaceted. They include discrimination, occupational segregation, and the undervaluing of work typically performed by women. Addressing the gender pay gap requires a multifaceted approach, including policies and practices that promote pay equity, increased transparency and accountability, and efforts to break down gender stereotypes and occupational segregation.

Violence against women is another significant challenge facing gender equality which prevents closing the gender gap. Violence against women includes a range of behaviors, from domestic violence to sexual harassment and assault. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced sexual, psychological, or physical violence by their partner or another person at some point in their lives. Violence is rooted in gender inequality and discrimination, perpetuating a cycle of violence and trauma. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention efforts, legal and policy reforms, and support for survivors of violence. It also requires challenging the underlying beliefs and attitudes that contribute to violence against women, such as victim-blaming and the idea that men are entitled to control and dominate women. 

Furthermore, the lack of representation of women in leadership roles is challenging. Despite progress in recent years, women still need increased representation in positions of power and influence, including in politics, in business, and in the media. Although women make up half of the world’s population, they are underrepresented in political and decision-making spheres. According to the United Nations, women comprise only 25% of parliamentarians worldwide. Addressing the lack of representation of women in leadership includes efforts to increase the number of women in leadership roles, as well as policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusivity in decision-making processes. It also requires challenging gender stereotypes and biases perpetuating the idea that men are better suited for leadership roles. 

To conclude, addressing gender identity and expression requires a commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity. In his speech, Guterres acknowledged that women have significantly contributed to society. Yet, their efforts have often been overlooked. He emphasized that gender inequality is a human rights issue, and it is essential to address it to achieve a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Closing the gender gap will only be possible with collective action because it is a complex and multifaceted issue requiring a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Achieving gender equality is not just a women’s issue but an issue that affects everyone. This requires concerted action by governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to create a world where women and men have equal rights and opportunities.