Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and yet, in the labour market, still earn 23% less than men globally. Women and girls earn less, and society expects them to spend up to three times as many hours doing unpaid domestic and care work than men.
That is only one of many barriers faced by women. They face sexual violence and exploitation, discrimination in public office and domestic abuse. Worldwide, nearly half of married women lack the decision-making power over their sexual and reproductive health rights. Gender equality is a fundamental human right. Advancing gender equality is critical in the foundation of a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Unfortunately, we are not on track to achieve equality between genders by 2030.
To keep progress on a forward path, girls need to stay in school and learn how to fight for their rights: their right for equal pay, right over sexual and reproductive health services, right to chose when and who to marry, right to choose the career they wish to pursue. In doing so, they will gain the confidence needed and will want to get involved in shaping economic and political decision that affect not only their lives but their communities.
As a woman, we need to address unconscious biases and implicit associations that form unintended and often invisible barriers to equal opportunities. As for men and boys, they need to be our allies in the journey to achieve gender equality. We need to see more organizations like HeforShe that not only support the movement but also educate and provide opportunities and spaces for important conversations.
Structural and discriminatory social norms such as sexual harassment, rape culture, survivors’ rights, equal pay, beauty standards and reproductive freedoms have forced a fourth wave of activists to speak on these subjects. Campaigns such as UniTE to End Violence Against Women, Women’s March, HeforShe, MeToo and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence have had a huge impact on the advancement of Gender Equality thanks to these courageous and steadfast activists.
If you wish to know more about the journey to gender equality, there are many films from the National Film Board of Canada to explore.
Mireille Jaillet
UNE National Equity Representative for Women