DESPITE ADVANCES, GENDER EQUALITY DOES NOT EXIST ANYWHERE
Irrespective of the advances made for women and girls during the last century, and despite the fact that circumstances have improved significantly, large gender gaps still remain in even the most progressive, liberal, democratic nations. In most countries (both rich and developing) women and girls are getting an education, living longer, securing better jobs, and acquiring appropriate legal rights and protections. However, Women and girls are still more likely to die (relative to men and boys), in many low- and middle-income countries than their counterparts in rich countries. Women earn less and are less economically productive than men almost everywhere across the world. And women have less opportunity to shape their lives and make decisions than do men. Even in the year 2017.
BY THE NUMBERS: GENDER INEQUALITY IS BAD FOR GROWTH
A recent article on the OECD Development Matters website shares statistical evidence that gender inequality is bad for growth, especially when it comes to gender disparities in education, labour and social institutions. Marginalising women holds all economies back from generating growth and prosperity for all citizens.
‘Current levels of gender-based discrimination in social institutions cost up to USD 12 trillion to the global economy (Ferrant and Kolev, 2016). On the other hand, closing the gender gap to allow women to play the same role in labour markets as men would add as much as USD 28 trillion (26%) to annual global GDP in 2025 (Woetzel et al., 2015).’
And yet, the authors of that OECD article indicate that:
‘Gender-based discrimination remains, after all, a critical challenge around the globe. Despite changes in gender roles following improvements in economic, political and social rights, no country has achieved gender parity. Only half of working-age women are in the labour force, earning on average 24% less than men (UN Women, 2015). Despite their increasing involvement in the labour market, women still perform 75% of total unpaid care and domestic work (OECD, 2014). And gender-based discrimination in social norms remains widespread worldwide (OECD Development Centre, 2014).’
GENDER EQUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT
An International Monetary Fund Blog articulates that fact that gender equality is important in and of its own inherent value and ethical necessity. Yet, the economic benefits which could be derived from that equality has not resulted in the focus that one would expect, especially given the crisis we all keep hearing about in terms of economic growth.
Greater gender equality also enhances economic efficiency and improves other development outcomes in the follow three ways:
- First, with women now representing 40 percent of the global labour force (and more than half the world’s university students), overall productivity will increase if their skills and talents are used more at the same levels as those of their male counterparts. Eliminating the barriers against women working in certain sectors or occupations could increase output by raising women’s participation and labour productivity by as much as 25 percent in some countries through better allocation of their skills and talent (Cuberes and Teignier-Baqué, 2011).
- Second, greater control over household resources by women, either through their own earnings or cash transfers, can enhance countries’ growth prospects by changing spending in ways that benefit children. Evidence from countries as varied as Brazil, China, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom shows that when women control more household income—either through their own earnings or through cash transfers—children benefit as a result of more spending on food and education (World Bank, 2011).
- Finally, empowering women as economic, political, and social factors can change policy choices and make institutions more representative of a range of voices. In India, giving power to women at the local level led to greater provision of public goods, such as water and sanitation, which mattered more to women (Beaman and others, 2011).
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER EQUALITY AND HAPPINESS FOR MEN AND WOMEN
But what makes us happy? Does living in a country guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities to women and men increase people’s happiness? The answer apparently is yes. Together, these findings foreshadow the need to focus more on the life satisfaction impact of government policies as a way to measure fairness. Ultimately, they stress the potential of gender equality to promote better, happier lives for all human beings.
If you are inspired and would like to join the revolutionary movement that Imalia is creating, you can request to join our Facebook group The Wolfpack, to share ideas and learn from other like-minded women.
