A society’s full potential remains unrealized when half of its population is side-lined. Today’s world is teeming with challenges that could be addressed through collective efforts. To truly accelerate progress, we must invest in women by acknowledging and addressing the issues that hinder their advancement, enabling them to make maximum contributions to society. What are some of these issues?

Education Gap: While strides have been made in narrowing the education gap between boys and girls over the last decade, UNESCO reports that women still represent two-thirds of the world’s population unable to read. Moreover, significant disparities persist, particularly in less developed countries. In these regions, girls often complete primary education but face formidable barriers preventing them from advancing to secondary education. Factors such as child marriage, poverty, and favouritism perpetuate this disparity, hindering girls’ educational opportunities and perpetuating the cycle of inequality.

Gender Pay Gap: Pay disparities greatly impedes women’s financial independence, making them vulnerable to financial insecurities while actively working and even in retirement. Historical inequalities, coupled with occupational segregation and unconscious gender bias continue to contribute greatly to this disparities in earnings between men and women. While countries like USA and Iceland have taken steps to address pay disparities through policy interventions, the challenge persists. 

Women’s participation in politics: Women encounter numerous barriers when it comes to entering and excelling in political leadership roles. These include systemic gender bias, lack of access to resources and networks, and cultural stereotypes that undermine their leadership capabilities. Political participation is a fundamental civil right, and women deserve equal opportunities to engage in democratic governance. True democracy requires inclusive representation where all voices; including women’s, are heard and valued.

Safeguarding Women from Harmful Practices: Statistics reveal the universal nature of violence against women and girls globally. 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or intimate partner violence in their lifetime, while 15 million adolescent girls worldwide have endured forced sexual encounters. Additionally, 75% of women over 18 have encountered sexual harassment, often refraining from reporting due to fear of retaliation, victim-blaming, and stigmatization. These alarming figures emphasize the significant obstacles to women’s empowerment posed by gender-based violence. Likewise, harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) further compound the challenges faced by women and young girls. Violence against women devastates lives, takes a toll on mental health, destroys families and communities, and hinders societal development. It is important to address and eradicate these harmful practices to ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

It is important recognize that gender issues are not solely women’s concerns but also societal challenges that demand collective action. Addressing them requires collective and comprehensive efforts, including policy reforms, workplace initiatives, cultural shifts and promotion of diverse representation. We must confront worsening inequalities as a society and commit to ending them together, leaving no one behind. The UN’s theme for International Women’s Day this year is a call to action and reinforcement of conversations surrounding the importance of investing in women and girls to advance societal development and achieve gender equality. Investing in women can achieve a multitude of positive outcomes, both for women and for society as a whole. Below are some key benefits of investing in women:

Gender Equality: Investing in women is fundamental for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. By addressing societal barriers and discrimination, we can create more inclusive and equitable societies. When women have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources, they become more productive contributors to societal development and progress.

Poverty Reduction: Poverty disproportionately affects women, particularly in women-headed households and rural areas of developing countries where basic amenities are scarce. Investing in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can uplift families and communities out of poverty. Empowered women are better equipped to support themselves and their families, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating positive ripple effects across society.

Economic Growth: Studies demonstrate that investing in women’s economic empowerment enhances productivity. When women contribute to household incomes, it stimulates economic development. Empowering women to participate in decision-making processes and ensuring their rights are upheld encourages their active participation in society. With women’s increased involvement, there are more hands on deck to accelerate economic progress and foster inclusive growth.

To achieve true progress, it is imperative to legislate gender-responsive policies and ensure that education is accessible and inclusive for all genders. Creating safe spaces for adolescent girls in classrooms and combating all forms of violence against women, both physical and mental, are essential steps towards fostering a more equitable society. Enforcing laws that hold perpetrators of abuse against women accountable is crucial for ensuring justice and protection for all individuals.

Furthermore, financing women and supporting initiatives dedicated to promoting inclusivity and equity are vital components of advancing societal development. Through contributing to these efforts, we can collectively strive towards creating a society where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and accelerate progress.