How do we stand today?

Women’s rights and gender equality have progressed globally in recent decades. There are more women in parliament and more female heads of state than there were 30 years ago. A growing number of girls and women are pursuing education, gaining increased access to contraception, while early marriage is declining.4

Despite notable achievements, full gender equality remains a distant goal, with the Sustainable Development Goal on gender equality still far from realisation. The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the fragility of progress, emphasising that advancements are not always enduring. In a world characterised by constant change, the dynamic landscape poses both challenges and opportunities for gender equality. Evolving political and economic developments can empower girls and women by redefining their roles and enhancing decision-making authority. The advancement of digital tools and innovative technologies presents potential in bridging disparities and providing new opportunities for girls and women. Contemporary technology serves as a gateway to expanded knowledge, increased participation and influence in society, as well as providing paths for improved income and a more inclusive digital world. It is critical that a gender equality perspective underpins development efforts. Our collective responsibility is to seize these opportunities, ensuring that strides in gender equality not only endure, but strengthen over time.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights5

Being able to decide over your own body is about power, freedom of choice and, not least, dignity. Bodily autonomy is crucial for gender equality.

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made nationally and internationally in strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through policies, laws and initiatives. For example, abortion legislation has been liberalised in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Nepal, Mozambique, and Cambodia.

Despite progress, securing SRHR for all, remains a distant goal. A global consensus on norms and values concerning the rights of women, girls and LGBT+ people over their own bodies and sexuality is yet to be realised. The right to bodily autonomy often emerges as one of the primary targets for assaults by anti-democratic forces. Comprehensive sexuality education continues to be controversial, and in many countries both abortion and same-sex relationships remain criminalised. In addition, many countries impose restrictions on freedom of expression and association, preventing the promotion of human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT+) people.

Inadequate representation of women, young people and marginalised groups in relevant decision-making processes often results in the underfunding and political deprioritisation of SRHR. Challenges persist throughout the life cycle of girls and women, including unwanted teenage pregnancies and barriers such as limited access and negative attitudes to contraceptives.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that 257 million women wanting to avoid pregnancy are not using modern contraception.6 In low-income countries, pregnancy-related complications, including unsafe abortions, stand as the leading cause of mortality among girls and women aged 15-19 years. The previous positive trend of decreasing pregnancy-related mortality has stagnated over the past decade.7 Fortifying health systems to incorporate a comprehensive approach to SRHR in primary health care is crucial to redirecting this trend in a positive trajectory.

The deprivation of rights and limited access to services and information about sexual health, bodily autonomy, harmful practices, HIV, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and menstruation pose significant challenges for individuals striving to make informed and safe choices about their own bodies and health.

Level of education also emerges as a pivotal factor for girl’s health and lives. Educated girls are less likely to marry early and face reduced risks of early pregnancy. Extended schooling additionally reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Early school dropout, on the other hand, exacerbates the probability of early pregnancies, with girls being five times more likely of falling pregnant early.8 Unwanted teenage pregnancies are intricately linked to child, early and forced marriage, often resulting in girls struggling to remain in school.

Discriminatory and stigmatising norms and practices compound challenges faced by girls and women with disabilities, indigenous groups and queer persons. These groups encounter even greater obstacles in accessing comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. For example, persons with disabilities may experience stigmatisation of their sexuality. Furthermore, women and young girls using drugs, are in prison or selling sex are both more vulnerable and harder to reach with relevant HIV and SRH services.

Sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices

Sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices are structural issues that involve the regulation of girls’ and women’s sexuality. This is connected to discriminatory legislation, culturally and religiously based gender roles, family traditions, coercive control, and unequal power distribution among genders. Gender-based violence refers to all types of violence: physical, digital, sexual, psychological, economic, and domestic forms, alongside gender-based and sexual harassment. This violence frequently extends into the digital world and is often intertwined with instances of physical violence and abuse.

Harmful practices like child and forced marriages, as well as female genital mutilation, are also gender-based violence. These practices limit girls’ and women’s bodily autonomy and decrease their control over their sexual and reproductive health. Such practices also limit their educational opportunities, access to healthcare, control over resources and income, as well as participation in societal and labour market activities.

Globally, 27% of women aged 15 years and above have experienced physical and sexual violence from a husband or partner at some point in their lives9. While gender-based violence primarily affects girls, women and LGBT+ persons, boys and men are also affected. Violence against mothers and children can be passed down through generations. Digital platforms also become arenas for gender-based violence, with women and LGBT+ individuals facing heightened levels of violence, harassment, and threats online in comparison to men.

Multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination renders certain groups, such as LGBT+ persons, girls and women with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and ethnic and religious minorities, particularly vulnerable. Girls and young women with disabilities, especially those with cognitive challenges,10 are at greater risk of being victimised than others. Women with disabilities are four times more likely than other women to be subjected to sexual and gender-based violence 11 Indigenous women, in particular, have been exposed to severe gender-based violence, including forced sterilisation, human trafficking, sexual violence during migration, and in conflict situations.12 This poses a significant challenge for indigenous women and queer people actively involved in advocating for rights. The LGBT+ community is vulnerable to harmful attempts at altering their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Conversion therapy may be conducted by both health professionals and religious leaders.

Cultural or religious practices and norms are used as justifications for the subjugation of girls and women to harmful practices in some countries. Poverty and social inequality further amplifies these practices. Globally, approximately 12 million girls are married off each year,13 with the highest prevalence of child marriages in West and Central Africa. Boys can also fall victim to child marriage, though not to the same extent as girls. Moreover, repercussions are frequently more severe for girls. Crises caused by poverty, natural disasters, epidemics, war and conflict heighten the risk and prevalence of child marriage.

For girls, child marriage can result in early pregnancy, social isolation, mental health issues, disrupted schooling, limited engagement in the labour market and increased risk of domestic violence. Child marriage deprives girls of their autonomy in making decisions about their lives and threatens their educational journey, alongside economic, political, and social participation. When young girls give birth, the risk of complications and mortality increases. Globally, there has been a reduction in the proportion of child marriages in recent years, though regional variations persist. The most substantial decline is observed in South Asia, where the percentage of child brides has fallen from almost 50 percent to below 30 percent.14 Nevertheless, progress needs to accelerate 17 times faster than the rate of the past decade in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage by 2030.15

Female genital mutilation is an extreme form of discrimination and violence against girls and women, inducing profound negative psychological reactions and enduring physical painful complications, sometimes leading to death. The UN estimates that a minimum of 200 million girls and women currently alive have been subjected to female genital mutilation.16 Despite advancements in some countries, the practice remains prevalent in parts of Africa, and in certain countries of the Middle East and Asia. Successful strategies in combatting female genital mutilation often involve collaboration with local community.17

Equal economic rights and participation in the labour market

Strengthening women’s economic rights holds significant socio-economic benefits. The impact of limited female participation in the economy is striking. Calculations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) show that countries with low levels of female participation in the labour force could potentially boost their gross domestic product (GDP) by as much as 35% by closing the gender gap in the workforce.18

Women control a smaller share of the world’s resources than men19 and encounter disparities in opportunities and rights. They face obstacles in pursuing education, accumulating personal financial resources or property, inheriting assets, participating in the formal labour market, and influencing the division of labour and responsibilities within their households. A persistent gender pay gap further exacerbates these inequities. Furthermore, a lack of responsibility and inequitable division of labour within households often affects women’s ability to effectively manage their own time and income-generating work. Achieving a more equitable distribution of care responsibilities between men and women at home not only enhances women’s participation in the labour market, but also fosters improved developmental conditions for children. When men take greater responsibility as parents/care givers, they contribute to better formative conditions for children and better health for fathers and mothers.20

Stigmatisation and discrimination against queer people create disproportionate poverty for this community. The absence of access to and completion of education beyond primary school level undermines the long-term social and economic mobility of young women and the LGBT+ community. Norms dictating a woman’s place within the home often impedes female participation in the labour market. Additionally, challenges such as insufficient time for breastfeeding, parental leave and limited access to childcare facilities act as barriers to achieving women’s equal participation in the workforce. Inadequate protection by employers against sexual harassment of women and queer people in the workplace further compounds these obstacles.

Entrepreneurship emerges as a potential avenue for employment and the economic empowerment for women, but opportunities for female entrepreneurs are frequently constrained. Studies indicate that the proportion of women-led businesses diminishes as the size of the company increases.21 This trend is influenced by various factors such as social norms, access to childcare facilities, limited access to finance, networks, markets, and technology. The scarcity of access to and proficiency in using digital tools, coupled with the underrepresentation in information technology (IT) positions, prevents women from benefiting from and participating in the ongoing digital transformation.

Women are important actors in agriculture and fisheries industries in low- and middle-income countries. However, they often face challenges related to land ownership rights and access to capital and other resources. This impact is particularly difficult for women with disabilities and indigenous women, as they grapple with other additional structural barriers that, when combined with gender-based obstacles, reinforce inequities. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change, with women bearing a disproportionate burden. In many societies, women tend to shoulder more informal work tasks and responsibilities than men, coupled with lower formal ownership of land. This situation leads to overlooking women’s contributions and needs, limiting their involvement in processes and decisions that will significantly affect their work.

Equal participation in political and public life

Promoting women’s right to equal participation in political and public life is essential for a well-functioning democracy. Women assume political roles as politicians in political parties, parliaments, and governments. They are voters and influential decision-makers through activism, leadership, local communities, government, organisations, business, academia, and the media. Despite their critical contributions, studies reveal women’s underrepresentation in decision-making at all levels,22 especially those facing multidimensional discrimination.

While women have made significant strides in political arenas at different levels, achieving equal participation remains a distant goal, with sluggish progress.23 Notably, ministries’ political leadership are often gender segregated. Ministries addressing perceived women-related issues such as gender equality, family relations, social inclusion, welfare, indigenous peoples and minorities, are headed by women, while they are less likely to lead ministries of finance, defence and home affairs.24

Studies consistently show that women’s leadership in political processes results in decisions that advance gender equality.25 Inclusive peace negotiations with women serving as peace mediators and activists results in agreements that address women’s rights and gender equality, with potential for greater sustainability. Women’s participation and the integration of a gender perspective in post-conflict reconstruction are crucial for upholding the rights and equality of girls and women in society.

Freedom of association is vital for advocating human rights across sectors. Women’s organisations, trade unions, media, journalists, and human rights defenders play pivotal roles in upholding and promoting freedom of association. They are instrumental in influencing changes in labour and family laws, and for ensuring women’s right to decent work and equal rights in the labour market.

Exclusion, violence and hate speech are factors that restrict opportunities and engagement in political participation and human rights work for women and LGBT+ people. Governments may also limit the scope of action for civil society actors. Progress made is precarious and women and queer people are particularly vulnerable in the face of threats, attacks, sexual harassment, assault, and abuse, particularly evident on digital platforms.26

Despite numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s political participation, altering discriminatory norms, attitudes and practices remains challenging. In many places, political participation is still perceived as a domain reserved for men, with little impetus to change structural conditions that limit women’s participation in political and public life. This is evident in nomination processes within political parties and organisations. Lack of access to networks and funding means that female candidates fail. Ensuring quality education for all can play a transformative role in changing discriminatory norms, attitudes and practices, providing women with the knowledge needed to actively participate in public and political life. School stands as a crucial arena for strengthening girls’ democratic participation through student councils and various forums for children and young people’s participation and leadership.

Climate change affects people differently27

The combination of climate change, natural disasters and the loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Climate and natural crises have adverse ramifications for food production, food security, and can exacerbate issues related to migration, humanitarian crises, war, and conflict. The potential for violence and multidimensional discrimination, particularly against indigenous peoples, LGBT+ people and persons with disabilities, may escalate. Women consistently face limited access to resources and services in comparison to men, rendering the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately impactful on women.

Climate change affects women’s health in different ways and presents them with increased health challenges. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke. They are also affected by increases in diseases such as malaria and dengue. Climate change may also lead to reduced access to nutritious food, while various natural disasters devastate health infrastructure and impede access to sexual and reproductive rights and health services.

Critically, reducing emissions is pivotal in addressing the climate crisis. Climate change adaptation and prevention are imperative to mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on society, the environment and economy. Women often face challenges in acquiring the necessary resources to adapt to climate change, further reinforcing structural gender differences. Indigenous people are disproportionately affected, facing threats to their livelihoods due to environmental pollution and land loss. In addition, individuals with disabilities contend with stigma and physical and fiscal barriers, limiting their opportunities in agriculture. Building climate resilient communities necessitates robust support from national and local governments in order to prevent the reproduction of discrimination and exclusion. Solutions must be developed considering and incorporating the experiences and needs of the entire population. Concurrently, restructuring provides an opportunity to enhance the focus on gender equality.

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture – vital for food security – are susceptible to climate change. Many small-scale producers, notably women, are among the most vulnerable to climate change and other natural events. Women in these industries face challenges in accessing economic resources, knowledge networks, resources such as credit and access to markets, making it more difficult for them to adopt adaptation strategies. Small-scale food producers are often excluded from technological innovation and policy decisions, with technological advancements predominantly targeting male farmers.

Eliminating gender disparities in food systems as advocated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) could contribute an additional USD 1 billion to the global GDP and ensure food security for 45 million people.28 The lack of organisation and bargaining power in markets for small-scale food producers underlines the positive impact of membership in farmers’ organisations and cooperatives on the incomes of farmers. Safeguarding the rights of women and indigenous peoples is achievable through women-led cooperatives, farmers’ and fishery organisations alongside social dialogue with authorities and small-scale food producers.

The transition to a low-carbon society and the adoption of renewable energy present substantial opportunities for gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, women’s, participation in the formulation of energy policy, and in the planning and implementation of measures for energy access and the transition to renewable energy, is limited. The position women hold globally, nationally and in households means that women are less likely than men to be identified as relevant actors and change agents in the green transition. To ensure a successful transition, the involvement of girls and women is crucial at global, national, and local levels.

Women’s participation in climate and environmental negotiations and political decision-making processes related to climate, the environment and food security lags behind that of men. Climate activists advocating for gender equality, call for climate action to be gender-responsive, though there is limited consensus and understanding of what this entails. Despite the integration of gender and gender equality goals in overarching climate agreements, knowledge is rarely integrated into negotiations and discussions on specific solutions and financing mechanisms.

There is an urgent need for further research on how climate impacts people differently, based on gender and other factors. Knowledge gaps persist on the connections among climate, gender and health, as well as the gender dimension between climate and migration.