What is gender inequality?
Women remain disproportionately affected by violence and discrimination in all aspects of life. Despite centuries of fighting for equality and some progress, feminism is more relevant than ever.
Gender inequality is discrimination on the basis of sex or gender causing one sex or gender to be routinely privileged or prioritized over another. Gender inequality exists because of historic biases and discrimination, whether intentional or not. Gender equality is a fundamental human right and that right is violated by gender-based discrimination.
Gender inequality is a form of discrimination that has excluded women, non-binary, and trans people from social, political, and economic life for centuries. It has led to:
Discrimination: Women are often treated as second-class citizens under the law.
Violence against women and girls: Gender inequality has led to increased gender-based violence. This includes sexual violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Poverty: Women are more likely than men to live in poverty.
Political representation: Men hold most seats in parliaments
Peace negotiations: Women make up a small percentage of peace negotiators and signatories.
Health care: Women often face barriers to accessing health information and services. Gender bias in healthcare means that women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed for certain conditions. Additionally, women’s health issues are less researched.
Abortion access: Restrictions on abortion access endanger women's lives.
Unequal pay: Women often earn less than men, and are especially vulnerable to poverty.
Sexual harassment: Women are more likely to experience sexual harassment at work.
Gendered jobs: STEM jobs and caretaking jobs are often gendered and undervalued.
Products for women: Products for women can cost more.
Caring responsibilities: These responsibilities often fall to women as a gender norm.
Health inequalities – Case study
There are also gender inequalities in health research. For example, it is well known and researched about the health impacts of miners which is a male dominated industry. However, little research has been done to date about the health impacts of working in nail salons or for cleaning companies which is mostly dominated by women.
Women in politics – Case study
Only 26.5 percent of parliamentarians in single or lower houses are women around the world. Without women telling their stories and experiences, policy-makers and legislators decisions lack information to make informed and sustainable decisions.