Why gender equality is important and how we can protect it

During a speech in September 2024, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said, “a girl born today will be 39 years old before women hold as many seats in Parliament as men, she will be 68 before child marriage ends, and she will be 137 before extreme poverty for women and girls is eradicated.” 

This will be the outcome if there aren’t significant advancements to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Bahous went on to celebrate the progress made until now, but not to let those achievements “blind us to reality. The progress is too little, too slow. While the tireless activists for equality have done their job, the rest of the world has not. And so, we find ourselves racing against time.”

Discover the threats to gender equality, how we can achieve gender equality, and why it matters.

Why is gender equality important?

Gender equality means equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for women, men, and people of other gender minorities. 

Advancing gender equality is crucial for many reasons: from benefits to the economy, the planet, and its communities. The following are some of the primary reasons why we need gender equality:

It prevents gender violence

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gender inequality increases violence against women by men and restricts victims to seek protection. 

Almost one in three women in the world has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life, according to the WHO. Current or former intimate partners often perpetrate this violence. 

A world with gender equality is a safer one for women and other gender minorities, as violence against women is both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality. 

It benefits the economy

According to research, closing the gender equality gap in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (formed by 38 countries, mostly high-income economies) “can raise global economic activity by approximately 7%, or about $7 trillion in today’s dollars.”  The research adds that “closing the gaps in large emerging economies, including India, would raise that potential further”.

The European Investment Bank points out that having women in an equal position in the economy brings better results and maximizes productivity and competitiveness.

It boosts environmental sustainability

Women are disproportionally affected by climate change. Women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in climate disasters. In the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 70% of the people killed were women.

At the same time, research shows that women-led companies have higher environmental, social and governance scores. Countries with a higher proportion of women in Parliament are also more likely to have stricter climate policies.

On a more personal scale, women tend to have smaller carbon footprints than men. In fact, countries with higher gender equality have lower emissions and climate footprints.

It protects mental health

According to a 2020 study, women who experienced perceived gender discrimination had higher depression scores. 

Further research shows that there is strong evidence “of a relationship between high gender inequality and a higher ratio of depressive disorder rates for both females and males”. 

The study emphasized the need to focus on policies promoting equality, including gender and wealth equality, to help reduce mental health gaps and improve health for everyone.

It’s actually good for men, too

Gender stereotypes harm men as well and research shows that men are half as likely to be depressed in societies with higher gender equality, and also say they are more satisfied with life.

Breaking away from those stereotypes also gives men greater choice in their careers, letting them choose paths, caring responsibilities, or activities traditionally reserved for women.

A study from 2022 showed that in heterosexual relationships where the split in housework is as equal as possible, the overall happiness of the relationship was higher.

It fosters peace

Research shows that gender equality is the number one factor that determines peace. A peace agreement that includes women is 35% more likely to last at least 15 years.

Further research shows that ​​”societies with high levels of family violence are more likely to rely on violent conflict resolution and are more likely to be involved in wars compared to societies with lower levels of family violence.” 

It also shows that countries with a higher level of violence against women have worse nation-state relations with their neighboring countries. 

It’s good for children

Research shows that a country’s Gender Inequality Index is directly linked to infant and under-five mortality rates. The higher the gender inequality, the higher the infant and under-five mortality rates. 

Achieving gender equality begins in childhood and getting rid of gender stereotypes from the start helps girls and boys make choices freely about sports, leisure and school activities. An example of this is girls being exposed to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. 

Examples of gender inequality

Instances of gender inequality abound: from the above-mentioned gender-based violence to the gender pay gap and reproductive rights violations. 

Over 2023, women in the U.S. were paid roughly 22% less than men. Globally, this stands at 20%, according to the UN. 

Although more than two-thirds of countries have reached gender parity in enrollment in primary education, in countries that have not reached parity, girls are more likely to be disadvantaged than boys. Across the world, women and girls face violations of their sexual and reproductive rights, such as lack of access to contraception and safe abortion, female genital mutilation, and sexual violence.

Gender equality is also important to protect girls from being married. According to UNICEF, approximately one in five girls are married in childhood across the world. Every year, at least 12 million girls are married before they reach 18. This is the equivalent of 28 girls every minute.

How can the world promote gender equality? 

Reaching gender equality requires a multi-layered approach from all corners of society: from education to healthcare and language. Here are some key strategies that can help.

Strengthening health systems

Health systems should collaborate with sectors such as education, justice, social services, and women’s affairs to create a comprehensive national response to violence.

Reshaping social media culture

Research shows that social media can have a transformative power leveling the playing field by taking actions such as enhancing online literacy, ensuring online safety and access. “Creating gender-sensitive and gender-transformative content and breaking gender stereotypes” is also key for gender equality online.

Supporting women leadership

Increasing the number of women in authority and decision-making positions would help stop the cycle of gender-biased and inequitable policies.

Engaging men and boys

Without the efforts of men and boys, gender equality cannot be achieved, states the UN. To achieve this, the UN has programs to encourage men and boys to “abandon harmful stereotypes, embrace respectful, healthy relationships, and support the human rights of all people, everywhere.”

Using gender-inclusive language

Language is social and cultural. Gender-inclusive language has the power to promote gender equality and eradicate gender bias. 

Using “they/them” pronouns instead of assuming “he” or “she”, or saying “firefighter” instead of “fireman” are examples of gender-inclusive language that helps get rid of gender stereotypes. This shows, for instance, that no profession is exclusive to a particular gender.

Standing up against harassment

Speaking out when in the presence of harassment – whether it occurs in the workplace, on the streets, at home, or online – contributes to putting an end to it. 

Starting a petition

A powerful tool to drive change and influence decision-makers by raising awareness of gender inequality matters. Petitions can be used to rally support for a variety of different gender equality causes that are important to you and are also easy to start. 

Gender equality campaigns on Change.org 

Around the world, many use Change.org to make their voices heard. The following petitions are examples of people who’ve rallied support to achieve gender equality.

Equal pay for equal work

With 4,800 supporters, this petition helped close the gender wage gap. 

Started by New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, the petition led to the introduction of pay equity legislation that prohibits prospective employers from requesting salary history from job applicants. 

Close the research gap

Started in September 2024, this petition calls on the U.S. Congress to increase funding for women’s health research initiatives through the National Institutes of Health. 

As of late October 2024, it’s getting close to its 25,000 goal. The petition is aiming for a response by the December 20 deadline to debate the federal budget for the 2025 fiscal year. 

Provide feminine protection for detained and incarcerated women

“Although federal prisons passed legislation in 2017 to provide free menstrual products, reports indicate that many prisons were failing to provide adequate supplies,” writes petitioner Cindy Nelson, pushing for the legislation to become a reality.

This petition has over 68,800 signatures.

Make cyberflashing a crime 

Started by Grazia Magazine, this petition called on the UK’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to make cyberflashing illegal under the Online Safety Bill.

With over 4,200 signatures, the petition reached its goal and in March 2024 the first person went to jail for cyberflashing in England. 

Gender inequality is the unfinished business of our time

The UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres has said that achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the biggest human rights challenge and unfinished business of our time.  

One way to be part of the movement that makes gender inequality a thing of the past is by showing decision-makers what needs changing. 

Starting a petition is easy on Change.org and an effective way to rally support for promoting gender equality.