Although a global goal has been set to achieve gender equality by 2030, the United Nations’ latest ‘Gender Snapshot’ report has warned that, at the current pace of progress, that goal will only be achievable in 2197. The report points out that the stagnation seen across various areas, including women’s political representation and economic rights, is the reason for this delay.
2030 target... where does the situation stand?
The fifth of the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is based on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men. However, the report has expressed concern that none of the major indicators set under this goal are on track to be achieved globally by 2030.
Although it includes various aspects such as eliminating discrimination against women, preventing violence, increasing participation in political and decision-making spheres, and ensuring economic and property rights, progress on the ground remains very limited.
Male dominance still continues in politics
In the current year, women’s representation in the lower houses or unicameral legislatures of national parliaments around the world stands at just 27.4 percent. In 2015, it was 22.3 percent. If this slow pace of progress over the past ten years continues, it may take until 2064 to achieve full gender equality in parliaments, according to the UN.
Similarly, worldwide, women’s share in national cabinets stands at only 22.4 percent. The number of women serving as parliamentary leaders also remains low at 19.9 percent.
Challenges even for institutions advancing equality
The weakening authority and structure of government bodies that create and implement equality policies for women has emerged as another major challenge. Over the past two years, one-third of such institutions have reported that their political power has declined. In addition, one-fourth of these institutions have faced direct funding cuts.
This has had a major setback on policies related to women’s rights and on measures to implement them at the grassroots level.
Legal Gaps and Violence
The reality is that no country in the world has yet achieved full legal equality between men and women. A study conducted in 131 countries found that more than half of them have severe legal gaps in key areas such as employment, wages, anti-discrimination, and land rights.
Along with this, violence against women continues to be a global threat. The UN has estimated that worldwide, about one in three women will experience sexual violence or violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
As the deadline for achieving gender equality by 2030 draws near, if the current pace of progress does not change, there is a risk that the goal will be pushed back by several more centuries. This long-term UN projection underscores the need for governments to immediately accelerate the journey toward equality.