On March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, with many companies pledging their commitment to workplace equity. However, the Global Gender Gap Report 2021 reveals that gender parity remains a distant goal. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing gender disparities, increasing the time needed to close the gender gap from 99.5 years to 135.6 years.
Distance to Gender Parity
The pandemic has hindered efforts to build inclusive and equitable economies by widening pre-existing gender gaps. Women have been disproportionately affected, being more likely to work in industries impacted by lockdowns and rapid digitalization. Additionally, women often bear the brunt of childcare and homeschooling responsibilities, even while working full-time.
The Global Gender Gap Index measures gender disparities across economic participation, educational attainment, health, and political empowerment. It tracks progress towards closing these gaps, with scores ranging from 0 to 100.
Global Trends and Outcomes
Globally, the average distance to gender parity is 68%, a slight regression from 2020 due to declines in large countries’ performances. It is currently estimated that closing the gender gap worldwide will take 135.6 years.
Political Empowerment
The largest gender gap exists in political empowerment, with a score of 22%. Women hold only 26% of parliamentary seats and just over 22% of ministerial positions across the countries surveyed.
Economic Participation
Economic participation is the second-largest gap, with 58% closure achieved. Although there has been marginal improvement, it is estimated that closing this gap will take another 267.6 years. While more women are entering skilled professions and progress towards equal pay is being made, income disparities and a lack of women in leadership positions persist, with women representing just 27% of leaders.
Education and Health
On a positive note, gaps in education and health are nearly closed, at 95% and 96% respectively. However, the final stages of closing these gaps are progressing slowly, with an estimated 14.2 years needed to achieve full parity.
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