How well a society treats its women is one of the strongest indicators of the success and health of that society. Discrimination against women and girls occurs in many forms — gender-based violence, economic discrimination, reproductive health inequities, and harmful traditional practices (such as child marriage), to name just a few. Women and girls of all ages have a right to live with dignity, free of cultural oppression.
Population Media Center is deeply committed to gender equality. It is part of our mission: to empower people to live healthier and more prosperous lives. Why? Because it is simply the right thing to do. Moreover, empowered women generally choose to have smaller families, contribute to the health and productivity of whole communities, and improve the prospects of both people and the environment.
Since 1995, the Beijing Platform of Action has been guiding the international community in its work to raise the status of women and girls. It aims at “removing all the obstacles to women’s active participation in all spheres of public and private life through a full and equal share in economic, social, cultural, and political decision-making. This means that the principle of shared power and responsibility should be established between women and men at home, in the workplace, and in the wider national and international communities.
“Equality between women and men is a matter of human rights and a condition for social justice and is also a necessary and fundamental prerequisite for equality, development and peace. A transformed partnership based on equality between women and men is a condition for people-centered sustainable development. A sustained and long-term commitment is essential, so that women and men can work together for themselves, for their children and for society to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
Obviously, the rights of individual women and girls to enjoy equal social status with men and boys needs no further justification: decent people everywhere should support improving the status of women and girls as a standalone, non-negotiable ethical imperative for human development. That the coincident effect of meeting this human right also helps to slow down population growth is a win-win for people, the planet, and the other species with which we share the Earth.
The United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA) lists various aspects of empowerment that are central to improving the status of women and girls:
Reproductive health: The ability of women to control their own fertility is fundamental to women’s empowerment and equality. When a woman can plan her family, she can plan the rest of her life. Protecting and promoting her reproductive rights — including the right to decide the number, timing, and spacing of her children — is essential to ensuring her freedom to participate more fully and equally in society. For both physiological and social reasons, women are more vulnerable than men to reproductive health problems. Collectively, complications of pregnancy or childbirth are the number two killer of women of reproductive age. Failure to provide information, services, and conditions to help women protect their reproductive health constitutes gender-based discrimination and is a violation of women’s rights to health and life.
Economic empowerment: Six out of 10 of the world’s poorest people are women. Economic disparities persist partly because much of the unpaid work within families and communities falls on the shoulders of women and because women continue to face discrimination in the economic sphere.
Educational empowerment: About two thirds of the world’s illiterate adults are women. Lack of an education severely restricts a woman’s access to information and opportunities. Conversely, increasing women’s and girls’ educational attainment benefits both individuals and future generations. Higher levels of women’s education are strongly associated with lower infant mortality and lower fertility, as well as better outcomes for children.
Political empowerment: Gender equality cannot be achieved without the backing and enforcement of institutions. But too many social and legal institutions still do not guarantee women equality in basic legal and human rights, in access to or control of resources, in employment or earnings, or in social or political participation. And men continue to occupy most positions of political and legal authority. Globally, only 22% of parliamentarians are women. Laws against domestic violence are often not enforced on behalf of women.
Gender equity stands as a universal human right, transcending borders, cultures, and ideologies. It is not merely a matter of fairness but a fundamental principle essential for the well-being and prosperity of all individuals, communities, and the planet itself. By ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources, we foster a more just and sustainable world. Moreover, gender equity is intrinsically linked to broader societal issues such as poverty alleviation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. When women and girls are empowered and have control over their lives, they can contribute meaningfully to their communities, drive positive change, and catalyze progress towards a more equitable and resilient future for all.
In striving for gender equity, we recognize that it is not only a matter of social justice but also a prerequisite for achieving global goals and addressing pressing challenges facing humanity. From ending poverty and hunger to combating climate change and promoting peace and security, gender equity plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our shared future. When we prioritize gender equity, we unlock the full potential of half of the world's population, harnessing their talents, creativity, and perspectives to tackle complex problems and build more inclusive and sustainable societies. Our collective well-being and the health of the planet depend on ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.
As we look ahead, it becomes increasingly evident that our future is intertwined with that of the planet Earth. Gender equity emerges as a linchpin in our efforts to safeguard the health and vitality of our shared home. By promoting gender equity, we address the root causes of environmental degradation, including unsustainable consumption patterns, resource exploitation, and climate change. Empowering women and girls to participate in decision-making processes, pursue education and economic opportunities, and access sexual and reproductive health services not only enhances their well-being but also contributes to more sustainable population growth and environmental stewardship. Our future is inseparable from that of the Earth, and advancing gender equity is essential for nurturing a harmonious relationship with the planet, ensuring that both present and future generations can thrive in balance and harmony.
Gender inequity persists as a pervasive issue globally, spanning across continents and cultures. In the United States, despite advancements in gender equality, women continue to face disparities in pay and representation in leadership positions. The gender pay gap remains a significant challenge, with women earning approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, women are underrepresented in corporate boardrooms, government, and STEM fields, highlighting systemic barriers to gender equity within the country.
Similarly, in Australia, gender inequities persist in various spheres of society. Women in Australia continue to experience gender-based violence at alarming rates, with one in six women having experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner. Moreover, women are underrepresented in senior leadership roles across sectors, including politics, business, and academia, reflecting systemic barriers to women's advancement and participation in decision-making processes.
In Africa, gender inequities manifest in myriad forms, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and girls. In many African countries, child marriage remains prevalent, with girls disproportionately affected by this harmful practice. Furthermore, women often face legal and societal discrimination, hindering their ability to exercise their rights and participate fully in society.
In Latin America, despite progress in some areas, gender inequities persist, particularly concerning violence against women and girls. Rates of femicide, the killing of women because of their gender, are alarmingly high in several Latin American countries. Additionally, women in Latin America often face barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services, limiting their autonomy and decision-making power over their bodies and lives.
These examples underscore the pervasive nature of gender inequity, emphasizing that it is not solely a problem confined to distant lands but one that exists in our own backyards, communities, and neighborhoods, globally. Addressing gender inequity requires collective action at local, national, and international levels to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge harmful norms and stereotypes, and promote gender equality and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of their gender.
EVERY ACTION COUNTS.
A sustainable future depends on the stories we create. At Population Media Center, we are born creators fueled by passion and guided by purpose. We address the most fundamental threats to well-being where it matters most — in human hearts and minds — to inspire entire communities to choose a healthier, more equitable, and flourishing world for