Failing Commitment to Gender Equality Hinders Progress for Women and Girls

Achieving global gender equality remains a significant challenge, with many countries still struggling to provide equal access to education and reproductive health. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly for women who have faced increased unpaid childcare and domestic violence. While some progress has been made in areas such as women's representation in local government and access to sexual and reproductive health rights, systemic discrimination against women persists. Research suggests that societies with shared decision-making between genders, such as the Mosuo people in China, experience better health outcomes for women. A more gender-equal approach to politics and power has also been linked to better outcomes for sustainable development goals. However, there is a need for greater collaboration and consideration of gender in achieving these goals.