Despite progress in gender equality, millions of women, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, continue to face barriers in economic, social, and political participation. To bridge this gap, international cooperation efforts must move beyond awareness-raising and focus on scalable solutions, such as vocational training, legal protections, and inclusive policies that prioritise women's rights.
Unfair working conditions, limited economic options, and a lack of access to education are just a few of the challenges in this respect. The struggle is evident in grim statistics: according to UNESCO, 122 million girls are out of school worldwide, and women account for nearly two-thirds of all adults who cannot read.
In many low-income regions, deeply rooted social structures block women from owning property, being paid fairly, or even securing the basic identification documents they need to open a bank account or launch a business. Despite their vital role in food production, women often have no legal rights to the land they cultivate, cutting off a major route to financial independence. Even when they do find work, women face lower wages, job uncertainty, and weak maternity support. As a result, many must choose between making a living and caring for their families, a decision that no one should have to make.
The situation is further worsened by the lack of women’s representation in politics. When female voices are missing at the policy table, especially voices from marginalised groups, legislation tends to ignore the realities these women live every day. Without purposeful action to change this, countless women will remain excluded from the economic and political arenas, reinforcing the cycle of poverty and inequality that holds them back.
Here are just a few of the steps we can collectively take to turn the tide.
1. Raising awareness: the first step toward change
Addressing these systemic issues begins with awareness. Discussions on gender equality must extend beyond leadership roles to include women in informal employment, low-wage roles, and rural areas. Public awareness is crucial for prompting policy reforms, as it drives governments, businesses, and institutions to tackle gender disparities more comprehensively.
Several movements have successfully shifted public perception and influenced policy changes. In 2014, UN Women launched the HeForShe campaign, engaging men as allies in gender equality. The #MeToo movement, which gained global momentum in 2017, placed workplace harassment under the spotlight, prompting stricter labour laws and corporate policies. Meanwhile, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Forced Labour Protocol (P29), adopted in 2014 and enforced in 2016, bolstered global efforts to eradicate forced labour by compelling governments to prevent exploitation, safeguard victims, and ensure justice. These initiatives continue to influence international labour standards and promote equality.
More work remains. Elevating women's voices through media, storytelling, and activism is crucial. Engaging governments and businesses in inclusive discussions ensures reforms reflect real experiences, leading to lasting and meaningful change.
2. Non-formal education & skills training: a pathway to economic independence
Traditional education pathways are not always accessible to women due to factors like poverty, societal norms, or family responsibilities. Non-formal education and skills training offer viable alternatives, providing opportunities for economic empowerment.
Programmes focusing on vocational training, digital literacy, and leadership development are making significant impacts. In Tunisia, for example, a digital training initiative for rural women has equipped participants with skills in e-commerce, marketing, and coding, enabling them to secure remote employment and achieve financial independence. Another important programme can be found in India: the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) has assisted millions of women in acquiring marketable skills in agriculture, textiles, and small business management, facilitating their transition from low-paid labour to entrepreneurship.
3. Labour development: creating fair & equitable workplaces
Achieving economic empowerment for women requires fair wages, legal protections, and safe working environments. However, women continue to face wage disparities, unpaid care burdens, discrimination, and workplace violence, limiting their economic opportunities.
The gender pay gap persists as a critical issue, with women typically earning about 20% less than men, a disparity driven by occupational segregation, discrimination, and the undervaluation of predominantly female roles (ILO, 2023). Meanwhile, unpaid care responsibilities keep many women out of formal employment, reinforcing their economic exclusion.
Maternity discrimination compels women to make an unfair choice between career and motherhood. In many regions, insufficient paid maternity leave leaves millions of working women without financial security during pregnancy and the early stages of childcare. This issue goes beyond developing countries, as numerous nations still lack adequate maternity safeguards, exposing women to job insecurity, recruitment bias, and limited career progression. Pregnancy should never hinder financial stability: strong maternity rights are vital for creating a fair and inclusive workforce.
Workplace harassment and violence also deter women’s career progression, as many fear retaliation and lack sufficient avenues for reporting. Meanwhile, occupational segregation confines women to lower-paying sectors, while migrant domestic workers, a notably vulnerable group, often endure exploitation, long hours, withheld wages, and abuse without adequate legal protections.
Addressing these issues demands comprehensive policy reforms, including the enforcement of equal pay legislation, stronger maternity rights, and decisive measures against workplace discrimination. Widening access to childcare services and promoting shared domestic responsibilities can also ease women’s caregiving burdens.
By confronting these systemic barriers collectively, societies can forge equitable and fair workplaces that empower women, ensuring economic inclusion and justice for all.
From policy to action: building a sustainable future for women
Achieving gender equality calls for collective action. Governments must uphold equal pay, paid maternity leave, and robust legal protections, ensuring women enjoy the same opportunities as men. Businesses must commit to fair wages, transparency, and inclusive leadership development for women. Grassroots organisations and labour unions play a crucial part in amplifying women’s voices, making sure their needs inform policymaking.
By joining forces, we can transform promises into tangible progress, creating a future where women thrive and equality becomes the norm, not the exception. Women’s empowerment goes beyond breaking glass ceilings: it involves strengthening the foundation so that no woman is left behind. Through investment in education, reinforced labour rights, and inclusive policies, we can shift empowerment from mere rhetoric to everyday reality, ensuring every woman, no matter her background, has the chance to shape her own future.
Women are the mothers of all mankind, not just giving life, but shaping societies, leading change, and driving progress. They build families, strengthen communities, and power economies, often against immense odds. When women are educated, empowered, and given a voice, entire nations thrive. True equality is not just a moral imperative, it is the key to unlocking human potential.
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