A new global study has revealed that gender equality has lost ground to other more pressing societal issues.
Gender equality has been demoted by topics such as climate change and healthcare, confirmed the global survey conducted with HeForShe, the UN Women’s entity for engaging men and boys in support of gender equality and empowerment of women.
When asked, the public ranked gender equality as only the 10th most pressing issue, according to the global study. It also found that climate change actually hurts women more. In fact, 53% of women think climate change effects everyone equally, compared to 45% of men. But once respondents learned that 80% of people displaced by climate change are women, they expressed surprise, sadness, and disbelief. Over half (57%) said learning this information made them extremely or very concerned.
CLIMATE CHANGE & GENDER EQUALITY LINK
While three-quarters of people (77%) believe climate change is a serious issue, only 59% of people view gender equality as seriously. These statistics show there is an imbalance between the importance people place on climate change and gender equality. But these two issues have a deep connection and the effects of climate change have a detrimental impact on the progress of gender equality.
“The struggle for gender equality has been demoted by war, climate change and Covid,” said Samuel Dean, CEO of TEAM LEWIS Foundation, responsible for releasing the survey. “This research shows that people are overlooking gender equality. Sustainability and gender equality are both important but can no longer be viewed in isolation. One way we can tackle the climate crisis is by elevating more voices. Men have a role to play by raising awareness of the link between sustainability and gender equality. The battle for gender equality cannot lose momentum.”
GENDER EQUAL & SUSTAINABLE WORLD
The report reveals that while gender equality has lost ground to other societal issues, people want governments to act on gender equality. An overwhelming majority (75%) believe that women must be included in government solutions for fighting climate change.
“Gender equality needs to be a priority for all of us. This research shows that when gender inequality is highlighted, the vast majority want to take action,” said Edward Wageni, Global Head of HeForShe. “Together we can work towards a more gender-equal and sustainable world. Men can play their part as allies by amplifying women’s voices and lifting the stories of others.”
Click here to access the full report.
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