Men and women should actually have equal rights. In reality, however, there is a huge problem, as a new study by the OECD shows. This has major effects – also on the prosperity of the countries.
The industrialized nations organization OECD has called for equal opportunities for men and women to be increased. “If we do not work towards equality between men and women, our common future prosperity will be jeopardized,” said a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published in Paris on Tuesday.
“Tackling gender inequalities is not just a matter of personal values and a moral imperative. It can also improve growth, productivity, competitiveness and the sustainability of economies.” Closing the gaps in labor force participation and working hours could increase gross domestic product by 9.2 percent on average across OECD countries by 2060.
There has been significant progress in recent years, for example with parental leave, wage transparency or access to flexible working opportunities. However, according to the OECD, gender inequality persists in all areas of life. Even in countries that are actually at the forefront of gender equality policies, girls and women continue to be disadvantaged in the labor market, at home and in public life.
Women continue to earn less
According to the study, women spend a disproportionate amount of time on unpaid care or housework, which limits their participation in the labor market. Fewer weekly working hours, more difficult opportunities for advancement and the division into clear male and female domains mean that women continue to earn less than men. According to the OECD, this not only means that women can accumulate fewer assets and have worse pensions. Rather, it means “missed opportunities for job creation, growth and innovation – which affects the entire economy”.
It is also problematic that the crises of recent years – pandemic, Ukraine war, inflation – may have wiped out a lot of progress. Accordingly, women worked more often than average in areas that were particularly shaken up by the pandemic. They take on a large part of the additional care work and since they usually have a lower income, they are also more likely to be affected by poverty due to rising prices.
Governments need to think more in context and take into account a whole range of different factors, says the OECD. States should ensure, for example, that more women are active in politics. Because although women are overrepresented in the public service, they are still underrepresented in politics and in management positions. This would not adequately recognize issues affecting women. The collection of gender-specific data is also crucial. It is also particularly urgent to prevent violence against women.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
