UN's 'Cheeky' List On Gender Equality Draws Attention Towards A Grim Situation

According to the United Nations, no country in the world has achieved gender equality, and no country will be able to achieve gender equality by 2030 based on current growth rates. The United Nations’ (UN) post about gender equality, drew attention to the grim situation of women and girls across the globe even. The simple image shared along with a detailed caption, UN said 'Top 10 countries that have achieved gender equality.' However, from 1 to 10, the list remained blank with text saying in the end that 'There are none.'

UN said in the caption, 'Women and girls represent half of the world’s population, but not one country has achieved gender equality. Empowering women and girls and advancing gender equality is critical to achieving the Global Goals and a better future for everyone.' 'Women's leadership is essential to peace and progress for all. Yet, around the world and across all sectors, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles. Currently, only 22 among the 193 United Nations member countries are led by women,' it added.

In the recent UN General Assembly's High-Level week, president of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid has underlined the need to draw on shared lessons to change the narrative on gender parity, 'Gender equality is a topic that is close to my heart. As long as women and girls are denied their opportunity and rights, I will continue to advocate on this policy,' he said.

As per the UN, the issues hampering the growth to achieve gender equality include, 'Discriminatory laws and social norms remain pervasive, women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership, and 1 in 5 women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49 report experiencing physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner within a 12-month period.'

UN also noted that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can reverse the limited progress in the aspect of equality among all genders. It further explained that the unprecedented outbreak of Coronavirus has ‘exacerbated’ the existing inequalities for women and girls across the globe and that too, in all spheres of life including health, economy, security and social protection.