If you are wondering if observing International Women’s Day is relevant today, here are some facts that might just answer a few questions on gender disparity and its existence:
– World over, women do 66% of the world’s work and produce 50% of the food. They earn just 10% of incomes and own 1% of the property globally.
– Out of 197 countries, only 22 of them have women currently serving as heads of state — just 11.2%.
– The Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum in 2013 placed India in the 101st position among 136 countries on the progress made in bridging the gap.
– A study done in 2015 found that India can increase its 2025 gross domestic product (GDP), estimated at $4.83 trillion, by between 16% and 60% by enabling women to participate in the economy.
– In nearly every country, women work longer hours than men and paid less. Women in poor countries especially do more unpaid work, work longer hours and face degrading working conditions.