Global Scans · Gender Equality · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.

• [New] If gender parity in the global economy is achieved, it could add trillions of dollars to global GDP. GOV.UK
• As part of the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031, which prioritizes women's participation in AI, initiatives like Coursera's playbook play a crucial role in ensuring gender balance in AI and enhancing the UAE's leadership in digital transformation. HiDubai Focus
• Bridging digital divides: G20 countries reaffirmed their commitment to bridge digital divides and prioritise the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations and halving the gender digital divide by 2030. The Indian Express
• Closing the gender gap in farm productivity could increase global GDP by USD 1 trillion and lift 45 million people out of food insecurity. FAO
• Gender-responsive budgeting has the potential to be a transformative tool in tackling inequality in South Africa by ensuring that public resources are allocated in ways that actively reduce gender disparities and promote social and economic equity. Youth Capital
• Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including high levels of violence against women, limited access to healthcare and economic opportunities, and persistent gender-based discrimination. AsheNews
• An Australian AI expert has warned the United Nations of the critical need for women to engage with technology or risk enduring further gender discrimination as a result. HerCanberra
• A new ILO policy brief highlights the key structural barriers and discrimination fuelling the gender pay gap in Pakistan, calling for urgent policy action to promote equal pay, strengthen labour law enforcement, and enhance economic opportunities for women. Pakistan
• Gender equality remains an unachieved goal globally, despite its numerous benefits, including fair treatment, equal pay, and opportunities for women in various sectors. UN Women - Headquarters
• Gender diversity in leadership continues to gain attention, with research indicating that achieving gender parity could add $21 billion to Australia's economy. Adviser Ratings
• At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity based on a global measure of opportunity, education, health and empowerment. Applied Clinical Trials
• At the current pace of progress, the World Economic Forum has predicted that it will take until 2158 - roughly five generations from now - to reach full gender parity. UFCW 247
• The Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, pushing back against online abuse, and ensuring women and girls everywhere can access the benefits from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy. UN Women - Headquarters
• Full inclusion of women in STEM fields will not only strengthen India's position in global scientific research but also set an example for gender equality in science worldwide. EDUREV.IN
• With the right initiatives in place, India has the potential to bridge the gender gap and significantly increase women's representation in the semiconductor sector, with women's participation expected to rise from 25% in 2025 to 35% by 2030. SiliconIndia
• The need for accelerated action to achieve gender parity is urgent, with current progress indicating it will take until 2158 to reach full parity. Brightstar Nursing Australia
• Projections from the World Economic Forum indicate that it will take 134 years, nearly five generations, to reach gender parity at the current rate of progress. Dods Political Intelligence
• In China, expanding compulsory education has contributed to narrowing gender gaps at the educational level, affording women more opportunities for higher education. BioMed Central
• Digital Inclusivity: Efforts to close the gender digital divide will likely expand, focusing on delivering tech education and resources to women globally. teknetics.co.il
• Hundreds of thousands of women are expected to flood streets across Mexico on Saturday for International Women's Day, demanding gender equality and an end to violence against women. Mexico News Daily

Last updated: 11 May 2025