Gender equality is on the decline, finds global survey of 7,000 women

Gender equality is on the decline, finds global research

Credit: Getty

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Gender equality is on the decline, finds global survey of 7,000 women

By Amy Beecham

11 months ago

2 min read

Avon’s 2024 Global Progress for Women Report lays bare the reality of progress towards gender equality and the state of women’s safety right now. 


A new global report surveying more than 7,000 women has indicated a worrying decline in how women perceive their progress to achieving gender equality as well as their safety.

The data, from Avon’s 2024 Global Progress for Women Report, paints a concerning picture of regression: 89% of women think stereotypes are a barrier to equal opportunity, while the number of women in the UK who recognise the impact of gender pay inequality has increased from 47% in 2023 to 65% in 2024. Inequality in politics is also something 57% of women believe has increased, up from 49% the previous year.

Worryingly, women feel the barriers to achieving their goals are getting worse. Nearly a fifth (17%) of women in the UK say they see overcoming gender stereotypes as an obstacle to starting their own business, up from 10% in 2023. The number of women in the UK who think representation in business is in favour of men has also increased from 50% to 61%, while half of women say they think it’s more difficult for women to achieve senior positions, an increase from 43%.

The report also shows women continue to face threats to their safety across the world. Almost three-quarters (72%) of women surveyed admitted that they don’t feel safe walking or exercising alone outside at night, while 43% don’t feel safe on public transport and 55% say they feel nervous travelling in a taxi on their own. On top of that, more than a third (35%) of women have felt “uncomfortable” in the workplace because of their gender, with 17% admitting they’ve felt “unsafe” or “harassed” while at work

The data paints a concerning picture of regression

“This research shows that we’re still a long way off gender equality,” said Kristof Neirynck, CEO of Avon, of the findings. “The world is unbalanced and we need to do more to create opportunities for women to contribute to the economy, participate in work and realise their potential.”

Whether it’s pay gaps, medical misogyny, an unfair division of labour or sport inequality, we’re constantly reminded that, despite the progress we’ve made, true gender equality still hasn’t been achieved. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of young women (aged between 25 and 34) have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse while trying to do their jobs. Abortion rights across the world are continually being rolled back. Only 34% of our current MPs are women, when it should be 50% for a truly representative democracy.

The report may be saddening, but it only confirms what we know to be true: even in 2024, the world is still not a fair, just and safe space for women – and that change cannot come soon enough.


Images: Getty

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