10 gender inequality examples

World Vision Canada views gender inequality as the unequal power, resources, access and opportunities between genders.

Historically, women and girls have shouldered the lack of gender equality. At home. At school. At work. In society. There have been systemic disadvantages that impact their fundamental rights and well-being. As a result, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by hunger, poverty and other issues.

Over time, progress has been made. But there are still gender inequality examples around the world and in all walks of life. Here are 10 gender inequality examples which persist even today.

Gender inequality examples in the workplace

1. Gender pay gap

Men and women— with comparable skills, education and experience—are performing similar work. Yet, there is a difference in earnings between them. That’s the gender pay gap.

The gender pay gap is caused by multiple factors:

• Overrepresentation in lower-paying jobs (sometimes known as occupational segregation)
• Career interruptions for caregiving responsibilities
• Unknown or even unwilling biases in hiring, promotions and raises
• Systemic discrimination in workplaces and industries

The impact of the gender pay gap is more than just a disparity in income. It affects the ability for women to be economically independent, save for retirement or be considered for career opportunities. It prevents women from pursuing goals like furthering their education or starting a business.

Downstream, the gender pay gap limits access to resources. It limits decision-making power. It reinforces gender stereotypes around what women “should” do and devalues women’s work.

• Critical stat: Globally, women earn approximately $0.80 for every dollar a man earns.

2. Lack of leadership opportunities

Men and women can exhibit the same leadership traits and qualities. However, leadership roles are often associated with men. These stereotypes perpetuate the myth that women are not suited for senior roles.

This unconscious train of thought can impact hiring practices, performance reviews and promotion decisions. Over time, women either lose access—or do not have access—to mentors, sponsors and networks where leadership opportunities are shared.

And again, expectations around caregiving can penalize women for pausing their careers. Women are often assumed to be unsuitable for leadership if they may take career breaks for family.

It’s wrong. It’s unfair. And it needs to stop.

• Story to inspire change: Two young women in Mozambique, Fusia and Julie, are creating leadership pathways for gender equality for all girls.

3. Discrimination and harassment

In the workplace, women may be subject to unfair treatment simply because of their gender:

• Sexual harassment in the form of unwanted advances, staring or inappropriate comments
• Unequal dress code or appearance standards (for example, women must wear makeup, high heels and dresses while no similar requirements are imposed on men)
• Pregnancy discrimination through the denial of reasonable accommodations or the ability to pursue career advancement opportunities
• Dismissive experiences such as being interrupted, talked over or having ideas dismissed out of hand

Together, these gender inequality examples in the workplace results in:

• Stress, burnout and decreased mental health
• Reduced productivity and, ultimately, reduced profitability
• High turnover rates
• Increased conflict and tension

When these behaviors are ignored or unaddressed, they reinforce unequal power dynamics and signal that women are less valued or supported at work.

• Story to inspire change: World Vision Canada recognizes that our employees are people first. Being responsive, flexible and supportive is why World Vision Canada is a top employer in Toronto and Canada.

Gender inequality examples in school

4. Barriers to education

Girls are often denied access to education simply because they are girls.

They’re expected to stay home and perform domestic chores— such as fetch clean water or care for siblings—while boys are allowed to attend school.

Sometimes, schools and classrooms can be quite a distance away. If safe, reliable transportation isn’t available, these distances may be too long or unsafe to travel. As a result, girls stay home or drop out entirely and don’t get the education they deserve.

Other barriers include:

• Child marriage: Once married, education is rarely prioritized or supported for girls, thus cutting their learning short and stifling any future opportunities.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant girls may be pushed out of school due to stigma, lack of child care or policies that prevent them from returning to school after giving birth.
• Poverty: When families struggle financially, education costs for uniforms, books and school supplies are prioritized for boys while girls stay home.

These obstacles limit girls’ education and reduce their opportunities for independence, leadership and economic security later in life.

• Critical stat: As of 2025, there are an estimated 119 million girls out of school worldwide.

5. Lack of safe spaces

As mentioned previously, getting to school may be an unsafe journey for girls. Once there, the school itself may not be safe, either.

In many communities, menstruation is enveloped in stigma and silence. A lack of private toilets or latrines, clean or purified water or hygiene support may leave girls feeling embarrassed, unsafe or exposed. This makes managing their periods difficult and stressful. In some countries, 30% of girls miss school or drop out entirely due to their periods.

Additionally, harassment, bullying and violence— both inside and outside the classroom—can make attending school frightening or intimidating.

Overcrowded classrooms. Minimal supervision. Discriminatory or exclusionary practices add to the risks of attending school.

Eventually, all these gender inequality examples in school create an unwelcoming, unsafe environment. Absenteeism increases, participation decreases and girls miss out on the opportunities available from a fully accessible education.

• Story to inspire change: Through the Rhythms of Change program, girls have access to the products and support they need to stay healthy while in school.

Gender inequality examples in everyday life

6. Unequal caregiving expectations

Women and girls are often expected to take on the majority of childcare, elder care and household labour. Even when they work full time.

There’s actually a term for this which was coined in the late 1980s: the “ stalled gender revolution.” It states that while women have made strides in contributing to paid work, men have not always kept up in contributing to unpaid work such as cooking, cleaning or caregiving.

These expectations are reinforced by social or cultural norms, workplace environments and policies that assume caregiving is primarily a woman’s responsibility.

As a result, women may:

• Reduce working hours or turn down promotions
• Withdraw from society to continue caregiving.
• Experience higher levels of burnout or mental health issues.

Over time, this imbalance limits career progression, contributes to income and leadership gaps and increases stress and its associated costs.

• Story to inspire change: World Vision Canada adapts the MenCare approach to teach men how to become more active parents and equal partners at home and in the community.

7. Unsafe public spaces

Catcalls. Unwanted attention. Derogatory comments. Inappropriate leering. When out and about, women and girls often experience higher levels of harassment in a myriad of public spaces:

• Streets
• Public transit
• Shops and businesses
• Parks and greenspaces

Many women and girls change their behaviour because of this. They’ll avoid certain routes or locations. Perhaps they’ll only travel at specific times. Or maybe not at all and spend more time isolated. They’ll alter how they dress and limit social activities.

All to protect themselves.

This unequal—and unfair—attention restricts freedom of movement, participation in community life and access to opportunities. It reinforces the stereotype that men are free to go, look and do as they please while women better “watch out.”

• Critical stat: The five toughest places to be a girl: Niger, Mali, South Sudan, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

8. Underrepresentation in community leadership

The global ratio of men to women is almost 50/50 and is expected to reach true parity by 2050.

That split, however, is not reflected in community leadership.

Globally, women represent only 35.5% of elected members in local deliberative bodies (defined as local governments). This underrepresentation arises from systemic barriers or stereotypes about women in leadership positions. The perspectives and priorities of women—such as women and girls’ health care, education and workplace equality—are less likely to be understood or acted upon properly.

• Story to inspire change: Sweden is a global leader in advancing gender equality. What can the world learn from Sweden's government?

Gender inequality examples in health care

9. Women don't have access to health care

Everyone should have access to a doctor or medical professional when they need it. For many women and girls, that isn’t the case. Here’s why:

• Women face financial barriers because they have less personal income or access to money. This makes it difficult to afford medical care, insurance or medications.
• In some communities, women need permission from male family members to seek care. These same communities may prioritize male health over female health.
• In rural or conflict zones, clinics and hospitals may be far away, poorly equipped or unsafe to reach.
• Health systems may not provide reproductive health care, mom and baby care or other gender-specific services.

Addressing gender inequality examples in health care is essential for the well-being, safety and empowerment of women and girls.

When financial, systemic or logistical hurdles are in place, women and girls cannot receive the care they need. And the consequences extend beyond individual health—families, communities and society are all impacted.

• Story to inspire change: When conflict prevented a mobile clinic from reaching her community, Mai found a way to ensure her baby got the care he needed.

10. Medical concerns not taken seriously

The doctor’s office should be the one place you feel heard and respected. Due to gender inequality, women face more challenges having their concerns and questions addressed properly.

Doctors may take women and girls less seriously. Or they may dismiss health issues as simply anxiety or stress and that “everything is fine.” This worsens the healthcare experience and deters women and girls from seeking care.

After all, why go to the doctor when the doctor won’t listen to you?

Issues can be ignored. Or misdiagnosed. Or delayed treatment. If this cycle repeats, women and girls end up distrusting the healthcare system and avoiding it altogether.

Gender inequality examples in health care extend to medical research, training and treatment. The unique health needs of women and girls—such as chronic pain or reproductive health—are overlooked or misunderstood.

Medical professionals should ensure women and girls are listened to, respected and treated equally. That creates a healthcare system that works.

For everyone.

• Critical stat: Women who visit the emergency room for stomach pain experience 33% longer wait times than men with the same symptoms.

Help put an end to these gender inequality examples

The good news is that progress is being made. In fact, you can see just how far Canada has progressed from 1900-2025.

The not-so-good news is that, for many parts of the world, progress is slow or fighting resistance.

But little by little, that can change and allow women and girls to reach their full potential. It starts in the home and can spread to schools, workplaces, hospitals and communities. And then, suddenly, a whole generation of girls and women are educated and empowered to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others.

Here are a few meaningful ways you can help promote gender equality today

Sponsor a girl

• For around $1.60 (CAD) per day, women and girls are given the resources, tools and access required for gender equality. Learn about sponsoring a girl

Give a one-time gift

• Healthy girls. Educated girls. Confident women. Empowered women. Add it up and you get gender equality for all. View all gifts