Why is gender equality important?

Gender equality means that everyone, regardless of gender, should have the same rights, access and opportunities to reach their full potential. It isn’t about making everyone the same. Rather, it ensures gender doesn’t create barriers to success.

World Vision Canada believes gender equality is a fundamental human right and can lead to better social and economic outcomes for everyone. However, persistent gaps still disproportionately impact women and girls:

Economic gaps

• Women globally earn just $0.89 for every $1 men make.

Education gaps

• 510 million of illiterate adults worldwide are women.

Social gaps

• 12 million girls are married each year before age 18.

The first steps toward closing these gaps are to understand why gender equality is important, where it exists and how we can address it.

Why is gender equality important in society?

When gender is removed from the equation—and everyone is given the same levels of fairness and chances—society at large benefits:

• Economic growth: When more people work, more people can afford goods and services, which boosts the overall economy.
• Education for everyone: Equal access to education empowers girls and boys, and results in a more skilled and informed society.
• Improved health: Gender equality improves quality of life and life expectancy for women and girls and men and boys.
• Reduced poverty: Empowering women economically provides independence, confidence, stability and opportunities for growth.
• Diverse leadership: More voices and decision-making opportunities result in more effective policies and governance for everyone

Gender equality is human rights. It strengthens social cohesion, which lowers discrimination. Over time, communities become healthier, more prosperous and better equipped to handle the challenges of today while identifying and taking advantage of the opportunities of tomorrow.

• The role of men and boys and why gender equality is important: World Vision’s MenCare program helps men become more engaged and equitable husbands, fathers and partners. Gender equality becomes strengthened and protected in areas where it traditionally has been overlooked.

Gender equality and climate justice

There is a very powerful connection between the importance of gender equality and the impact of climate change.

Meet Sofia. She is 16 years old, lives in Mozambique, and is a member of the Safe Space for Girls club and a graduate of the Every Girl Can project. She saw the impact climate change could have on daily life and long-term survival, and the risks of losing access to school or being forced into marriage at a young age.

“I look into the future with hope,” she says. “After learning about gender-based violence and communication, I can make better decisions about my life.”

As a leader, Sofia can be active in discussions around climate change and gender equality, including:

• Mapping the gendered impacts of climate change on women, girls and youth.
• Helping women entrepreneurs drive green innovation that benefits their communities.
• Connecting humanitarian response with climate adaptation and peacebuilding.
• Gender equality is critical for sustainable development. It empowers communities to thrive socially, economically and environmentally.

Sofia’s story illustrates the importance of gender equality in the fight against climate change. It shows, at a community, grassroots level, girls like Sofia are taking an active role in understanding their rights and worth and how to apply that knowledge to make the world a better, more sustainable place.

• 5 sustainable ways to make a difference against climate change: The smallest actions, when added up, can make a big impact. Here are simple things you can do to mitigate climate change and help the planet in a positive way.

Gender equality should be everywhere

To truly know why gender equality is important, just look around.

Schools. Workplaces. Homes. Government buildings. Society in general. All of these areas can benefit greatly from gender equality.

Why is gender equality important in schools?

• Classrooms become places where all students can learn and lead. Children develop skills in communication and critical thinking, breaking down stereotypes around what boys and girls “should” do. For every additional year of schooling, a girl’s future earning potential increases 10-20%.

• The facts behind girls' education: Educating girls does much more than instill knowledge. It helps fight poverty. It helps prevent child marriage. It makes local economies better for everyone. See what is keeping girls out of school and what can be done to protect their right to education.

Why is gender equality important in workplaces?

• Companies that practice gender equality in the workplace can enjoy up to 25 per cent more profits than those which don’t. For women in the workplace, better job prospects can reduce the risk of human trafficking. Consider that for every 1per cent rise in unemployment, human trafficking increases by 0.5 per cent.

Why is gender equality important in government?

• Gender equality in government has two key parts. Firstly, it’s about ensuring equal opportunities for women to run for office and represent their constituents. Secondly, it’s about implementing policies, programs and laws which benefit everyone. Equality in government can tackle systemic issues like pay gaps while giving women and girls important and influential leadership roles.

Those are just some examples. Others include healthcare and reproductive rights. Property and land ownership rights. Economic and entrepreneurship opportunities. It may sound simple, but nearly every aspect of life can benefit from gender equality.

• Two girls fight for gender equality: Argentina and Hortência, two young women from Mozambique, challenge deeply entrenched gender norms. They’re helping girls like them break free from violence, discrimination and gender-based barriers.

Gender equality is essential to building a better world

Communities and societies should be fair, healthy and resilient. Everyone should have equal access to education, economic opportunity and leadership and decision-making roles. When that’s the case, everyone and everything becomes stronger and more prosperous.

Yet, as just evidenced, deep gaps remain. Especially for women and girls.

Gender equality is not a standalone issue. It is deeply connected to concerns found in all nations. Economic growth (or lack thereof). Poverty. Worries over the mental and physical health of the populace. Climate resilience. Human rights. All these critical problems can be drastically improved with gender equality.

In short, gender equality belongs everywhere. Schools. Workplaces. Homes. Governments. And beyond.

When gender equality is woven into everyday systems, processes and decisions, it creates safer, healthier and more inclusive communities and people.

Help inspire and initiate gender equality

You now know why gender equality is important. And you now know gender equality doesn’t happen on its own, either.

It’s built through collective action and long-term, sustainable commitment. You can be part of the change by supporting programs like Every Girl Can to champion gender equality. Or MenCare to help men live and work alongside women as equals.

By standing for gender equality, you can help create safer homes, stronger economies, more inclusive leadership and thriving, sustainable communities for years to come.

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

Sponsor a girl

• All it takes is $1.60 (CAD) per day to provide the resources that help empower women and girls on the road to gender equality. Learn about sponsoring a girl

Give a one-time gift

• Support girls’ health. Provide vocational training. Get girls into school. Small gifts that add up to gender equality. View all World Vision Canada gifts