In our rapidly changing world, gender equality is both a social and economic necessity.
However, despite comprising nearly half the world’s population, women still encounter barriers like discriminatory laws and unequal pay. These hurdles impede their advancement and stifle broader economic development.
Achieving gender equality goals also continues to elude us. The ‘Gender Snapshot 2023’ report by UN Women and UN DESA reveals some concerning trends:
- By 2030, over 340 million women are projected to live in extreme poverty.
- The gender gap persists in power and leadership roles.
- Women spend 2.3 more hours daily on unpaid care and domestic work.
The Case for Gender Equality
When women are empowered and given equal opportunities, they bring diverse perspectives, skills, and talents. This diversity fosters innovation, creativity, and problem-solving, which are critical for driving economic progress in today’s knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.
Empowering women economically has a multiplier effect, lifting household income, reducing poverty, and improving overall well-being. Research shows women reinvest earnings into families, which significantly benefits future generations.
Likewise, closing the gender gap in labour force participation could substantially boost global GDP growth. The World Economic Forum reports that achieving gender parity in economic participation could add trillions of dollars to the global economy, highlighting the immense potential of unleashing women’s full economic power.
Rise With RYTHM: Lessons from Our Programmes
In a global push for gender equality, several RYTHM-partner programmes shine as beacons of empowerment, challenging norms and fostering inclusivity.
Our clarion call for this year, Rise With RYTHM, also aligns with the ethos of these transformative programmes. For one, the year-long campaign embodies innovative equality initiatives, echoing the Foundation’s commitment to removing disparities, empowering women, and promoting inclusive development.
A prime example is the award-winning Mann Deshi Champions initiative in India, encouraging marginalised young women to break gender barriers through sports, education, and skills development.
By providing these women with opportunities for growth and success, the initiative not only fosters individual empowerment but also contributes to dismantling systemic inequalities.
Our recently concluded Community Adoption Programme (CAP) in Sabah, East Malaysia, is another notable initiative that takes a multifaceted approach to empowering indigenous Dusun women through entrepreneurship.
Their farming and food ventures signify more than mere economic opportunities; they represent a significant step towards inclusive economic development, fostering empowerment and challenging traditional gender norms – in this case, the agricultural sector.
The Maharani School Programme and Maharani Learning Lab after-school initiatives, which support disadvantaged girls in their holistic development and life improvement, are crucial to RYTHM’s pursuit of equal opportunities for girls from an early age.
By offering these adolescents academic support, skills training, and mentorship, the initiatives not only empower them individually but also help to break down systemic barriers and biases that hinder their progress.
These examples provide a glimpse of the tangible benefits of promoting gender equality across social and economic spheres. As ‘Rise with RYTHM’ emphasises, bridging divides and empowering women are crucial steps in sparking movements for positive transformation.
Achieving gender equality isn’t just a matter of rights; it’s also a wise economic decision with extensive benefits. Empowering women, breaking down barriers, and ensuring equal opportunities unlock untapped potential, drive innovation, and pave the way for a prosperous future for all.