Supporting gender equality for more just societies

Supporting gender equality for more just societies | Photo: Alexander Grey

Achieving gender equality remains one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. Across the globe, progress has been made, yet stark inequalities persist. Women still undertake three times as much unpaid care work as men, and the global gender pay gap continues to hover at around 20 per cent. These disparities are not only an issue of human rights, but also of economic and social sustainability. Societies that fail to close the gender gap risk wasting human potential, weakening innovation, and undermining resilience.

Sharing responsibilities at home and at work

In most households, the burden of unpaid labour falls disproportionately on women. Research shows that equal sharing of domestic responsibilities leads to stronger family wellbeing and improved mental health. Simple changes such as dividing household chores, ensuring both parents participate in childcare, and promoting flexible working arrangements can redistribute the load. At a workplace level, employers have a responsibility to implement anti-bias training, enforce zero-tolerance policies for harassment, and introduce transparent pay structures. These measures help dismantle the hidden barriers that often hold women back.

Breaking stereotypes and changing culture

Cultural change is equally critical. Gender stereotypes, reinforced through language, education, and media, continue to limit opportunities. Encouraging children to pursue their interests without restriction, using inclusive language, and challenging sexist behaviour in daily interactions can reshape norms. Public support for female leaders in politics, science, and the arts also sends a powerful signal that leadership is not bound by gender.

Systemic reform is the backbone of long-term progress. Policies that guarantee equal pay for equal work, strengthen parental leave for both parents, and ensure access to quality education are essential. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, at the current pace it will take over 130 years to achieve full parity. Such statistics highlight the urgency of sustained political and social action. Civil society organisations, businesses, and individuals each have a role to play in accelerating this timeline.

The role of the Global Fund for Women

Among the international organisations at the forefront of this effort, the Global Fund for Women stands out for its long-term and grassroots approach. Founded in 1987, it has channelled over $169 million in grants to women’s groups across 176 countries. Its mission is simple yet transformative: to amplify the courageous work of women leading social movements and challenging the status quo.

The Fund supports initiatives across four major areas: gender justice, economic and political empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the fight to end gender-based violence. What distinguishes its model is the focus on grassroots organisations, many of which operate with limited visibility and resources yet deliver tangible change in their communities. By providing multi-year funding rather than short-term aid, the Fund ensures that local movements can plan strategically, expand their reach, and withstand political or social pushback.

The impact is measurable. Projects supported by the Global Fund for Women have strengthened women’s participation in decision-making, expanded access to reproductive healthcare, and defended rights in countries where such advocacy is often silenced. Its approach underscores the principle that sustainable progress on gender equality comes not from top-down declarations, but from empowering those closest to the challenge.

Building momentum through collective action

Gender equality is not an isolated goal but a prerequisite for more prosperous, peaceful, and innovative societies. Supporting local and international initiatives, from mentoring schemes to donations for organisations working to eliminate gender-based violence, can strengthen collective efforts. Aligning with global frameworks such as SDG 5: Gender Equality ensures that these actions contribute to a broader movement for fairness and sustainability.

The path forward requires both structural reforms and personal responsibility. From equalising the unpaid care load to challenging everyday stereotypes, each action is a step towards bridging the gap between principle and practice. Supporting gender equality is not only about fairness, it is about building societies that harness the full potential of all their citizens.

For further reading on ongoing global initiatives, see World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report and Global Fund for Women.