The world of work remains a male-dominated domain, where women continue to face stiff resistance in their pursuit of equality and fair compensation. Despite decades of anti-discrimination laws and advocacy, gender inequality persists, leaving many women at a disadvantage.
According to the latest World Inequality report, women earn just 32% of what men earn per hour, when unpaid domestic labor is taken into account. The gap narrows slightly to 61% when domestic work is excluded from the calculation. Moreover, women put in an average of 10 hours more per week than men, with their share of global income remaining stagnant at around 28%.
The report highlights that the richest 1% of the global population holds a staggering three-quarters of all wealth, while the poorest half holds just 2%. This stark contrast underscores the entrenched nature of inequality. Women are disproportionately burdened with unpaid care work, which is still largely seen as "women's work." This not only limits their access to better-paying jobs but also perpetuates gender stereotypes.
The report notes that women face significant structural barriers in the workforce, including limited access to affordable childcare and transport. These obstacles prevent many from entering or remaining in employment, leaving them vulnerable to poverty.
Regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa have some of the largest gaps between men's and women's working hours, with one in three women of working age employed compared to over two-thirds of men. Other regions, including Europe and North America, have higher female employment rates, yet the gap remains significant.
The report concludes that the patriarchy runs deep, embedded in institutions and economic systems. Until systemic change is implemented, women will continue to face an uphill battle for equality and fair compensation in the workplace.
According to the latest World Inequality report, women earn just 32% of what men earn per hour, when unpaid domestic labor is taken into account. The gap narrows slightly to 61% when domestic work is excluded from the calculation. Moreover, women put in an average of 10 hours more per week than men, with their share of global income remaining stagnant at around 28%.
The report highlights that the richest 1% of the global population holds a staggering three-quarters of all wealth, while the poorest half holds just 2%. This stark contrast underscores the entrenched nature of inequality. Women are disproportionately burdened with unpaid care work, which is still largely seen as "women's work." This not only limits their access to better-paying jobs but also perpetuates gender stereotypes.
The report notes that women face significant structural barriers in the workforce, including limited access to affordable childcare and transport. These obstacles prevent many from entering or remaining in employment, leaving them vulnerable to poverty.
Regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa have some of the largest gaps between men's and women's working hours, with one in three women of working age employed compared to over two-thirds of men. Other regions, including Europe and North America, have higher female employment rates, yet the gap remains significant.
The report concludes that the patriarchy runs deep, embedded in institutions and economic systems. Until systemic change is implemented, women will continue to face an uphill battle for equality and fair compensation in the workplace.