Key Areas of Gender Equality

Gender equality touches every aspect of our lives. Below are some of the key areas where change is not only necessary but also possible:
 

Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to create lasting change. It empowers girls, transforms communities, and drives social and economic progress. However, girls are still more likely to miss out on education due to barriers such as gender discrimination, early marriage, social and gender norms and expectations, and lack of access to safe schooling. At Plan International UK, we work to break these barriers and ensure every child can access their right to education.

The barriers to education for girls are more pronounced in conflict areas and disadvantaged communities, where access to education remains limited due to cultural and social factors.(1)
 

Employment and economic opportunities

Equal access to employment and economic opportunities is vital for achieving a fairer society. Unfortunately, there are significant barriers and discrimination facing women which prevent them from accessing equal employment opportunities, fair wages, and career advancement. The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, with women in the UK earning on average 8.9% less than men.(2)

Girls with additional minoritised identities, for example girls with disabilities or girls from minoritised ethnic groups, are furthered marginalised within education.

By advocating for equal pay, improved workplace policies, and working with employers to ensure more gender responsive workplaces, applying equitable approaches (e.g. training schemes for women), we are working towards a fairer future for all.

Political participation

Political participation is a cornerstone of gender equality. While the UK has had three female Prime Ministers, women remain underrepresented in political offices and leadership roles. As of 2021, women make up only 34% of MPs in the UK, a stark contrast to the 51% of the population they represent. (3) Barriers include discrimination, stereotyping, lack of opportunity to engage, dated patriarchal practices which are not inclusive and accessible to women. Equality in political representation and participation is key to ensuring policies are inclusive, accessible, and appropriate for all.

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"We demand more girls and adolescents in the political world!” says 15-year-old activist Damaris from Peru.

Healthcare and reproductive rights

Every person should have the autonomy to make decisions about their bodies and health without barriers. Sadly, many girls and women still face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to gender-based discrimination and oppression, geographical location, and lack of education about their rights. Many women, particularly in marginalized communities, still struggle to access reproductive health services, which impacts their overall well-being and access to their rights. (4)

Violence and safety

Gender-based violence affects millions of women and girls worldwide, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. (5) Women and girls with disabilities, from minoritised ethnic groups, will be most acutely impacted.

At Plan International UK, we are determined to break the cycle of violence and ensure that all individuals can live free from harm and fear.

Intersectionality and gender equality

Women and girls experience gender inequality in different ways. It is shaped by many factors, such as race, disability, economic status, and more.

For example, Black and ethnic minority women in the UK often face both racial and gender-based discrimination, which can make it harder for them to access opportunities in education, employment, and healthcare.

Similarly, disabled women and girls face additional barriers that can prevent them from participating fully in society, from inaccessible services to lack of support. To truly achieve gender equality, we must take an intersectional approach, understanding that women and girls do not just face one form of inequality - but many. By tackling these overlapping barriers, we ensure that every girl, regardless of her race, background, or abilities, has the opportunity to live a life of equality and dignity.

Is there gender equality in the UK?

While the UK has made significant progress in promoting gender equality, many challenges remain and there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality. Women and girls still face gender-based violence, unequal pay, gender discrimination and misogyny and limited access to opportunities.

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Kiera, 13, and Lexie, 13, have been learning more about public sexual harassment at school in Wales.

Gender Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 was a landmark piece of legislation in the UK, aiming to protect individuals from discrimination based on gender, among other factors. However, despite these legal protections, inequalities continue to persist, particularly in the workplace and in representation in leadership roles.

The important benefits of global gender equality

Gender equality has far-reaching benefits, not only for women and girls, but for society as a whole.

Benefits include:

• Advancement of human rights: gender equality is a basic human right that allows everyone to live with dignity and respect.
• Social justice: ensures fairness and equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of gender.
• Economic growth: having a more representative and diverse workforce will enhance quality and accessibility.
• Improved education and healthcare: when women and girls have equal access to education and healthcare, entire communities benefit, leading to better economic and social outcomes.

Challenges and barriers to gender equality

While progress has been made, many barriers to gender equality remain:

• Systemic inequality: societal structures and norms that perpetuate gender disparities.
• Legal barriers: outdated or inadequate laws that fail to protect individuals from gender-based discrimination.
• Unequal pay: persistent pay gaps between men and women across most industries.
• Gender-based violence: widespread violence against women and girls that limits their opportunities and rights.
• Cultural and religious beliefs: deep-rooted beliefs and practices that restrict the rights of women and girls.

How Plan International UK supports the advancement of gender equality

At Plan International UK, we support the advancement of gender equality through our various programs and campaigns:

• Advocacy: we campaign for gender-responsive policies, equitable approaches legal reforms, and better protections for girls, women and minoritised groups.
• Education: we provide support for girls’ education, especially in regions where restrictive social and gender norms and financial hardship prevent them from going to school.
• Community engagement: we engage with communities to challenge harmful gender norms and practices, promoting equality for all.
• Research: we conduct research to better understand gender inequality and inform our work with evidence-based solutions.

References:

1. UNICEF UK, 2022. Barriers to Education for Girls.
2. Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2022. Gender Pay Gap in the UK.
3. Fawcett Society, 2021. Representation of Women in Politics.
4. BPAS, 2021. Reproductive Rights in the UK.
5. Refuge, 2020. Domestic Abuse and the Impact of COVID-19.