Gender equality remains a significant challenge in many countries around the world, where women face severe barriers to their rights and opportunities. Here’s a closer look at ten nations with some of the worst records on gender equality, highlighting specific statistics and issues that underscore the scale of the problem.
1. Yemen
Yemen is frequently ranked among the lowest for gender equality globally. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Yemen is ranked 153rd out of 156 countries. Key issues include:
- Education: Only 37% of Yemeni women are literate compared to 71% of men.
- Health: Yemen has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 385 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Approximately 70% of women face domestic violence, and child marriage rates are among the highest globally, with 32% of girls married before the age of 18.
2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has made some recent reforms, but it still faces significant gender equality challenges. The World Economic Forum ranks Saudi Arabia 147th out of 156 countries. Notable issues include:
- Employment: Women’s labor force participation is just 25%, compared to 85% for men.
- Legal Restrictions: Women need permission from a male guardian to travel or work, although reforms have started to address this.
- Education: Despite high enrolment rates for women, only 15% of women hold leadership positions in the workforce.
3. Pakistan
Pakistan struggles with gender inequality across multiple dimensions. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Pakistan is ranked 153rd out of 156 countries. Key statistics include:
- Education: Girls’ primary school enrolment is 82%, but only 38% complete secondary education.
- Health: The maternal mortality rate is 186 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Over 30% of women experience domestic violence, and honor killings remain a serious issue.
4. Afghanistan
Afghanistan faces extreme gender inequality exacerbated by ongoing conflict. It ranks 155th out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Major issues include:
- Education: Girls’ school attendance has dramatically decreased to about 20% in some regions.
- Employment: Female labor force participation is less than 15%.
- Violence: Over 87% of Afghan women experience some form of violence, and the Taliban’s resurgence has further restricted women’s rights.
5. Chad
Chad is known for severe gender disparities. It ranks 149th out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Specific challenges are:
- Education: Only 25% of girls complete secondary education.
- Health: The maternal mortality rate is 856 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Female genital mutilation (FGM) affects around 44% of women aged 15-49.
6. Mali
Mali’s gender inequality issues are significant. It ranks 150th out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Key statistics include:
- Education: Only 37% of girls complete primary school, and 10% complete secondary education.
- Health: The maternal mortality rate stands at 587 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: About 89% of women undergo FGM, and child marriage affects 52% of girls.
7. Niger
Niger also ranks poorly in gender equality, positioned at 152nd out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Notable issues are:
- Education: The literacy rate for women is just 18%, compared to 46% for men.
- Health: Maternal mortality is alarmingly high at 509 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Approximately 76% of women experience violence, and 76% of girls are married before 18.
8. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is struggling with extreme gender disparities. It ranks 148th out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Key challenges include:
- Education: Girls’ enrolment in secondary education is around 20%.
- Health: Maternal mortality rates are approximately 882 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Over 65% of women experience some form of violence, and conflict has exacerbated these issues.
9. Sudan
Sudan is characterised by severe gender inequality, ranking 151st out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Major statistics include:
- Education: Only 27% of girls complete secondary education.
- Health: The maternal mortality rate is 314 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Around 87% of women experience domestic violence, and 87% of women have undergone FGM.
10. Eritrea
Eritrea faces significant gender equality challenges, ranking 146th out of 156 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. Key issues include:
- Education: Female literacy rates are 60%, compared to 80% for males.
- Health: The maternal mortality rate is 486 per 100,000 live births.
- Violence: Gender-based violence is prevalent, and about 83% of women have undergone FGM.
The Struggle for Change
Addressing gender inequality in these nations requires a multifaceted approach, including legal reforms, educational initiatives, and social change. Efforts by local and international organisations are crucial in advocating for women’s rights and improving conditions. Support for education, healthcare, and legal protections are essential components in the fight for gender equality.
The global community must continue to work together to support initiatives that empower women and address the root causes of gender disparity. By understanding the specific challenges faced by women in these ten countries, we can better support efforts to create a more equitable world.