It will take the world about 137 years to lift women and girls out of poverty, according to a United Nations (UN) report.
The report released on Monday, noted that the proportion of women and girls living in what is defined as extreme poverty has fallen to less than 10 per cent.
It stated that at the current rate it would take the world another 137 years “to lift all women and girls out of poverty.”
The report highlighted other markers of achievement and disappointment. It noted that gender parity in national legislatures remains a distant dream, possibly only to be achieved by 2063.
The report indicated that this is because progress on women’s representation in national legislatures is making only slow progress.
Still, every fourth seat is now held by a woman – a significant increase compared to a decade ago.
Additionally, the report states that about one in four girls continue to be married as children.
Stressing the costs of gender inequality, the report said the annual global costs that arise when countries do not adequately and fairly educate their young population amount to more than 10 trillion dollars.
“Today’s report reveals the undeniable truth: progress is achievable, but is not fast enough,” said Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women.
“Let us unite to continue dismantling the barriers women and girls face and forge a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.”
(dpa/NAN)
