Global Gender Equality Still 123 Years Away: WEF Report

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 reveals that the global gender gap has closed to 68.8%, the most notable progress since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at the current pace, full gender parity is still 123 years away.

Out of 148 countries surveyed, the report highlights improvements in education and health, but major gaps remain in economic participation and political empowerment. While women represent 41.2% of the workforce, they hold just 28.8% of top leadership roles.

Iceland leads the rankings for the 16th year in a row, followed by Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

UN Women Launches 15-Point Gender Equality Action Plan

To commemorate its 15th anniversary, UN Women launched a campaign with 15 targeted actions to fast-track gender equality globally.

The organization warns of rising threats to women’s rights, including a resurgence in gender-based violence and an increase in anti-gender rhetoric. Among the 15 proposed actions are:

• Increasing women’s political and economic representation

• Closing the gender digital divide

• Improving access to finance

• Promoting women in peace and conflict resolution

• Boosting gender-focused funding

UN Women stated that hard-won gains could be lost unless governments and institutions act urgently.

Climate Progress Undermined by Anti-Gender Pushback

A report by ODI Global warns that international progress on gender-responsive climate policy is at risk due to rising opposition from anti-gender states.

The G7, G20, and UNFCCC have adopted frameworks for inclusive climate action, but the erosion of gender references in global agreements is weakening accountability. Some countries have pushed for “sovereignty clauses” and attempted to dilute commitments to gender equality.

The G7 was found to lead on gender inclusivity, while the G20 and UNFCCC showed inconsistencies. The ODI called for stronger protections to ensure women are meaningfully involved in climate action and policymaking.

South Africa Ratifies AfCFTA Protocol for Inclusive Trade

In a landmark step, South Africa ratified the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, aiming to break barriers for women- and youth-led businesses.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced the ratification during the G20 Intergenerational Roundtable in Johannesburg. The protocol focuses on:

• Removing trade barriers for women and youth

• Ensuring fair access to finance and markets

• Requiring inclusive national trade policies

This marks a major policy commitment toward gender and youth equity across the African continent.

Honouring Britain’s First Female Civil Servant

A plaque honouring Jeanie Senior, Britain’s first female civil servant, was unveiled at the site of her former residence in London.

Senior was appointed in 1873 as Inspector of Education for Girls in Workhouses and was a key figure in mentoring young female workers and supporting war veterans.

The tribute was jointly funded by the FDA union and the Battersea Society. It recognizes her legacy in promoting fairness, education, and civil service ethics.

Despite some notable advancements, the road to global gender parity remains long and complex. While policy reforms like those in South Africa and institutional commitments from UN Women and the WEF offer hope, systemic resistance to women’s rights continues to slow progress.