World Bank: Women Possess Only Two-Thirds Of Legal Rights Granted to Men
In its latest study, 'Women, Business, and the Law', the World Bank Group shed light on a troubling reality: globally, women only have access to around two-thirds of the legal rights that men have.
This discovery stands in sharp contrast to previous estimates that indicated women had 77% of the legal rights. There is a further reduction in women's rights, to only 64% of men's, when issues like abuse and childcare are taken into account.
Many nations have failed to set up the structures required for full equality, as the research shows, and this is in stark contrast to the improvements that have been passed in legislation. Making sure women are safe and have access to good childcare is still a struggle, even though there have been improvements in other areas, like salary and parental rights.
Compared to men, Indian women have 60% of the legal rights, which is slightly lower than the world average. Regardless of these obstacles, India scores better than its South Asian neighbours, demonstrating the regional differences in women's legal safeguards.
To advance gender equality, the report suggests ways that India's legal structure might be strengthened. One indication that gives India one of the lowest ratings is the one that evaluates regulations that affect women's earnings. Some of the suggestions include making it legal for women to work night shifts and in industrial jobs on an equal footing with men, as well as requiring equal compensation for equal effort.
This gender gap has far-reaching consequences for economic development, far beyond issues of social fairness. A dramatic increase in global GDP—possibly doubling the rate of growth in the next decade—could result from the abolition of discriminatory laws that prevent women from entering the workforce or starting their businesses, according to the World Bank.
A comprehensive analysis of the legislative frameworks impacting women's economic possibilities in 190 economies across the globe was presented in the Women, Business, and the Law 2024 report on March 4, 2023. It zeroed down on eleven critical variables, such as security, mobility, working conditions, wage equality, union regulations, child care, prospects for entrepreneurship, asset ownership, and pension rights.
The World Bank has issued a statement urging immediate action to change the system and empower women in business and the workforce through strong public policies and effective enforcement measures. To promote gender equality and drive economic success, it is crucial to address issues like violence against women, childcare support, and retirement age discrepancies.
Ultimately, the Women, Business, and the Law report demands immediate and worldwide measures to close the gender gap in legal rights. It stresses the need to pass equal opportunity legislation and then make sure such laws are effectively implemented through policies and frameworks that help.