Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, produce half of the world's food, but earn only 10% of the world's income and own less than one percent of the world's property. On average, women earn half of what men earn.
In order to achieve gender equality, women and men must have equal employment opportunities and receive equal pay.
Here’s what we know and why we are so passionate about change in this area:
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When more women work, economies grow. An increase in female labor force participation—or a reduction in the gap between women’s and men’s labour force participation—results in faster economic growth. Let’s give women more opportunities!
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Evidence from a range of countries shows that increasing the share of household income controlled by women, either through their own earnings or cash transfers, changes spending in ways that benefit children.
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Increasing women and girls’ education contributes to higher economic growth. Increased educational attainment accounts for about 50% of the economic growth in OECD countries over the past 50 years, of which over half is due to girls having access to higher levels of education and achieving greater equality in the number of years spent in education between men and women. But, for the majority of women, significant gains in education have not translated into better labour market outcomes. Let’s keep fighting until it does change!
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A study using data from 219 countries from 1970 to 2009 found that, for every one additional year of education for women of reproductive age, child mortality decreased by 9.5 per cent. That’s a big deal and why at MGA we know changing the world starts with keeping girls in school!
Will you join us in the fight for equality for women and girls all across the globe. We challenge you to combine your voice and resources with us as we seek to bring about change! Partner with MGA today!
https://mga.nationbuilder.com/donate
Sources: http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/economic-empowerment/facts-and-figures
Photo credit: Flickr: Jessica Suarez
