WEF Report: Latin America is Closing Gender Gap at Fastest Rate Globally

“Women represent one half of the global population—they deserve equal access to health, education, influence, earning power and political representation. Their views and values are critical for ensuring a more prosperous and inclusive common future. Humanity’s collective progress depends on it.” – World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2014

 

The Global Gender Gap Report 2014, launched by the World Economic Forum in October, provides insights on the world’s pace of progress in closing the gender gap and identifies where change is occurring, based on data collected since its inception in 2006.

According to the report, important advancements have indeed been made in the last decade; however, the world is still “far from achieving equality of opportunity or equality of outcomes.” It emphasizes the active role not only governments, but also companies, civil society, educators and media must play in empowering women and engaging men in the process.

The report alsoDSC_7089 revealed an optimistic outlook on Latin America and the Caribbean, as the region is closing the gender gap at the fastest rate globally. It has already closed more than 70 percent of the overall gap, with Nicaragua, Ecuador and Cuba occupying the top three spots in the region. In fact, Nicaragua made it into the top 10 globally, placing sixth. Though Guatemala ranks 89th overall, it improved its global ranking more than any other country.

Because gender equality intersects so many other development issues, it is a core determinant of sustainable, long-term change. “If half of (the population’s) talents are underdeveloped or underutilized, the economy will never grow as it could,” the report states. “Multiple studies have shown that healthy and educated women are more likely to have healthier and more educated children, creating a positive, virtuous cycle for the broader population. Research also shows the benefits of gender equality in politics: when women are more involved in decision-making, they make different decisions—not necessarily better or worse—but decisions that reflect the needs of more members of society.”

Check out the full report here, and take a closer look at the numbers on a regional level in this online infographic by Americas Society/Council. Click here to see how TRF is helping promote gender equality in the region.