The unequal opportunities available to hundreds of millions of women around the world represent one of the biggest barriers to growth and development.

This study note draws heavily on a range of data on aspects of gender inequality made available by Our World In Data.

Aspects of gender inequality

• No society can achieve its potential without the full and equal participation of women and men
• 62 million girls are not in school. Pregnancy/poverty/early marriage are the main reasons for girls dropping out of school
• Over 100 countries have at least one law that acts as a barrier to female participation in the labour market.
• Across the globe women occupy, on average, 23% of parliamentary seats in 2016, up from 12% in 1997

Historical Gender Equality Index

Gender ratios for mean years of schooling

Fertility and female labour market participation

Short video resources on aspects of gender inequality as a barrier to development