** Women’s rights: a worldwide inventory to the statistics **
On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, celebrated every March 8, the company Target Sarl recently revealed fascinating data on the situation of women in the world. These figures, although being crucial inventory indicators, raise many questions concerning the systemic inequalities that persist on a global scale. Beyond the figures, it is essential to explore the cultural, economic and social implications of this disparity, often invisible or underestimated.
Statistics indicate that women represent almost half of the world’s population, a fact that might seem promising. However, when analyzing the levels of economic and political participation, the table becomes more complex. Indeed, the proportion of companies held by women is miserably low, fluctuating between 13 % in South Asia and 47 % in Latin America and the Caribbean. Why such a gap? The analysis goes far beyond the simple statistics and pushes us to examine deep socio-cultural factors which influence these figures.
Let us take South Asia, where the traditional patriarchal standard and rigid social structures maintain women in subordinate roles. Faced with these cultural issues, micro-financing programs, although beneficial, cannot be enough to overthrow this dynamic. In this context, the real key lies in the education and awareness of communities. By encouraging a structural change in mentalities, women are allowed not only to access economic opportunities, but also to drop invisible walls, often better anchored than physical barriers.
Compared, in Latin America, a continent where women seem better represented in the entrepreneurial sphere, the question arises: what lessons should we learn? Inclusive development policies, favored by several governments in this region, seem to be dominant. However, the analysis must also take into account the specific challenges that these women encounter, such as economic violence and obstacles to access to financing, even in countries where representation is higher.
On the African continent, disparities are a glaring reality, with only 19 % female representation in the Horn of Africa against 37 % in West Africa. This leads us to examine local policies that directly influence women’s participation in governance spheres. In some regions, the place of women within the decision -making process is still considered a privilege, more than a fundamental right. This underlines the importance of a strong political commitment, not only at the governmental level, but also in local and community organizations. The latter must become catalysts for change and play a fundamental role in promoting women’s rights.
It is crucial not to give in to the temptation to believe that statistical significant advances necessarily result in progress in terms of female condition. The figures reported by Target SARL remind us that successes are often circumstantial and that targeted strategies are necessary to guarantee real change. Initiatives must be accompanied by rigorous monitoring and a strong political will to transform these indicators into real social advances.
International Women’s Rights Day is therefore an ideal opportunity to reassess our understanding of women’s rights in the world. The statistics presented are not only figures, they are a reflection of lives, struggles and struggles to be carried out. This March 8, let us not only undertake to celebrate the progress made, but also to question the structures which remain resilient in the face of change, so that each woman, wherever she is, can truly live her right to equality.
What is certain is that it remains a long way to go. But, with increased awareness and collective mobilization, a more equitable future for all seems not only desirable, but also achievable. Society and the economy must evolve together towards a fairer balance, and each of us has a role to play in this process.