Gender equality around the world

Although it is sometimes difficult to define where sexist practices begin and end, there are certain parameters that help us measure gender equity among different nations.

UNDP, the United Nations agency responsible for development programs, defined which countries have the best and worst statistics on longevity, purchasing power and quality of life for women. The countries that best figured were Iceland, Norway, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Holland and France.

On the other hand, the worst results came from Afghanistan, the Congo, Iraq, Nepal and Sudan, followed by Guatemala, Mali, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. In terms of female illiteracy, Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria, and other African countries are at the bottom of the list with greater inequity. This reflects on the importance of education in the social and legal progress of women, and also the impact of war, violence, and institutional religion on the rights and quality of life of its inhabitants. It is curious to note that the countries with the best results are all but Ireland, openly atheists or politico-religious, contrary to the countries with the lowest ranking, where laws and morals are rooted in religious beliefs and ancient cultural customs.

The World Economic Forum conducted another study known as the "Gender Gap" in which inequities in education, employment, political representation and health were measured. Yemen had the worst place, and Pakistan just behind. Chad Syria, Mauritania, Côte d'Ivoire, Iran, Morocco, Mali and Saudi Arabia are on the list. Iceland again took the equity award, a country that has shown great evolution in its social inclusion.

There are many factors to consider and some are not included in the common statistics. For example, 50% of the world's femicides occur in Latin America. It is estimated that 12 women are murdered daily in LA, and 7 of these crimes only happen in Mexico, specifically in the State of Mexico, where 17% of worldwide femicides occur annually. In terms of family roles on the other hand, India is considered the country with the lowest participation of men in domestic tasks.

There is still too much to understand and work on this issue globally.