Gender equality cannot wait 132 years - Julia A. Simon, Mary Kay Inc

Julia Simon, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Gender equality is a prerequisite not only for human development— but sustainable economic growth according to Mary Kay Inc’s Chief Legal and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Julia A. Simon.

She made the statement on the release of the 2022 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report.

According to a sobering finding from the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap Report, gender parity is beyond reach in our lifetime.

In fact, according to the report, it will take 132 years for gender equality to become a reality and 151 years to close the economic participation and opportunity gender gap. Not a single country from the 146 examined has reached parity.

“That’s the bad news. The good news? There’s still time to change all that. The 2022 findings have shaken me, but they have not deterred me. Nor should they deter you,” Simon said in a statement.

A rich body of data shows that without gender parity, it is impossible to reduce poverty, attain food security, address climate impacts, or ensure a more peaceful and inclusive society.

To mitigate further backsliding, the structural barriers limiting women’s labour market participation, including their re-entry and retention in the workforce following COVID-19, must be addressed.

Targeted policies which support women’s talent development in the industries of the future, and which accelerate their advancement to leadership and management positions, are also needed.

She said the private sector had a critical role to play in addressing gender gaps in the workplace and in developing the pipeline of women for leadership positions.

“The time to act is now. Sitting on the sidelines and waiting 132 years is simply not an option. The Sustainable Development Impact Meeting on “Advancing Gender Equality”, which takes place in New York this month, is an opportunity for leaders from the public and private sector to identify tools and strategies to close the gender gap,” added Simon.

As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation.

-- BERNAMA