Harmful Gender Norms Persist in Advanced Countries, Threatening 2030 SDGs
Gender equity remains a pressing global issue, with harmful norms persisting even in the most advanced countries. A recent report reveals alarming beliefs and practices that hinder progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
In Germany, a significant number of men, including a third, believe it's acceptable for a man to hit his wife or partner under certain circumstances. Additionally, many German men feel they have more right to a job than women when employment is scarce. These attitudes highlight the deep-rooted gender inequalities that persist in societies worldwide.
The global gender gap widened in 2019, with the estimated time to close it increasing from 83 to 100 years. Even in countries with high gender equality ratings, such as Australia, the US, and Denmark, girls and women face severe challenges. These include high levels of sexual violence and underrepresentation in STEM fields and IT sectors, as seen in Finland and Sweden.
In Belgium, women primarily handle domestic and care work, with only a third of men participating equally. This division of labour reinforces traditional gender roles and hinders progress towards true equity.
Plan International has called on business leaders to invest in initiatives addressing harmful gender norms. However, despite the urgent need, no concrete initiatives targeting persistent harmful norms were announced at the Davos 2025 conference by business leaders from the countries with the best gender equality ratings.
The persistence of harmful gender norms and discriminatory practices underscores the urgent need for targeted action. Business leaders, governments, and society at large must work together to challenge and change these norms, ensuring that girls and women are truly equal by 2030.
