Women Have Only Two-Thirds Of Legal Rights Given To Men: World Bank

A recent report by the World Bank Group, titled Women, Business, and the Law, has brought to light a concerning reality: women around the world have access to just two-thirds of the legal rights compared to men. This finding starkly contrasts with earlier estimations, which suggested women possessed 77% of the legal rights. However, when considering factors such as violence and childcare, women's rights diminish further, amounting to a mere 64% of those enjoyed by men.

Economic Implications of Gender Equality

The repercussions of this gender disparity extend beyond social justice concerns; they significantly impact economic growth. The World Bank emphasises that eliminating discriminatory laws hindering women's participation in the workforce or entrepreneurship could lead to a remarkable surge in global GDP, potentially doubling the rate of global growth in the coming decade.

Released on March 4, 2023, the Women, Business, and the Law 2024 report meticulously analysed the legal frameworks affecting women's economic opportunities in 190 economies worldwide. It focused on ten key indicators, including safety, mobility, workplace conditions, pay equality, marriage laws, childcare provisions, entrepreneurship opportunities, asset ownership, and pension rights.

India's Performance in the Global Context

India's performance in this global assessment reflects a mixed picture. While the country marginally improved its rank to 113, with a score of 74.4%, it still falls short of ensuring full legal equality for women. Notably, Indian women possess only 60% of the legal rights compared to men, slightly below the global average. Despite these challenges, India outperforms its South Asian counterparts, highlighting the regional disparities in legal protections for women.

The report identifies areas where India can enhance its legal framework to promote gender equality. Particularly concerning is the indicator evaluating laws impacting women's pay, where India receives one of its lowest scores. Recommendations include mandating equal pay for equivalent work, allowing women to work night shifts, and enabling their participation in industrial jobs on par with men.

Global Implementation Gaps and Challenges Ahead

The report highlights a substantial gap between legal reforms and their actual implementation, with many countries falling short in establishing necessary systems for full equality. Despite advancements in some areas such as pay and parental rights, challenges persist in ensuring women's safety and access to quality childcare.

Urgency for Reform and Policy Action

Emphasizing the urgency of reform, the World Bank calls for robust enforcement mechanisms and comprehensive public policies to empower women in the workforce and entrepreneurship. Addressing issues such as violence against women, childcare support, and retirement age inequalities are paramount for fostering gender equality and driving economic progress.

In conclusion, the Women, Business, and the Law report serves as a clarion call for global action to bridge the glaring gap in legal rights between genders. It highlights the imperative of not only enacting equal-opportunity laws but also ensuring their effective implementation through supportive frameworks and policies. Only through concerted efforts can societies unlock the full potential of women as drivers of economic growth and prosperity.