In a report published on the eve of International Women’s Day, celebrated today, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that achieving gender parity in the workplace could take two centuries.

The data supports this claim. The global unemployment gap between men and women has narrowed, but at an extremely slow pace. In 1991, it stood at 27.1%, and today it has only decreased to 23.1%—just a four-percentage-point reduction over 34 years.

Currently, 46.4% of working-age women are employed in registered jobs, compared to 69.5% of men.

Sujti Dasgupta, Director of Working Conditions and Equality at the ILO, stated, “Although progress has been made, millions of women continue to face persistent barriers in accessing decent work, staying employed, and advancing in their careers.”

The report also highlights that only 30% of women hold senior positions worldwide. Additionally, women remain overrepresented in low-wage sectors such as nursing and caregiving. For every dollar earned by men, women earn just 77.4 cents. While the gender pay gap has narrowed slightly, eliminating this inequality remains a pressing challenge.

Organizations need the right talent—workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their roles professionally. Any form of discrimination beyond the assessment of relevant talent is unacceptable.

It is essential to guarantee equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, creed, origin, or any other personal or social condition. This is about upholding the fundamental principle that all individuals are equal before the law. A practical way to initiate and accelerate progress is to ensure equal opportunities for all, implement equal pay policies, and take decisive action to eliminate the glass ceiling.

Photo of CoWomen in Unsplash