Lack of access to education
One of the main global barriers that women face is lack of access to education. According to UNESCO, “girls represent 55% of the children out of school worldwide” This number is especially high in sub-Saharan Africa where “fewer than two out of every five girls complete primary school”. Lack of access to education creates a domino effect of sorts, limiting opportunities for women and girls and reinforcing existing gender inequality.
While there has been some progress made in recent years – the global number of girls out of school has decreased from 100 million in 2000 to 130 million in 2012 – the fact remains that discrimination against women and girls is preventing them from reaching their full potential. In some countries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen, cultural norms and traditions prevent women and girls from going to school. In others, like Ethiopia and Mali, poverty is the main barrier. And in countries like India, where women are achieving educational parity with men at the primary and secondary levels, they are still not getting equal opportunities when it comes to tertiary education and employment.
The good news is that there are many organizations working to break down these barriers and give women and girls the opportunity to get an education. One such organization is Room to Read, which works in developing countries “to increase literacy rates and provide equal access to education”. So far, they have reached over 10 million children with their programs. But there is still more work to be done in order to achieve true gender equality when it comes to education globally.
Lack of access to quality healthcare
One of the most pressing issues facing women around the world is the lack of access to quality healthcare. This is a problem that is especially prevalent in developing countries, where women may have to travel long distances or pay high fees to receive basic medical care. In some cases, women may not be able to receive the care they need due to cultural barriers or gender discrimination.
In addition to lacking access to quality healthcare, women also often face other obstacles such as child marriage, sexual violence, and unequal opportunities in education and employment. These issues can make it difficult for women to lead healthy and productive lives, which can impact their families and communities as well.
While the challenges faced by women around the world are significant, there are organizations and individuals working to tackle these problems. By increasing access to quality healthcare, empowering women through education and employment opportunities, and working to end violence against women, we can make progress in ensuring that all women have the chance to reach their full potential.
Lack of access to economic opportunities
While women have made great strides in recent years, they still face significant barriers to achieving economic equality. One of the biggest obstacles is lack of access to opportunities. In many parts of the world, women are simply not given the same opportunities as men to get an education, find a job, or start a business.
This lack of opportunity can have a ripple effect throughout their lives. Women who don’t have access to economic opportunities are more likely to live in poverty, which can impact their health, safety, and overall well-being. When women are unable to participate in the economy, it holds back entire communities and economies.
There are many initiatives aimed at reducing this global barrier and increasing economic opportunities for women. But there is still more work to be done.
Violence against women
Violence against women is a global pandemic that affects women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. One in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, and this violence often goes unreported and unaddressed.
There are many barriers that prevent women from speaking out or getting help, including:
-Fear of retribution or reprisal from the abuser
-Shame or humiliation
-Lack of knowledge about where to get help
-Lack of financial resources
-Fear of not being believed or taken seriously
-Language barriers
Violence against women is a human rights violation and a public health epidemic. It is important to break the Silence and address this issue head on.
