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World Doing Poorly on Gender Equality
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people around the world believe equal rights for men and women are not yet a reality, according to the Voice of the People survey released by Gallup International. 38 per cent of respondents in 64 different countries think gender equality has not been reached in their individual nations.
Gender equality gets its lowest marks in Africa, with 53 per cent of respondents in the continent saying men and women do not have the same rights. The Asia Pacific region is next on the list with 45 per cent.
Noticeably, Latin America is the region where perceptions are most positive. 76 per cent of respondents in this region think gender equality is a reality in their own countries. This high number is followed by 72 per cent of respondents who agree in North America, and 62 per cent all across Europe.
Earlier this month, the world celebrated International Women's Day. According to the United Nations (UN), violence against women is the most common but least punished crime in the world. In addition, the number of women forced or sold into prostitution worldwide is estimated at between 700,000 and 4 million each year.
A recent report by the European Commission revealed that women wages in the continent are 15 per cent lower on average than men's for equivalent jobs.
Polling Data
I'd like you to tell me whether you agree or disagree. - Women have equal rights with men in your country.
Agree | Disagree | |
Total | 59% | 38% |
Latin America | 76% | 23% |
North America | 72% | 26% |
Western Europe | 62% | 37% |
Eastern and | 62% | 35% |
Asia Pacific | 49% | 45% |
Africa | 45% | 53% |
Source: Voice of the People / Gallup International
Methodology: Interviews to 60,000 adults in 64 countries, conducted in July and August 2006. More details in accompanying report.
