Gender equality is not only a basic human right but the foundation for a dynamic, prosperous and sustainable world. Gender bias is weakening our social framework and depreciates every one of us. We are not just talking about a human rights problem; it is a tremendous waste of the world’s human potential. When women are denied access to equal rights, the opportunity to live life to the full and reach their potential is taken away from them.

Financial, political, and social equality for women has benefits for all global citizens. Together we can promote equal rights and respect for all.

SOME FACTS & FIGURES

• In 2020, 750 million women and girls worldwide were married under 18 years old, and over 200 million women and girls across 30 countries still experience FGM (female genital mutilation).
• The proportion of girls aged between 15-19 to have undergone FGM in the 30 countries where the procedure is allowed has fallen from 1 in 2 girls in 2000 to 1 in 3 girls in 2017.
• Nowadays, in 18 countries, it is still legal for husbands to stop their wives from having a job; in 39 countries, sons and daughters have unequal claims and rights regarding inheritance; and 49 countries lack domestic violence legislation.
• According to UNESCO calculations, in the world, 132 million girls aged between 6 and 17 are not in school, and more than 15 million girls of primary school age will never enter a classroom in their lives. At least half of those girls live in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Women have made significant developments in the political sphere worldwide; however, their 23.7 percent level of representation in national parliaments still has a long way to go to achieve gender parity.

We must recognize and acknowledge that there have been many improvements in recent decades. There is now an increased number of girls attending education, fewer are subjected to forced or early marriages, and we have more female politicians and leaders. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve total gender equality globally.

For us wearing a pair of Julia Bo shoes is not only about comfort, style and functionality, it’s about promoting gender equality wherever you walk 💪