5/19/2020
Covid-19 is exposing & exacerbating gender inequalities around the world. It has exposed the structural inequalities that affect women and other marginalized people, and has had a disproportionate effect on those already disadvantaged. 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, regardless of age, background or country, and every country in the world has laws that treat women and girls as second-class citizens.
The lockdown globally has meant more people are spending more time online and is fueling the sexual abuse of children in the digital sphere, where young girls are most vulnerable. Sexual exploitation, violence, harmful cultural practices and systemic inequalities violate their human rights and prevent them from reaching their potential. This kind of inequality is bad for everyone, not just for women: research shows that where women and girls are treated unfairly, there is more societal conflict and less economic stability.
Imagine a just world where women and girls have the same rights as men and boys. This is the world Equality Now envisions.