Gender equality now: Unlocking our collective potential

In a world increasingly defined by complexity and rapid change, the need for diverse perspectives and strengths has never been more critical. Men and women bring unique skills, experiences, and insights to the table. When these differences are harnessed effectively, they can drive innovation, resilience, and success for organizations and nations alike. Yet, achieving this collective potential requires more than just goodwill; it demands deliberate, actionable policies that recognize equality and empower all. 

As Mauro F. Guillen highlights in his 2030, today’s women are more educated, live longer, inherit and create wealth, and are both consumers and creators of the economy. He estimates that there will be more global wealth owned by women than men. Women are no longer the ‘Second-Class Citizens’, yet there are many around the world who are still unwilling to acknowledge their true potential.

Accelerate Action, the campaign theme of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address systemic barriers and biases. It calls for swift, decisive steps to close the gender gap, emphasizing that progress is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. 

Diversity drives better decision-making

The evidence is clear: gender diversity is good for business. A 2020 report by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to those in the bottom quartile. Similarly, a study by Boston Consulting Group revealed that organizations with more diverse management teams generate 19% higher revenue due to innovation. 

These findings underscore a simple truth: diversity drives better decision-making. When men and women collaborate, they bring different perspectives to problem-solving, leading to more creative and effective solutions. For example, research published in Harvard Business Review found that mixed-gender teams outperform single-gender teams in tasks requiring complex problem-solving and innovation.

Staggering gender gap

Yet, despite the compelling business case, progress remains slow. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap at the current pace. This staggering figure highlights the need for accelerated action- not just to achieve equality but to unlock the economic and social benefits that come with it.

The economic benefits of gender equality extend far beyond individual organizations. A McKinsey Global Report made it clear that a “full potential” scenario in which women participate in the economy identically to men, would add up to $28 trillion, or 26 per cent, to annual global GDP in 2025. This impact is roughly equivalent to the size of the combined US and Chinese economies today.  

Partners in progress

Consider the case of Iceland, a global leader in gender equality. The country has implemented policies such as mandatory pay equity certification and generous parental leave, resulting in a 14% increase in female labour force participation since 2000. Today, Iceland consistently ranks first in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, and its economy has reaped the rewards. 

Similarly, UAE ranks 1st in the MENA region and 22nd globally on women’s financial inclusion, political participation and justice, as per 2023 WPS Index. Around 77% of Emirati women enroll in higher education after secondary school and make up 70% of all university graduates in the UAE. Around 56% of UAE government university graduates in STEM are women, and the literacy rate of women in UAE stands at 95.8%. UAE also opened the region’s first military college for women. All this is a testament to the progressive thinking of the Visionary Rulers of the UAE. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mentioned on Emirati Women’s Day, women are "partners in progress, builders of generations, mothers of martyrs, and achievers." UAE today stands as a model for the world to emulate.

When nations prioritize gender equality, they create a ripple effect of positive outcomes, from economic growth to social cohesion. 

While the benefits of gender diversity are clear, achieving it requires more than just awareness; it demands concrete action. Here are some key areas where policy interventions can make a difference: 

Leadership development and mentorship 

Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs being women as of 2024. To address this, organizations must invest in leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities for women.    

Addressing unconscious bias 

Unconscious bias continues to hinder progress toward gender equality. Training programs that raise awareness of bias and promote inclusive behaviours can help create a more equitable workplace.

Conducive policies

Balancing work and family responsibilities is a key barrier to women’s career growth. Policies that support parental leave and flexible work arrangements can help address this challenge. Sweden, for instance, offers 480 days of paid parental leave, which can be shared between both parents.

A call to leaders 

The Accelerate Action theme is a call to leaders at all levels — business, government, and civil society — to take bold, decisive steps toward gender equality. This requires not only setting the right policies in place but also fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment. 

Leaders must recognize that gender equality is not a zero-sum game. Empowering women does not mean disempowering men; rather, it creates a rising tide that lifts everyone.

Leaders must be willing to challenge the status quo and drive change from the top. This means setting ambitious goals, measuring progress, and holding themselves accountable. It also means listening to diverse voices and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. 

Imagine a world where men and women work together as equals, leveraging their unique strengths to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. A world where organizations and nations thrive because they harness the full potential of their people. This is not a distant dream; it is a vision within our reach.