Women face a number of global economic disadvantages: In addition to earning an average of 24% less than men, they suffer from high rates of unemployment, often work in unpaid or under-valued occupations and lack representation. The UN Women attempts to tackle these economic barriers in its recent flagship report, "Progress of the World’s Women 2015-2016: Transforming Economies, Realizing Rights".
The report fuses a human rights foundation with economic modelling to identify challenges and establish substantial equality. By drawing on a framework that considers women's socio-economic disadvantages, gender-stereotypes and stigma, as well as women's agency and participation, the report sets 10 priorities for public action. These include improving economic structures and labor conditions for women, strengthening gender responsive social services, and increasing the possiblities for women's participation in policy-making.
The full report is easily accessible at progress.unwomen.org.