Women represent roughly 50 percent of the world’s population, yet many do not have equal rights. Women also make up roughly 60 percent of the world’s working poor, and many are exploited in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
A recent report shows the wealth disparity between women and men in poor countries is around $9 trillion U.S. dollars.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says equality for women would be progress for all.
The Heat looks at what it would take to improve opportunities for women around the world.
- Ann Oberhauser, a professor who specializes in gender and globalization. Oberhauser has worked in Africa and spent time with women in the workplace.
- Nii Akuetteh, a former executive director of Africa Action. Akuetteh has extensive experience in various parts of Africa helping communities become self-reliant and socially and economically prosperous.
In this second part to the discussion The Heat looks at the gender pay gap, lack of paid maternity leave and sexism in the workplace.
- Elizabeth Weingarten, the associate director of the Global Gender Parity Initiative.
- Jacqueline Newman, a lawyer and women’s rights defender.