Full Frame: Gender Inequality with Mercedes Araoz

Full Frame

Mike Walter and Mercedes AraozFull Frame Host Mike Walter talks with Mercedes Araoz, vice president of Peru, about global gender inequality.

Gender inequality is a concern around the globe. In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 goals for a better world by 2030. Achieving gender equality is on that list. But, can it really happen?

This week on Full Frame, host Mike Walter talks with economist Mercedes Araoz, who is the second vice president of Peru. She discusses her own experience as a working mom and role model for women and girls across her country.

Peru has historically been one of the poorest countries in Latin America. However, sustained economic growth has reduced poverty there by more than half. And, in the last ten years, extreme poverty has also been reduced. However, as Vice President Araoz discusses, the country still faces challenges.

It’s a basic principle of fairness, men and women should have the same economic opportunities in life. But in reality, it just doesn’t happen.

For every dollar a man earns, on average, a woman is paid 54 cents. The World Economic Forum predicts, based on today’s rate of progress, it will take more than 100 years for this global gender gap to close.

The fact is: despite protests and legislation, a persistent gap between men and women exists, around the globe.