She Matters

Education is often considered the foundation of equality and empowerment, yet gender bias remains deeply rooted in classrooms and campuses worldwide. From early childhood education to higher learning institutions, girls and young women continue to face subtle and overt discrimination that limits their access, participation, and performance. Global and Indian Statistics Global Scenario : UNESCO reports that 129 million girls worldwide are out of school — 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age. In STEM higher education, women represent less than 30% of students globally, despite achieving better academic outcomes in many regions. 🇮🇳 Indian Context : According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 , 13.5% of girls aged 15–16 in rural India were not enrolled in school, compared to 7.9% of boys. Girls face greater dropout rates after Class 10 due to child marriage, househo...

Despite global progress in women's rights and workforce participation, the gender wage gap continues to be a persistent issue. Women, across industries and geographies, often earn significantly less than men for doing the same or equivalent work. This disparity is rooted in a mix of historical, structural, and cultural factors — and solving it is key to achieving true gender equality. Global & Indian Wage Gap Statistics Global Perspective: As per the International Labour Organization (ILO) , women globally earn 20% less than men on average. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024 estimates that at the current rate, it will take over 130 years to close the global wage gap. In OECD countries , the average gender pay gap is 13% , even when comparing men and women with similar education and experience levels. 🇮🇳 India-Specific Data: According to the Monster Salary Index (2021) , Indian women earn 19% less than men for the same work. Th...

  Understanding FGM Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a deeply rooted cultural practice in certain communities, often carried out under the guise of tradition, modesty, or social acceptance. However, FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, causing lifelong physical and psychological trauma. Statistical Data on FGM Global Statistics According to UNICEF , at least 200 million girls and women alive today in 30 countries have undergone FGM. The practice is most prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East , and some Asian countries , but also occurs among diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and Australia . An estimated 4 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM every year globally. India-Specific Context Though India is not officially listed among high-prevalence countries, FGM exists primarily within the Daw...

The digital world has opened up vast opportunities for communication, education, and empowerment. However, it has also become a space where women face increasing threats of cyberbullying, online abuse, stalking, and digital exploitation. The anonymity of the internet has emboldened perpetrators, making online harassment a serious issue that requires urgent attention. The lack of stringent legal protections further exacerbates the problem, leaving many victims without proper recourse. Statistical Data on Digital Harassment Global Statistics: According to a 2021 study by Pew Research Center , 41% of Americans have experienced online harassment, with women being twice as likely to experience severe forms like stalking and sexual harassment. A 2020 report by Amnesty International found that 23% of women globally have experienced online abuse or harassment. The World Economic Forum (WEF) reported that 1 in 5 women have experienced online sexual harassment, with the numbers being highe...

Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for personal and societal development. However, millions of girls and women across the world still face barriers to accessing quality education due to gender discrimination, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities. From limited access to schooling in rural areas to gender biases in educational institutions, these challenges hinder progress toward gender equality and economic empowerment. Statistical Data on Gend er Disparities in Education Global Statistics: According to UNESCO , 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age and 97 million of secondary school age . The World Bank reports that every additional year of schooling increases a girl’s future earnings by 10–20% . Women account for two-thirds of the world’s 773 million illiterate adults , highlighting persistent literacy gaps. India-Specific Data: As per the National Statistical Office (NSO) Survey (2021) , the female li...

  Human trafficking remains a pervasive global issue, infringing upon the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals. It manifests in various forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and child trafficking. Despite international efforts to combat this menace, it continues to affect millions worldwide. Global Overview According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) , approximately 25 million people are subjected to forced labor globally , with 16 million exploited in private sectors such as domestic work, construction, and agriculture. Women and girls account for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors. Human Trafficking in India India, with its vast population and socio-economic disparities, faces significant challenges in combating human trafficking. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 2,189 cases of human trafficking in 2022 , involving 6,533 victims . Among these, 4,062 were female, 2,471 were male ...

  The gender wage gap, where women earn less than men for the same work, continues to be a pressing issue worldwide. Despite progress in gender equality, wage disparity persists in nearly every industry and country. Addressing this inequality requires awareness, policy changes, and active participation from both individuals and organizations. Understanding the Wage Gap According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), women globally earn approximately 20% less than men. This disparity is influenced by factors such as gender discrimination, occupational segregation, and the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women. T he Wage Gap in India In India, the wage gap is even more pronounced. The World Inequality Report 2022 states that men earn 82% of the labor income, leaving only 18% for women. Additionally, reports indicate that in high-skilled jobs, women earn nearly 34% less than their male counterparts. Even with equal qualifications and experience, women face ...