Women

➡️ WOMEN'S RIGHTS Guide - Equality, Empowerment & Feminism

The importance of a gender-equal society in fighting key issues such as poverty, disease, and hunger is finally being recognised by world leaders. 50% of the human population has historically been silenced - denied education, employment, financial independence, the right to participate politically, and even the right to autonomy.

We say no longer! Women's rights movements are rising up, leaders are opening their eyes, and women are becoming empowered.

We are committed to informing women of their rights, connecting women's organisations to create stronger support systems, and raising awareness of the issues affecting women today. Education is key to a gender-inclusive world and aims to play an important role in the dissemination of reliable and impartial information for women.

Jump straight to our resources on ➡️ Women

Explore our comprehensive guides on -

• Gender Equality & Women's Rights

• Women's Organisations & News

• Women & Peace, Environment, Health & Development

• Women's Philanthropy

• Inspirational Women Changing the World

• Feminism

• Women & Society, Work & Family

• International Women's Day

Where Can I Find Resources for Women?

Students, researchers, and those new to the women's movement will find our background information section especially interesting. Explore women's research and study centres, initiatives and campaigns, including the Beijing Platform for Action.

We highlight remarkable women who have made invaluable contributions to society through literature, peace work, environmentalism, and global health. Find our excellent coronavirus guide made specifically for women, as well as information for handicapped women and on the growing sector of women's philanthropy.

Learn about the additional barriers to society that Indigenous women and women of colour have faced throughout history and still face today. Find excellent organisations fighting to uplift their voices, provide support, and safe spaces for women to thrive.

In a male-dominated world, just 24% of news sources are from women. Better World Info recognises the importance of the female voice and the need for fair representation in journalism. By being more inclusive, the media can only benefit by offering different perspectives from more experts and providing coverage of female-related issues.

Without diversity in media coverage, the quality of journalism is diminished, and women can be portrayed in a biased, sexist manner and left on the margins of society.

What are Women's Rights?

The women's rights movement began in the 19th century, and the fight continues to this day. In many parts of the world, women still do not enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men.

There are places where women cannot vote, cannot open bank accounts, own property, attend high school, seek employment, or travel unaccompanied. Even in areas where women have the legal right to do these things, often bureaucracy, social stigmas, fear of reprisal, lack of education, and other barriers exist to prevent women from exercising their rights.

Let us take you on a history tour through the Suffragette movement and various right-to-vote campaigns throughout history. Find top women's rights organisations working tirelessly to expose dire rights situations and promote and secure a more gender-equal world for women in every corner of the world.

We also highlight the most pressing women's rights issues today. Find extensive categories on violence against women, femicide, reproductive rights, female genital mutilation, child marriage, dowries, women in conflict regions, trafficking, sexual abuse and harassment, and specific issues faced by women in developing countries.

How Can We Achieve Gender Equality?

The United Nations recognises that to achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainability, it cannot be done without working towards gender equality. As the 5th Sustainable Development Goal, they have cemented their commitment to improving the situation for women worldwide.

Despite this, the 16th Global Gender Gap report by WEF revealed that women must wait another 132 years before full gender parity is achieved. Although there has been slow progress, it is clear that the gender equality movement is facing an uphill battle.

Better World Info serves as a platform for positive, long-lasting change. You can find excellent gender equality portals, organisations, and initiatives and get access to experts on social media. Discover who is leading the way in opportunities and rights for women, and learn about excellent policies already in place to promote inclusivity.

Better World Info highlights key gender equality issues such as the pay gap, employment inequality, harmful societal mindsets, unpaid labour, and female poverty - find in-depth categories exposing the whole picture.

By raising awareness, providing accurate information, and connecting excellent gender initiatives, we hope to be a catalyst for change, break down harmful stereotypes, and foster a new culture where gender does not dictate safety, success, and freedom.

What is Feminism?

Feminism is the social, political, and economic movement advocating for women's equal rights. Although it has materialised in different ways over the decades and by different cultures, the end goal remains the same.

Empowerment, equality, and equity.

Oppression, sexual exploitation, egotism, sexism, and harassment are still common problems. The origins of feminism lie in the 19th century, and the women's suffrage movement, but the fight is still very much ongoing today.

Learn about iconic feminists throughout history and the trailblazers of today. Let us take you on a tour of the best resources for budding feminists, including podcasts, social media, action guides, blogs, foundations, and more.

How are Women Treated by Society?

Traditional roles, expectations, and attitudes towards women have thankfully been changing over recent decades. Once resigned to domestic duties and motherhood, normalised societal views have become much broader.

Better World Info investigates how these attitudes are shifting and the many different roles that women of today play in modern society.

Of particular importance is the participation of women in politics. Once viewed as a man's world, the need for more women in governmental leadership is now seen as vital. Find interesting topics covering girls' education, the portrayal of women in the media, harassment, and the role of women in religion.

Much work still needs to be done to break down gender barriers in society. In developing countries, even more so. Women are often seen as second-class citizens - marginalised from society, left voiceless, and without social or economic freedoms.

What Role do Women Play in Their Families?

The role of women in the family has recently been thrust into the limelight with the ongoing restrictions to pregnancy healthcare and access to abortion in the US. Political involvement in women's body autonomy has caused waves of protest and anger worldwide.

Fears are widespread that the rollback of women's rights will set a precedent for further removal of rights in the US and in other countries that look to them as a role model.

Find extensive information on many family issues that affect mothers and girls. Special highlights include resources on birth control, sexuality, relationships, and Mother's Day.

Are Women Treated Fairly in the Workplace?

Female labour force participation is just over 50%, albeit lower than the figure for men at 80%, there are still more women working than ever before. Employment brings many benefits - to the worker, the workplace, and the economy as a whole.

Women can become financially independent, confident, valued, and empowered. Female employment can lift families out of poverty and provide better opportunities for children.

It is proven that drawing on the talent pool of both men and women brings effectiveness and growth to a business. Closing the employment gap and supporting women in the economy are key to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite the known benefits, there is still a massive gender difference in the workplace. Women make up the bulk of the informal labour market, yet they are generally paid less than men. Discrimination, poor attitudes and workplace harassment are rife, and the digital divide prevents many women from entering higher-paid positions.

Explore resources for women working in science, technology, journalism, media, film, and also a guide for women in retirement.

Women's Rights for a Better World

Women live in a world which, in many ways, was designed by men - for men. Even in the world's wealthiest and most developed countries, women face barriers.

We do not need a world where gender defines us. We are not opposing teams. We need a world which offers equality for all.

Women's rights are human rights.

“I raise my voice not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” - Malala Yousafzai

• 380 million women and girls live in poverty

• 1.2 billion women are denied access to safe abortions

• 12 million girls married under 18 every year, and,

• 130 million girls are not receiving any formal education

Better World Info serves as a platform for gender equality. It is here to support your organisation, campaign, and fight for women's rights. By providing the vital information needed, a space for women's initiatives to network, and raising the profile of these excellent projects, we hope to be the catalyst for positive change.

Let's work together to provide a more gender-equal world for our children. Inclusive leadership, policy, workplaces, societies, and attitudes are key to creating a global culture of equality.

After all, "When women and girls are equal, everyone is greater” - Melinda Gates.

Better World Info is an open platform – We invite experts, NGOs, campaigners, and activists to contribute their knowledge and top resources! We are a constantly expanding, work-in-progress, committed to spreading reliable, critical, and investigative resources to help create an informed, knowledgeable, and curious world.

Author: Rachael Mellor, 07.12.22 (Updated 01.05.25) licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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