Poverty has a female face, warns Antonio Guterres
- Poverty has a significant impact on women's economic status, with income disparity prevalent globally.
- Access to resources, land, and property rights is heavily restricted for women, despite legal rights in many countries.
- The cycle of poverty and gender-based violence underscores the urgent need for tailored socio-economic programs for women.
At a recent session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the dire consequences of poverty, particularly how it disproportionately affects women. According to the International Labour Organization, women earn an average of merely 51 cents for each dollar earned by men. This income disparity, combined with the undervaluation and underpayment of sectors dominated by women, exacerbates the financial struggle many women face globally. Moreover, access to essential resources like land, natural assets, and financial support remains limited for women, hindering their ability to combat poverty. A 2022 UN report highlighted that only 15.6 percent of farmland ownership is held by women, even in regions where legal frameworks theoretically support gender parity in land rights. Customary and traditional laws in various countries deny women the right to inherit property, leaving them vulnerable and economically disadvantaged. The ongoing global issues such as military conflicts and humanitarian crises have further complicated poverty alleviation efforts. During the G20 Summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan underlined these challenges and praised Brazil's establishment of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as a significant step towards addressing these dire situations. This sentiment echoes the pressing need for socioeconomic inclusion programs, especially for women, to break the cycle of poverty and violence. Furthermore, the situation is aggravated by the impacts of climate change, as women face greater challenges than men in terms of resource access and asset diversification. Wars and displacement inevitably lead to an increased risk of gender-based violence, victimizing women and contributing to their financial instability. The severity of this cycle indicates that efforts to improve women's socio-economic status must be prioritized to elevate their living conditions and enhance overall community resilience.