Are you ready
for change?
Gender equality attitudes study 2019
© 2020 UN Women
This study is the product of a fruitful partnership between UN Women and Kantar, with many personnel from
both entities contributing to it. Special thanks go to:
UN Women team:
Kantar team:
Daniel Seymour, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Division at UN Women
Lynnette Cooke, Global CEO, Health
Khetsiwe Dlamini, Director a.i. of the Strategic
Partnerships Division at UN Women, 2018
Patricia Cortes, Project Coordinator – Beijing +25 and
Generation Equality Forum, Civil Society Division,
UN Women
Papa Seck, Chief Statistician, Research and Data Section,
UN Women
Jessamyn Encarnacion, Statistics Specialist, Research
and Data Section, UN Women
Noelia R. Paez, Data Analysis Consultant to UN Women
and Assistant Professor of Economics, Hawai’i Pacific
University
Sara Denby, Head of the Unstereotype Alliance
Secretariat
Carlotta Aiello, Publication Prod.& St. Officer,
Communications and Advocacy, UN Women
Carlos Poiré, Operations Associate, Strategic Partnerships
Division at UN Women
Whitney Krause, Managing Director, Insights
Kate Baumann, Senior Consultant, Analytics
Diane Schimming, Vice President, Insights
Shannon Baughman, Director, Insights
Shyama Puliyanda, Director, Consulting
Alice Thompson, Associate Director, Consulting
Hannah Sokolov, Senior Consultant, Consulting
Amr Arqoub, Analyst, Consulting
Kathy Annunziata, Vice President, Health
Jeanette Hodgson, Global Head of Qualitative Strategy,
Health
Chris Donaldson, Global Strategic Impact Director,
Health
Tom Williams, Global Design Director, Health
Lee Masters, Creative Design Manager, Health
Alex Brown, Senior Research Executive, Health
Designer: Melanie Doherty
The study benefited from the financial and technical
support from members of the Unstereotype Alliance,
namely AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Kantar, Procter &
Gamble and Unilever.
UN WOMEN
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 |
Table of contents
1. Introduction.............................................................................................2
2. The 10-country pilot phase...................................................................3
3. Findings of the 10-country pilot study...............................................5
3.1 Barriers to accessing education and health care rights.................................... 6
3.1a Education...........................................................................................................................7
3.1b Health care......................................................................................................................10
arriers at the individual and household level: Personal decisions,
3.2 B
marriage/family life and safety/violence.......................................................... 13
3.3 B arriers at work/employment, access to property and control
of personal finances............................................................................................. 21
3.3a Work/employment (work for pay), property and finances................................... 22
3.3b Access to physical property........................................................................................ 25
3.3c Control over personal finances....................................................................................27
3.4 Barriers by society at large................................................................................. 29
3.2a Control of personal decisions......................................................................................14
3.2b Marriage and family life............................................................................................... 15
3.2c Safety and violence.......................................................................................................19
3.4a Barriers to safety in public and the workplace........................................................30
3.4b Leadership and participation..................................................................................... 33
3.5 A
consensus moving forward: Barriers must be eliminated to ensure
opportunities for all women.............................................................................. 34
4. Findings by country............................................................................ 38
4.1 Colombia................................................................................................................ 39
4.2 India........................................................................................................................41
4.3 Japan...................................................................................................................... 43
4.4 Kenya..................................................................................................................... 45
4.5 Nigeria....................................................................................................................47
4.6 The Philippines.....................................................................................................49
4.7 Sweden................................................................................................................... 51
4.8 Turkey.................................................................................................................... 53
4.9 United Arab Emirates.......................................................................................... 55
4.10 United States........................................................................................................57
5. Annex.................................................................................................... 59
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1.
Introduction
Discriminatory social norms lead to a wide range of persistent
human rights violations and the systematic denial of women’s
equal access to political participation, employment, education and
justice, while also gravely undermining women’s protection from
all forms of discrimination and violence.
Not only do these norms pose grave impediments
to the achievement of gender equality and the
empowerment of women, but they also continue
to hinder the social, economic and sustainable
development of nations around the world. Although
significant efforts are being made to address
stereotypical gender roles, attitudes and practices,
these efforts are limited, under-resourced, poorly
supported and uncoordinated; experience of what
works is not adequately shared.
The year 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the
adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform
for Action, widely considered the blueprint for the
achievement of gender equality.
Leveraging attitudinal change as a vehicle for gender
equality appears as a critical tactic towards
accelerating the full and effective implementation
of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and
notably, SDG-5, on achieving gender equality and the
empowerment of all women and girls. It is in this
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context that the Gender Equality Attitudes Study was
developed under the leadership of UN Women and
in partnership with five private sector organizations,
including AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Kantar, Procter &
Gamble and Unilever.
The Gender Equality Attitudes Study aims to quantify
the scale of harmful gender-based stereotypes, thus
developing a greater awareness of the attitudes
that perpetuate these stereotypes and impede their
elimination. Kantar, a data, insights and consulting
company offered to leverage its global infrastructure
for the development, fielding and analysis of the study.
The findings from this study are meant to inform policy-makers, representatives from academia, advertisers,
marketers, private sector leaders, civil society and
other types of decision-makers on the prevalence of
discriminatory attitudes and gendered roles that perpetuate gender inequality and subordinate women’s
status in society. They will also inform the preparations
and outcome of the forthcoming Generation Equality
Forum, convened by UN Women in partnership with
France and Mexico, as it sets an agenda of concrete
action to realize gender equality before 2030.
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2.
The 10-country pilot
phase
In 2018, a Gender Equality Attitudes pilot study was initiated
to shed light on the existence and magnitude of stereotypical
attitudes and gender bias. The study focused on 10 countries,
including Colombia, India, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, The Philippines,
Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and United States.
The study serves as an evidence-based instrument
that demonstrates how leveraging attitudinal
change can be used as a critical tactic towards
advancing gender equality. The findings have the
potential to inform policymakers, advertisers, private
sector leaders, civil society and decision-makers on
challenging discriminatory attitudes and gender
roles that perpetuate gender inequality and women’s
subordinate status in society.
Key messages emanating from the 10-country pilot
study include:
Key Message 1:
People are aware of gender inequalities faced by
women across development dimensions.
Gaps are perceived to be smaller or nonexistent in
access to basic services like education and health.
48% think the quality of healthcare is good or excellent
for most women (compared to 46% for men).
53% think it is easy for most women to get quality
education (compared to 58% for men).
Significant gaps are perceived in areas of social
interaction:
a) Within the household:
56% think that most women have control over their
lives (compared to 70% for men).
53% think that most women feel safe when in their
home (compared to 66% for men).
UN WOMEN
57% think that most women have a lot of influence
on the decision of who to marry (compared to 68%
for men).
57% thing most women have control over their
personal finances (compared to 71% for men).
b) In the economy:
43% think that it is easy for most women to be hired
as skilled worker (compared to 55% for men).
50% think that most women have easy access to buy
property (compared to 68% for men).
c) In politics:
35% think that it is easy for most women to run for
elected office (compared to 63% for men).
Key message 2:
Still, social norms and cultural attitudes justify gender
discrimination–among the very same respondents.
31% think it is appropriate for men to discuss a
female’s colleague appearance at work.
22% think that there are acceptable circumstances for
someone to hit a spouse/partner.
28% think that a woman should not earn more than
her husband.
29% think that --for the same job—men should be
paid more than women.
41% think that when a mother works, the children
suffer.
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13% do not agree that women should have access to
family planning.
23% do not agree that women should be free to refuse
sex with her partner.
Key message 3:
People think media contributes to gender stereotyping.
54 % think that media only portrays women in certain
roles.
53 % think that media only portrays men in certain
roles.
Key Message 4:
There is an overwhelming consensus that gender
equality is important for the country’s future success.
91% believe equal pay for equal work regardless of a
person’s gender is important for the country’s future
success.
89% believe more affordable primary health care for
women is important for the country’s future success.
88% believe more access to higher education for
women is important for the country’s future success.
91% believe more respect for women’s rights in all
areas is important for the country’s future success.
78% believe more opportunities for women in politics
are important for the country’s success.
87% believe in more opportunities for women in
business are important for the country’s success.
84% believe that it is essential for society to treat
women as equal to men.
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3.
Findings of the
10-country pilot study
This report summarizes the overall results and findings from
the analysis in the nine focus areas of the sampled 10 countries
selected for this pilot study.
Overall, the majority of respondents agree gender equality is the
highest opportunity in the way forward towards a more equal
society. Yet, there are significant gender-based stereotypes across
all 10 pilot countries (developed and developing) and in all the nine
focus areas that are not being systematically addressed.
While gaps are smaller in critical areas such as education and
health, significant gaps exist in others such as media, workplace,
public spaces and households.
Looking to the future, respondents agreed that these barriers
should be eliminated as an important step in ensuring their
country’s future success.
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY
3.1
Barriers to accessing
education and health care
rights
Respondents value that both women and men have similar
opportunities in terms of the quality of basic health care and
quality education. They also believe greater access to higher
education and more affordable primary health care for women
is important to their country’s future success.
Differences in opinions—on current conditions that women and
men face in their countries—are small. Still, women perceive a
more profound disadvantage for themselves.
Interestingly, respondents agree that the level of education and
health care is as poor (or as good) for most of the people in
their country, regardless of people’s gender. A country’s income
level plays an important role, and larger gender gaps in access to
education and health care are observed at lower income levels
(developing countries).
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS TO ACCESSING EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
3.1a
Education
Across countries, 53% of respondents think
it is easy for most women to get a quality
education. 58% think the same about most
men.
GRAPH 1
Percentage of respondents who say that it is easy for most
women/men to get a quality education in their country
66%
Most women
Actual
51%
38%
73% 73%
72%
53%
46%
43%
36% 34%
77%
74%
USA
78%
65%
62%
Most men
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
58%
54%
42%
52%
41% 39%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS TO ACCESSING EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
3.1a Education
Most women and men agree a university degree should be
available for both women and men equally, they also agree
more access to higher education for women is important to
the success of their countries.
GRAPH 2
‘A university education should be available for....’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
93% 95%
Male
Female
4% 2%
3% 3%
PRIMARILY WOMEN
BOTH WOMEN AND
MEN EQUALLY
PRIMARILY MEN
GRAPH 3
‘How important is more access to education to your country’s
future success?’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
63%
52%
Male
Female
UN WOMEN
35%
3% 1%
6% 3%
NOT AT ALL
IMPORTANT
SOMEWHAT
UNIMPORTANT
29%
SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT
COMPLETELY
IMPORTANT
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS TO ACCESSING EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
3.1a Education
Across countries, respondents agree it is
important to grant higher education for
women.
GRAPH 4
Percentage of respondents’ opinions regarding the importance
of ‘more access to higher education for women’ by country
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
78%
76% 77%
70%
67%
68%
60%
Somewhat important
30%
17%
33%
28%
25%
32%
USA
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
15%
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
21%
INDIA
COLOMBIA
18%
23%
UAE
Completely important
57%
47%
37%
TURKEY
42%
56%
GRAPH 5
‘How important is more access to higher education for women
to your country’s future success’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
63%
52%
35%
Male
Female
29%
3% 1%
NOT AT ALL
IMPORTANT
UN WOMEN
6%
5% 4%
3%
SOMEWHAT
UNIMPORTANT
SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT
COMPLETELY
IMPORTANT
NO
OPINION
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS TO ACCESSING EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
3.1b
Health care
The level of basic health care reported varies
largely across countries but does not vary
much across gender.
GRAPH 6
Percentage of respondents who would rate the quality of basic
health care as ‘good to excellent’ for most women/men in
their country
79%
63%
For most women
47% 47%
33%
Actual
56% 54%
54%
48%
28%
18%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
77%
59% 60%
49% 48%
Actual
UN WOMEN
46%
USA
UAE
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
JAPAN
INDIA
KENYA
25% 22%
19%
COLOMBIA
Average
57%
54%
TURKEY
For most men
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS TO ACCESSING EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
3.1b Health care
Less than half of
respondents would
consider the quality of
basic health care as
‘good to excellent.’
On average, 87% of
respondents believe family
planning should be
accessible to women.
GRAPH 7
‘How would you rate the quality of basic health care for most
women in your country?’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
49%
37%
Male
40%
47%
14% 13%
Female
POOR (0-3)
ADEQUATE (4-6)
EXCELLENT (7-10)
GRAPH 8
Percentage of respondents who say it is important for women
to have access to family planning
90%
83% 80%
88%
96%
85%
91% 90%
80%
87%
87%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS TO ACCESSING EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE RIGHTS
3.1b Health care
43% of respondents think the quality
of family planning services is ‘good’ to
‘excellent.’
GRAPH 9
‘It is important for women to have access to family planning’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
45%
Male
Female
50%
39%
41%
6% 4%
3% 3%
5% 4%
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
AGREE
NO
OPINION
STRONGLY
AGREE
GRAPH 10
Percentage of respondents who would rate the quality of family
planning services in their country as ‘good to excellent’
Actual
UN WOMEN
47% 47%
40%
47%
43%
31%
25%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
17%
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
62%
55%
54%
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY
3.2
Barriers at the individual and
household level: Personal
decisions, marriage/family life
and safety/violence
Across the study’s 10 countries, women do not have as much control
over their lives as men do and they do not have as much influence
on the decision of who to marry. When already married or living in
partnership, women lose some control over their own bodies. Both
women and men recognized such differences.
Domestic violence is not acceptable to the majority of women and
men. Yet, women are at higher risk of suffering domestic violence.
Still, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women believe that it is acceptable for
someone to hit their spouse or partner.
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2a
Control of personal decisions
56% of respondents think that most women have
control over their lives, while 70% of respondents
think that most men have control over their lives.
GRAPH 11
Percentage of respondents who say that most women/men have
control over their lives
77%
71% 74%
Most women
68%
56%
53%
50% 48% 49%
32%
37%
Actual
Most men
65%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
81% 84%
79%
77%
75%
74%
70%
60% 58%
52%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2b
Marriage and family life
3 in 5 women believe most women in their
country have control over the decision
of who to marry.
GRAPH 12
Percentage of people who say that most women/men have a lot
of influence on the decision of who to marry
78%
74% 75%
Most women
58%
55%
42%
48%
35%
65%
57%
43%
Actual
75% 77% 78% 78% 78%
Most men
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
82%
68%
59% 59%
46% 47%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2b Marriage and family life
77% of women believe women should be
free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances.
GRAPH 13
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
38%
Male
42%
35%
31%
Female
AGREE
STRONGLY
AGREE
GRAPH 14
Percentage of respondents who say a woman should be free to
refuse sex with her husband/partner under any circumstances
87%
78%
85%
90%
88%
77%
71%
73%
65%
54%
Actual
40%
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2b Marriage and family life
Opinions regarding family
responsibilities in the
household vary greatly by
country. Overall, women are
given more responsibility
for the welfare of children.
2 in 5 respondents (both
female and male) believe
that when the mother
works for pay, the children
suffer.
GRAPH 15
Percentage of respondents who believe that when a mother
works for pay, the children suffer
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
Male
28% 27%
14% 14%
Female
AGREE
STRONGLY
AGREE
GRAPH 16
Family responsibilities
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
When a father
works for pay, the
children suffer
When a mother
works for pay, the
children suffer
41%
32%
30%
20%
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
UN WOMEN
27%
16%
DISAGREE
AGREE
14%
7%
6% 7%
STRONGLY
AGREE
NO
OPINION
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2b Marriage and family life
41% of respondents believe that having a mother
who works for pay affects the welfare of the
children. In the case of men that work for pay, only
23% believe that it affect their children’s welfare.
GRAPH 17
Percentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree that
when a mother/father works for pay, the children suffer
75%
62% 63%
Mother
44%
37%
29%
26%
25%
19%
Actual
41%
34%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
54%
Father
UN WOMEN
29%
19%
23%
USA
14%
UAE
TURKEY
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
JAPAN
16% 18% 16% 15%
23%
SWEDEN
28%
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2c
Safety and violence
Only 53% of respondents
think most women feel
moderately safe to very
safe in their home.
In contrast, 66% of
respondents think most men
feel moderately safe to very
safe in their home.
GRAPH 18
Percentage of women who say most women/men are
moderately safe to very safe when in their home, by country
‘SAFE’ MEANS ‘FREE FROM PHYSICAL, MENTAL, OR EMOTIONAL HARM’
83%
68%
Most women
64%
59%
56%
46%
36%
53%
50%
42%
27%
Actual
87%
68%
Most men
69%
64%
55%
77%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
81%
72%
66%
52%
41%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT THE INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD LEVEL
3.2c Safety and violence
1 in 4 men believe there are
acceptable circumstances for someone
to hit their spouse, while 1 in 5 women
believe the same.
GRAPH 19
‘There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
54%
44%
Male
27%
24%
17%
13%
Female
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
UN WOMEN
DISAGREE
AGREE
7% 6%
5% 3%
STRONGLY
AGREE
NO
OPINION
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY
3.3
Barriers at work/employment,
access to property and control
of personal finances
Women have limited opportunities and face serious consequences
in the labor market. Limited participation in the labor market means
less accumulation of work experience. Less experience means limited
job opportunities. Given these circumstances, women find it very
hard to climb up any career ladder.
Surprisingly, the study reveals that 1 in 5 female respondents and
almost 1 in 3 male respondents find it acceptable that men can earn
more than women, even when they perform the same job (that
requires similar education and experience levels).
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3a
Work/employment (work for
pay) property and finances
Both women and men agree it is more
difficult for women than for men to be
hired as a skilled worker.
GRAPH 20
Percentage of respondents who say it is easy for most women/
men to be hired as skilled workers in their country
62%
60% 59%
For most women
38%
Actual
27%
57%
43%
39%
35%
26% 25%
52% 52%
42%
69%
55%
49%
35%
Actual
USA
78%
68% 70%
For most men
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
39%
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 22
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3a Work/employment (work for pay)
Overall, 1 in 4 respondents agree
a woman should not earn more than
her husband.
GRAPH 21
‘A woman should not earn more than her husband’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
42%
Male
34% 32%
31%
19%
14%
Female
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
AGREE
9% 7%
7% 6%
STRONGLY
AGREE
NO
OPINION
GRAPH 22
Percentage of people who agree or strongly agree that a woman
should not earn more than her husband, by country
38%
31%
24%
UAE
9%
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
14%
KENYA
INDIA
JAPAN
15%
10%
COLOMBIA
UN WOMEN
26%
24%
Actual
Average
33%
USA
39%
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 23
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3a Work/employment (work for pay)
2 in 3 male respondents
think women should be
paid the same as men
for doing the same job.
Unfortunately, gender
wage differentials are still
acceptable to 34% of men
and 24% of women.
GRAPH 23
‘For the same job, men should be paid more than women’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
43%
Male
32%
29%
29%
21%
15%
13%
9%
6% 4%
STRONGLY
AGREE
NO
OPINION
Female
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
AGREE
GRAPH 24
Percentage of people who agree or strongly agree that for the
same job, men should be paid more than women
49%
39%
UN WOMEN
23% 25%
17%
29%
24%
UAE
10%
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
14%
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
38%
USA
Actual
46%
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 24
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3b
Access to physical property
Both women and men
agree ownership of
physical property is
easier for most men.
68% of respondents think it
is very easy for men to buy
property, while 50% think
the same about women.
GRAPH 25
Difficulty buying property in their own name, for women
and men
49% 50%
37% 37%
For women
Female
13% 13%
Male
VERY
EASY
70%
NEITHER EASY
NOR DIFFICULT
VERY
DIFFICULT
67%
For men
Female
25% 26%
Male
5% 7%
VERY
EASY
UN WOMEN
NEITHER EASY
NOR DIFFICULT
VERY
DIFFICULT
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 25
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3b Access to physical property
Respondents believe it is easier for men
than for women to buy property in their
own name.
GRAPH 26
Percentage of women who say it is moderately to very easy for
most women/men in their country to buy property in their own
name, by country
72%
65% 62%
Most women
50% 48%
43%
59%
50%
43%
31% 28%
Actual
83%
Most men
80%
71% 69% 69% 68%
65%
64% 63%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
68%
51%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 26
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3c
Control over personal finances
57% of respondents think most women have a
lot of control over their personal finances.
71% of respondents think most men have a lot of
control over their personal finances.
GRAPH 27
How much control do most women/men have over their
personal finances
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
71%
57%
Most women
37%
25%
Most men
6% 4%
ALMOST NONE
UN WOMEN
SOME
A LOT
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 27
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS AT WORK/EMPLOYMENT, PROPERTY AND FINANCES
3.3c Control over personal finances
Respondents agree it is easier for most men
than for most women to have control over
their personal finances.
GRAPH 28
Percentage of respondents who say most women/men have
a lot of control over their personal finances
68%
Most women
55%
50% 48%
73%
70%
75%
57%
50%
47%
40%
Actual
86%
72% 75% 73%
73%
58%
Most men
79%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
83%
71%
61%
51%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 28
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY
3.4
Barriers by society at large
Women are judged by how they look, and they are expected to
restrict their behavior to be accepted or safe. Both women and
men find it acceptable that men discuss women’s appearance in
the workplace.
Social media plays an important role in perpetuating gender
stereotypes. This makes social media a very important tool to
transform perceptions as well.
Respondents agree that women and men should be treated as
equals, yet women are seen as having a more difficult path to
political office. While most agree more opportunities should
be afforded to women in both politics and business, a sizable
proportion of respondents still believe men are better suited for
political and business leadership roles than women, while far fewer
believe the reverse.
UN WOMEN
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 29
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS BY SOCIETY AT LARGE
3.4a
Barriers to safety in public
and the workplace
2 in 3 respondents agree or strongly agree that
‘Women call attention to themselves based on how
they dress.’
GRAPH 29
‘Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
42%
47%
Female
21%
12%
Male
19%
17%
23%
7%
6% 6%
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
AGREE
AGREE
DISAGREE
NO
OPINION
GRAPH 30
Percentage of respondents who say women call attention to
themselves based on how they dress
82%
57%
61% 64%
69%
75%
67%
58%
62% 65%
54%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 30
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS BY SOCIETY AT LARGE
3.4a Barriers to safety in public and the workplace
1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women agree/strongly
agree it is appropriate for men to discuss a
female colleague’s appearance at work.
GRAPH 31
‘It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work’
(AVERAGE FOR THE 10 PILOT COUNTRIES)
Female
32% 35%
34%
22%
20%
26%
Male
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
UN WOMEN
DISAGREE
AGREE
7% 9%
6% 8%
STRONGLY
AGREE
NO
OPINION
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 31
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS BY SOCIETY AT LARGE
3.4a Barriers to safety in public and the workplace
Respondents believe media
portrays women and men only in
certain roles.
GRAPH 32
Percentage of respondents who say media in their country
(i.e. television, advertisements or public communication) only
portrays women/men in certain roles
66%
67%
61%
Women
66%
55%
45%
51% 49% 54%
41%
39%
Actual
Men
65%
61% 58%
60%
54%
43% 42%
52%
42%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
47%
52%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 32
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | BARRIERS BY SOCIETY AT LARGE
3.4b
Leadership and participation
63% of respondents think it is easy for men to run
for elected office in their countries. Only 35% of
respondents think this statement is true about women.
GRAPH 33
Percentage of respondents who say it is easy for women/men to
run for elected office in their country
60%
40%
For men
54%
39%
46%
35%
76%
70%
59%
57%
USA
UAE
13%
70%
59%
53%
TURKEY
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
PHILIPPINES
21% 18%
16%
NIGERIA
Actual
46%
SWEDEN
For women
76%
63%
65%
43%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 33
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY
3.5
A consensus moving forward:
Barriers must be eliminated
to ensure opportunities for
all women
The greatest opportunity highlighted by the pilot study is
respondents value gender equality as essential for society. Beyond
biases in attitudes today, looking forward people aspire to gender
equality as a key condition to their country’s future success. More
than 90% of respondents believe more respect for women’s rights
in all areas is important to their country’s future success. Similarly,
more than 90% of respondents believe in equal pay for equal work,
and 87% believe more opportunities for women in business are
important for the overall success of their country.
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
3.5
Looking to the future
84% of respondents believe it is
essential for society to treat women as
equal to men.
GRAPH 34
Percentage of respondents who say ‘It is essential for society
to treat women as equal to men’
89% 88% 89% 88% 88%
86% 87%
74% 77% 74%
84%
Actual
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
Average
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 35
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
3.5 Looking to the future
87% believe more
opportunities for women
in business is important
for the overall success of
the country.
78% believe more
opportunities for women
in politics are important for
the overall success of the
country.
GRAPH 35
‘More opportunities for women in business’
80%
75%
69%
62%
61%
51%
Somewhat important
Completely important
52%
51%
41%
31%
51%
43% 43%
38%
30%
28%
32%
30%
36%
22%
21%
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
12%
GRAPH 36
‘More opportunities for women in politics’
70%
64%
Somewhat important
46% 44%
Completely important
34%
33% 36%
50%
44%
40%
30%
28%
22%
50%
44% 42%
35%
31% 31%
42%
36%
UN WOMEN
USA
UAE
TURKEY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
KENYA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
11%
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 36
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
3.5 Looking to the future
91% believe more
respect for women’s
rights in all areas
is important to the
country’s success.
91% believe equal pay
for equal work regardless
of a person’s gender
is important to the
country’s future success.
GRAPH 37
‘More respect for women’s rights in all areas’
84%
81%
74%
73%
70%
Somewhat important
70%
63%
63%
59%
62%
46%
27%
29%
USA
27%
23%
UAE
PHILIPPINES
NIGERIA
JAPAN
INDIA
COLOMBIA
KENYA
15%
13%
27% 24%
18%
TURKEY
32%
25%
SWEDEN
Completely important
GRAPH 38
‘Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender’
82%
76%
72%
63%
60%
55%
SWEDEN
27%
USA
19%
16%
PHILIPPINES
KENYA
JAPAN
NIGERIA
17%
15%
INDIA
COLOMBIA
27%
26%
14%
64%
34%
33%
22%
UAE
Completely important
TURKEY
Somewhat important
UN WOMEN
74%
71% 69%
67%
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 37
4.
Findings by country
The following section is a snapshot of the respondents’
perceptions of their own countries.
The snapshots include the most compelling and unique
findings for each topic of analysis.
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.1
Colombia
C
OL
OMBIA
• Respondents in Colombia believe the future success of their country requires more
respect for women’s rights in all areas and equal pay for equal work regardless of
the person’s gender.
• They believe women and men have similar access to basic health care. Some
important differences exist in the access to a quality education for women.
• It is perceived women have a lot of influence in the decision of who to marry, almost
as much influence as men have. However, in general women feel less safe at home
compared to men. Moreover, most women might have limited control over their own
personal finances.
• Respondents also agree it is easier for a man than for a woman to be hired as a
skilled worker.
• Further, respondents agree running for office would be a challenge for women and
certainly women would be at a disadvantage.
TABLE 1
COLOMBIA
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
38
42
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
27
42
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
18
19
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
16
54
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
55
59
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
50
65
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
36
68
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
50
64
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
55
73
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.1 Colombia
GRAPH 39
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
61%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
66%
18%
57%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
10%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
10%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
17%
28%
44%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
86%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
87%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
90%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
COLOMBIA
GRAPH 40
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
14% 82%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
19% 74%
More affordable primary health care for women
13% 84%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
18% 78%
More access to higher education for women
22%
21%
70%
More opportunities for women in politics
75%
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
COLOMBIA
UN WOMEN
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 40
FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.2
India
I
N D I A
• Respondents in India believe women and men have nearly equal assess to basic
health care.
• They perceive access to a quality education is still difficult for women.
• It is perceived that women experience disadvantages when it comes to deciding
who to marry, compared to men.
• Respondents also find it difficult for women to run for elected office, to buy
property in their name and to be hired as skilled workers, in comparison to men.
TABLE 2
INDIA
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
51
62
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
38
52
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
47
49
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
40
59
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
42
59
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
48
60
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
56
64
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
48
63
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
50
58
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.2 India
GRAPH 41
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
58%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
61%
41%
61%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
39%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
39%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
49%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
54%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
75%
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
87%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
78%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
83%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
INDIA
GRAPH 42
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
22%
67%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
24%
66%
More affordable primary health care for women
25%
23%
34%
31%
63%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
67%
More access to higher education for women
46%
51%
More opportunities for women in politics
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
INDIA
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.3
Japan
JAPAN
• Respondents in Japan find women have a lot of influence in the decision of
who to marry.
• They believe women have control over their personal finances.
• On the other hand, the majority of respondents perceive women experience difficulty
accessing a quality education.
• As perceived by respondents, it is very difficult for women to be hired as skilled
workers.
• Respondents agree that buying property in their own name is more difficult for
women in comparison to men.
TABLE 3
JAPAN
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
46
54
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
26
52
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
47
48
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
21
43
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
48
46
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
49
58
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
46
55
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
31
51
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
48
51
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.3 Japan
GRAPH 43
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
43%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
45%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
26%
64%
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
14%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
15%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
23%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
16%
37%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
74%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
71%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
80%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
JAPAN
GRAPH 44
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
55%
33%
44%
46%
42%
44%
41%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
29%
32%
37%
33%
38%
More affordable primary health care for women
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
More access to higher education for women
More opportunities for women in politics
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
JAPAN
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.4
Kenya
N Y A
K E
• Respondents in Kenya believe that women have better access to basic health care
than men.
• On the other hand, they believe women experience large economic disadvantages:
It is difficult for women to buy property in their own name and in general women
do not have full control over their personal finances.
• Respondents believe women feel less safe at home compared to men.
• Only near half of respondents believe a woman should be free to refuse sex with her
husband/partner under any circumstances.
• Similarly, in most countries surveyed, it would be difficult for women to run for
elected office.
TABLE 4
KENYA
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
36
41
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
25
35
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
33
25
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
18
57
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
35
47
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
32
52
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
27
41
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
28
65
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
40
61
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.4 Kenya
GRAPH 45
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
42%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
39%
24%
69%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
30%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
24%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
25%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
18%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
19%
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
77%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
54%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
88%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
KENYA
GRAPH 46
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
15% 76%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
12% 84%
More affordable primary health care for women
15% 81%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
21%
70%
36%
28%
More access to higher education for women
40%
61%
More opportunities for women in politics
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
KENYA
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.5
Nigeria
N
IG
ERIA
• Respondents in Nigeria believe women and men have similar opportunities
to be hired as skilled workers.
• They perceive that women have better access to basic health care than men.
• It is believed women have little influence in the decision of who to marry
compared to men.
• Less than half of respondents believe a woman should be free to refuse sex with her
husband/partner under any circumstances.
• Respondents believe women have limited control over their own lives and personal
finances, and it would be more difficult for them to buy property in
their name.
• Respondents agree it would be difficult for women to run for public office.
TABLE 5
NIGERIA
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
34
39
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
35
39
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
28
22
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
13
70
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
43
75
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
37
74
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
42
52
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
43
83
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
50
86
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.5 Nigeria
GRAPH 47
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
54%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
55%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
40%
82%
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
23%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
38%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
39%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
16%
29%
74%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
40%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
85%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
NIGERIA
GRAPH 48
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
17% 71%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
12% 84%
More affordable primary health care for women
18% 74%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
17% 76%
More access to higher education for women
30%
22%
44%
69%
More opportunities for women in politics
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
NIGERIA
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.6
The Philippines
P
IN
ES
PH
IL
IP
• Respondents in the Philippines perceive that women feel safe at home.
• They believe women have almost as much control over their lives and their finances
as men do.
• They perceived it is as easy for women to get access to a quality education as
it is for men, yet it is more difficult for a woman to be hired as a skilled worker.
• Respondents believe that running for elected office is very difficult for women,
compared to men.
TABLE 6
THE PHILIPPINES
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
66
65
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
60
68
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
63
59
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
60
76
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
74
77
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
71
77
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
68
69
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
65
71
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
68
72
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.6 The Philippines
GRAPH 49
Percentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
65%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
67%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
43%
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
75%
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
23%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
33%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
46%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
15%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
34%
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
89%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
85%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
96%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
PHILIPPINES
GRAPH 50
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
69%
26%
72%
23%
70%
More affordable primary health care for women
27%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
15%
77%
64%
80%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
More access to higher education for women
11%
More opportunities for women in politics
12%
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
PHILIPPINES
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.7
N
SW
ED
Sweden
E
• Respondents in Sweden perceive women to have good control over their lives and
their personal finances.
• They believe women have control over who to marry.
• Yet there is still a perception it is more difficult for women to be hired as skilled
workers and to run for elected office in comparison to men.
• Also, respondents believe women do not feel as safe as men when they are
at home.
TABLE 7
SWEDEN
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
72
77
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
59
70
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
56
60
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
46
59
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
75
78
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
74
79
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
59
77
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
62
69
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
73
75
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.7 Sweden
GRAPH 51
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
42%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
41%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
18%
58%
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
14%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
14%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
14%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
23%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
25%
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
88%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
90%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
80%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
SWEDEN
GRAPH 52
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
16% 74%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
31%
24%
44%
63%
More affordable primary health care for women
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
30%
47%
28%
50%
More opportunities for women in politics
30%
51%
More opportunities for women in business
More access to higher education for women
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
SWEDEN
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.8
Turkey
TU
RKEY
• Respondents in Turkey believe access to quality education is poor for women
compared to men.
• It is perceived that women do not feel safe at home in comparison to men.
• Respondents believe that women have limited control over their lives, including
marriage decisions and control over personal finances.
• Respondents perceived it is more difficult for women to buy property in their own
name than it is for men.
• Further, respondents agree it would be difficult for women to run for elected office.
TABLE 8
TURKEY
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
43
52
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
39
49
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
54
54
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
39
70
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
58
78
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
53
75
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
50
72
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
43
69
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
47
73
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.8 Turkey
GRAPH 53
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
60%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
66%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
31%
67%
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
21%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
26%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
24%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
19%
62%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
89%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
77%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
91%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
TURKEY
GRAPH 54
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
27%
25%
23%
63%
69%
More affordable primary health care for women
73%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
68%
25%
35%
30%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
More access to higher education for women
44%
62%
More opportunities for women in politics
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
TURKEY
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.9
United Arab Emirates
U
A E
• Respondents in the UAE perceive women and men have the same access to a quality
education.
• They believe opportunities to be hired as skilled workers are similar for women
and men.
• Respondents perceive that women feel almost as safe as men when they are
at home.
• Two thirds of respondents believe a woman should be free to refuse sex with her
husband/partner under any circumstances.
• UAE respondents perceive running for public office is more difficult for women
than for men.
• They also perceive women have limited control over their life, including who to
marry and their personal finances.
TABLE 9
UAE
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
73
74
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
62
69
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
79
77
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
53
65
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
65
78
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
68
81
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
83
87
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
59
68
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
70
79
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.9 United Arab Emirates
GRAPH 55
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
52%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
51%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
43%
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
54%
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
29%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
31%
A woman should not earn more than her husband
38%
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
29%
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
63%
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
88%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
65%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
90%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
UAE
GRAPH 56
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
34%
60%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
26%
71%
More affordable primary health care for women
27%
70%
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
60%
33%
More access to higher education for women
42%
43%
31%
43%
More opportunities for women in politics
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
UAE
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.10
United States
U S
• Respondents in the US believe women and men are not very different regarding
the control they have over their lives, the decision of who to marry and their
access to quality basic health care.
• On the other hand, respondents believe women are at disadvantage in the labor
market; it is not easy for women to be hired as skilled workers.
• US respondents perceive it is more difficult for women to buy property in their
own name.
• Further, respondents agree it would be more difficult for women to run for
elected office.
TABLE 10
USA
% FOR WOMEN/
MOST WOMEN
% FOR MEN/
MOST MEN
‘It is easy to get a quality education for women/men’
73
78
‘It is easy to be hired as a skilled worker for women/men’
57
78
‘The quality of basic health care is good for women/men’
54
57
‘It is easy to run for elected office for women/men’
46
76
‘Most women/most men have a lot of influence on the decision of who to marry’
78
82
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their lives’
77
84
‘Most women/men feel safe when in their home (free from physical, mental or emotional harm)’
64
81
‘Is it easy for most women/most men to buy property in their own name’
72
80
‘Most women/most men have a lot of control over their personal finances’
75
83
Figures in percentages (proportion of respondents who agree with the statement)
UN WOMEN
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FINDINGS OF THE 10-COUNTRY PILOT STUDY | FINDINGS BY COUNTRY
4.10 United States
GRAPH 57
P ercentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree
with each statement
47%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays men in certain roles
49%
Media in my country (i.e., television, advertisements,
or public communication) only portrays women in certain roles
24%
It is appropriate for men to discuss a female colleague’s
appearance at work
62%
Women call attention to themselves based on how they dress
13%
9%
10%
14%
26%
There are acceptable circumstances for someone to hit their
spouse or partner
A woman should not earn more than her husband
For the same job, men should be paid more than women
When a father works for pay, the children suffer
When a mother works for pay, the children suffer
88%
It is essential for society to treat women as equal to men
88%
A woman should be free to refuse sex with her husband/partner
under any circumstances
87%
It is important for women to have access to family planning
USA
GRAPH 58
I n your opinion, how important is each of the following to
your country’s future?
19% 72%
Equal pay for equal work regardless of a person’s gender
26%
61%
27%
59%
28%
56%
More affordable primary health care for women
More respect for women’s rights in all areas
More access to higher education for women
31%
50%
More opportunities for women in politics
32%
52%
More opportunities for women in business
100
Somewhat important
Completely important
USA
UN WOMEN
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5.
Annex
Methodological note
Additional information about the data used:
To fully understand the scope of the analysis, it is
important to consider the following:
• The micro database consists of respondent level
data.
• 10 countries were included in the pilot phase:
Colombia, India, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, The Philippines,
Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United
States.
• A questionnaire was administered to an average
of 1,055 people per country.
• The study was structured including nine core
topics areas:
Education, work/employment (work for pay), health
care, leadership and participation, marriage and
family life, control of personal decisions, safety and
violence, access to physical property and control over
personal finances.
• The questionnaire used Likert scale/type
questions to measure attitudes, opinions,
perceptions, and beliefs to particular questions
and statements.
• The analysis uses a weighted sample: Half of
the participants are female respondents and the
average age varies from 28.8 (Kenya) to
36.7 (Japan).
• Primary targets:
Close representation of key demographics such as
gender, age, geography (e.g. urban vs. rural).
• Secondary targets:
Additional representation where possible for other
demographics such as household income:
• The analysis is based on overall findings by
topic, but results for individual countries are also
provided.
• The analysis opens a window to countries’ current level of perceptions, beliefs and attitudes on
major topics.
UN WOMEN
ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE? GENDER EQUALITY ATTITUDES STUDY 2019 | 59
The gender equality attitudes study was developed
by UN Women with the support of a global network
of partners, including AT&T, J&J; P&G, Unilever and
Kantar, all members of Unstereotype Alliance. Special
thanks to Kantar, the organization to which the field
study was commissioned.
The Unstereotype Alliance. This industry-led initiative
convened by UN Women unites leaders across business, technology and creative industries to tackle the
widespread prevalence of stereotypes that are often
perpetuated through advertising and content. It has
been embraced by businesses and organizations who
have been champions of addressing gender bias in
the industry. The Unstereotype Alliance aims to tackle
how the industry can affect positive cultural change
by using the power of advertising to help shape
perceptions that reflect realistic, non-biased portrayals
of women and men.
UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to
gender equality and the empowerment of women. A
global champion for women and girls, UN Women was
established to accelerate progress on meeting their
needs worldwide. UN Women supports UN Member
States as they set global standards for achieving
gender equality, and works with governments and civil
society to design laws, policies, programmes and services needed to implement these standards. It stands
behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of
life, focusing on five priority areas: increasing women’s
leadership and participation; ending violence against
women; engaging women in all aspects of peace and
security processes; enhancing women’s economic
empowerment; and making gender equality central
to national development planning and budgeting.
UN Women also coordinates and promotes the UN
system’s work in advancing gender equality.