Is Gender Equality Possible? The Situation in Bulgaria and around the World

Abstract

In this text, I am basing my discussion on the World Economic Forum report for 2022, which shows that global gender equality could take another 132 years, measuring inequality in four main areas: economy, education, health, and political representation. While 47 countries show equality in literacy, significant gaps remain, especially in Africa and South Asia. Educational access is higher among women, but global issues such as poverty and discrimination continue to hinder girls’ access to education. Progress has been observed in Asia, while inequalities remain stable in North Africa. The EU reports a higher level of completed tertiary education among women compared to men, aiming for 45% completion by 2030. However, women still bear the primary responsibility for caregiving and household work, especially in rural areas. Women’s labor rights and economic opportunities are improving, but are still affected by discriminatory practices and social norms. Progress in gender equality varies around the world, with greater advances observed in Western societies compared to traditional societies where women still struggle for basic rights.