According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2020, North America won’t see gender equality for 151 years. The report also states that gender parity can have a large impact on whether an economy or society will thrive.

That’s right — a country’s gender gap could affect its power and influence on the rest of the world.

So, how do we narrow the gap and start reaping the economic benefits of gender parity? First, we need to learn how to recognize gender inequality.

What does gender equality look like?

  • Equal pay: Pay rates should not be determined based on a person’s gender (or race, age, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, etc.).
  • Equal treatment: This was an issue I faced as the only woman on a 14-person executive team years ago.
  • Equal representation on leadership teams, corporate boards, etc.: Leadership teams should equally represent both men and women.
  • Equal access to training and career-building opportunities: Throughout my corporate career, mentoring and career progression programs weren’t usually offered to women.
  • Company benefits should reflect the needs of all employees, as well as their families: Offering the flexibility to work from home or adjust their work schedules helps men and women take care of their children without having to sacrifice their careers.

How are companies impacted by their own culture and policies regarding gender equality?

Businesses and nonprofits that actively support gender equality tend to make better business decisions —and ultimately make more money. Research shows that inclusive teams make better business decisions up to 87% of the time, and that teams with less diversity are more likely to make poor choices for their companies.

Read the full article about gender equality in employment by Christina Carosella at Forbes.