A newly published survey conducted by Ipsos, in collaboration with the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, reveals a significant shift in attitudes towards gender equality in the UK. The survey reports that nearly half of Britons (47%) believe things have ‘gone far enough’ when it comes to giving women equal rights with men; a notable increase on the 38% who reported the same last year and a stark increase in the proportion (29%) who felt this way as recently as 2019.
Such sentiments provide cause for concern because they potentially weaken efforts to push for greater progress (i.e., in lifting poverty and life expectancy levels, especially when considered from an intersectional perspective) as well as a lack of engagement from allies in the promotion of greater equality both in the UK and further afield.
What else does the survey have to say?
The survey also found, for the first time, that Britons are more likely than Americans to agree with the notion that gender equality has gone far enough. However, it should also be noted that 43% of Britons disagreed with this sentiment, reflecting a clear polarisation of opinion. But with a near 50/50 split this isn’t something that can be easily shrugged off.
The survey additionally indicated that more than half of Britons have no preference as to whether their boss/manager (61%) or political leader (69%) are men or women. Furthermore, a majority of respondents considered leaders of both sexes to be equally successful at delivering across the objectives asked about. Respondents did also agree that women wouldn’t achieve equality unless men took action to support women’s rights.
The survey findings in full can be found here.
The upcoming UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) annual conference
Contrary to the opinions expressed in the Ipsos survey above, the requirement for the upcoming 68th conference of the CSW refutes the notion that gender equality has gone too far. Scheduled to take place from 11-22 March 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the conference’s priority theme is
“Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”
It aims to bring together representatives of member states, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organisations from all global regions.
The outcome of the commission’s consideration of the priority theme will take the form of agreed conclusions, to be negotiated and ratified by all member states, including the UK. It’s a conference that also welcomes citizen delegates (chosen by their respective member states – but important to note, not official representatives) who are passionate about gender equality and social change to take part and interact with events and spokespeople over the two weeks, in order to contribute and take back to their communities actions and inspirations for further positive change.
One of the goals of UN Women UK (officially attending on behalf of the UK), is to dismantle the idea that if women thrive then men lose out; an implication suggested by respondents of the recent Ipsos survey. Both morally and economically it’s highly important that equality is reached in a practical sense, not just a perceived (and divided) one if the UK’s total population is to benefit. This is especially true when it comes to considering the well-being of a younger generation who are potentially feeling the effects of tightened fiscal policies that tend to affect women (as unpaid carers) more than men more negatively. It’s therefore of crucial importance that the engagement of men and boys as allies and partners in achieving gender equality is sought. With spokespeople of all genders attending and directing the conversations at the 68th CSW conference, it’s hoped that ideas of men losing out are quashed and refuted.
Overcoming a clash of perspectives
The above survey results come at a pivotal moment; such a clash of perspectives underscores the urgency of conversations dealing with gender equality. As Britain, and other countries, grapple with their divided viewpoints, dedicated global communities rally to reaffirm that equality is an ongoing pursuit requiring collective action, unwavering commitment, and a vision for a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive.
The upcoming CSW conference, hosting leaders, experts, policymakers and activists, will create a space for critical discussion and negotiation that should be progressive and equitable for all. It will help to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more equal world, both in the UK and beyond. As long as we note the points where progress has been made and don’t let that cloud the areas where progress is still to be acutely and actively sought. Then we can have insightful, pragmatic and progressive conversations that allow us to take these conversations and actions further, without people believing we’ve already achieved ‘true’ gender equality.
Author’s note
The terms ‘woman’ or ‘women’, as stated throughout this article, are, for the author, inclusive of anyone who identifies as a woman, including nonbinary people who identify with women’s struggles.
The Ipsos survey references two gender identities, man and/or woman. Any reference to the Ipsos survey in this article follows these terms of reference – the delineation into two distinct genders does not reflect the author’s views.
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