Women's education levels in BRICS countries improve: report

zhuzijun / 2022-06-01

A report released on Tuesday says BRICS countries have greatly reduced the gender gap in education, but the gap in the labor force remains large.

BRICS refers to Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The BRICS Women's Development Report 2022 finds that the five countries have made achievements in women's health, social security, education, economic opportunities and participation in decision-making and management.

One indicator is with education attainment.

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The photo shows the award ceremony of BRICS Women Innovation Contest during the BRICS Women's Leadership Forum on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of Chinese Chapter of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance]

The gross enrollment ratio of women from elementary schools to universities stands at 86 percent in BRICS countries, higher than the world average of 76 percent.

This is thanks to continuous policies and measures from the governments to support women's development.

The five countries also have shown progress with different features.

Brazilian women have strong entrepreneurial awareness.

South Africa ranks among the best in the world in female innovation and management talent.

India has actively introduced technology training programs and support policies for women.

Russia is reducing gender barriers against women's access to all occupation categories.

In China, Wang Shutong with the BRICS Women's Business Alliance says the digital economy helps women to find employment and overcome poverty.

"The digital economy and e-commerce have offered unprecedented opportunities for women around the world in career development. China has much experience with years of practice in digital trade. We can cooperate with other BRICS countries as well as international organizations to help more women realize their dreams in this digital age."

The report also points out that challenges in the workforce still remain, and require governments to further push gender equality.

For instance, the report says the digital economy has helped women in their careers and in daily life.

But they still face barriers to accessing and using digital platforms and financial services, mainly due to the inequality of access to mobile telecommunications services.

Shen Yueyue is the President of the All-China Women's Federation.

"We need to support women in entrepreneurship and innovation. Innovation drives new growth. So we need to deepen cooperation in technological innovation, digital economy and sustainability and take actions in addressing new challenges like the gender gap in digital technology. So our development can be shared among more women."

Sangita Reddy is the Chairperson of the Indian Chapter of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.

She says role models are also important to inspire more female peers. She cites a Harvard Business School study.

"But in a nurtured environment, by the age of 35 to 40, women's confidence is equal to men. And more importantly, in the 19 parameters which are critical for leadership, in 16 out of them, like initiative, resilient, self-development, drive for results, teamwork, women score higher than men. So, ladies, it is our time. Please step up and be role models for the rest of the women who really want to preach this gap in the workforce."

The report was released at the BRICS Women's Leadership Forum in Beijing.

The forum also offered the Mulan Award to 15 winners for their innovation actions in respective fields.

Five Special Contribution Awards were given in recognition of outstanding contributions in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source:CGTN