2134 – The year when women will make up half the world’s leaders

Today two thirds of people across the globe who are living in poverty are female and their voices are not being heard.   Evidence shows that women perform two-thirds of the world’s work, produce 50% of the food, but only earn 10% of the income and 1% of property.  

At the same time women are not participating in public and political life in equal measure as men and based on current trends, will not be equally represented in parliaments until 2065 and will not make up half the world’s leaders until 2134.

A research report produced by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) has been launched at Belfast City Hall with the support of Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon, Deputy Lord Mayor,  Alderman Maire Hendron, Councillor Carol Black and  Junior Minister Jennifer McCann MLA

The report highlights that women experience poverty in different ways to men, and often they have the greatest insight into the root causes of poverty and the actions and resources that can address these causes.

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now was delighted to invite women politicians from across the political spectrum to join the Lord Mayor, to highlight the VSO report 'Women in Power' - A document that starkly showcases the imbalance of women in public and political life particularly within the poorest and most disadvantaged communities across the world.  As CEO of Volunteer Now and a Board member of VSO Ireland Wendy recognises the power of volunteering to change lives.   She says:  “ In the poorest communities of the world it is often women who volunteer to make things better not just for themselves but for the whole community. This deserves to be recognised and their leadership needs to find a place at the decision making table.”

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Nichola Mallon said: “Gender should never act as a hindrance or an advantage in society.  People, whatever their gender, deserve to be given equal opportunities to fulfil their full potential and achieve their life goals and ambitions.”

Malcolm Quigley, Executive Director, VSO Ireland added:

‘We know that human development is about more than just access to income and basic services; in health and education. It is about having opportunities and choices to fulfil our aspirations and to take control of our lives’

‘The cycle of poverty is vicious but research shows us that when we increase women’s participation and influence in decision-making we have the power to break the cycle’

The report is available to download from : www.vso.ie/support-vso/campaign