The fight for gender equality is one of the most dangerous sports on Earth. –

It has been ingrained into Society that females must follow one path, while males follow the other.

This is reinforced in our daily lives through the adverts we see, clothes we buy and the roles we assume.

Achieving gender parity requires an understanding of a very complex interplay of factors that affect rights and opportunities. Achieving gender equality is not just a moral issue – it makes economic sense.

Equality between men and women in all aspects of life, from access to health and education to political power and earning potential, is fundamental to whether and how societies thrive.

The most important factor in a country’s competitiveness is its Human talent – the skills and productivity of its workforce. It is the same for a company or an organization.

That is why the proper participation of half the World’s population is so important for the well-being of both businesses and countries.

There has been a significant increase in Awareness of the importance of gender parity and much has been done by international organizations, civil society, governments and business.

Although we are getting closer to gender parity, change is not happening fast enough. At current rates, it would take the world another 118 years – or until 2133 – to close the economic gap entirely.

Achieving equality is a marathon we must all run together.

Reducing the gap between men and women in education does not automatically lead to a closing of the economic divide. More women than men are now enrolled in university in the majority of countries.

But men still outnumber women in skilled jobs. Only four countries in the World have more women than men in senior roles in the workplace.

Equality is not a game. But achieving it will be our greatest victory. That is why we keep playing, until we all win.