How Gender Equality Leads to Longer Life Expectancy

People in more gender-equal countries live longer, and women benefit the most.

A new study by researchers at the George Institute found that improving education has the greatest impact on longevity. For both men and women, a 10% improvement in gender equality overall leads to an average increase of 3.7 years in life expectancy for women and 2.9 years for men. This widens the gender gap in life expectancy, as women outlive men in almost every country in the world.

The researchers studied data from 156 countries between 2010 and 2021. They applied a modified Global Gender Gap Index to this data, which is based on the model developed by the World Economic Forum. The Forum’s index measures gender equality across four domains: economic participation, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. It assigns each country a value of 0-100 for each domain so that gender equality can be measured and compared around the world. In 2022, the global gender gap was 68.1% closed. At the current rate of progress, it will take 132 years for it to close completely.

The study's findings suggest that gender equality is not only good for women but also men. By improving education and other opportunities for women, we can help to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Also, read about these 8 countries that are the best at supporting women at work