Global Scans · Gender · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Achieving global gender parity will take many decades yet. Read on to understand the trends, challenges and efforts to advance parity at a faster pace.

• [New] The EESC opinion 'Gender equality strategy 2026-2030' underlines that gender equality is not only a matter of fundamental rights, but also of Europe's economic resilience and competitiveness. European Economic and Social Committee
• [New] The European Commission's new Gender Equality Strategy for 2026-2030 aims to advance equality between women and men across the EU and address persistent challenges such as gender pay gaps, unequal caring responsibilities and gender-based violence. European Economic and Social Committee
• [New] Women in Singapore have the highest projected HLE in 2030, with a 94.5% probability of higher than 75.2 years, which is the highest HLE in 2019 across countries. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Men in Singapore are projected to have the highest HLE at birth in 2030, with a 93.4% probability of higher than 75.2 years. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The female advantage in HLE will shrink by 2030 in 117 countries, especially in most of the high SDI and European countries. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Peru and Maldives are anticipated to make considerable progress in male longevity, with a substantial likelihood of 48.7% and 35.3%, respectively, for being among the top ten countries by HLE in 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] There is a 94.5% probability that HLE at birth for Singapore women and 93.4% for Singapore men will be higher than 75.2 years in 2030, the same as the highest life expectancy in the world in 2019. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] A changing menstrual cycle usually heralds its arrival, and the biggest change women will notice is they skip a cycle. The Guardian
• [New] Earlier in 2026 Australian scientists put human sperm into a microgravity simulation chamber to see if they could navigate an artificial female reproductive system. Scientific American
• [New] The brisk growth of artificial intelligence may worsen existing gender inequalities and pose new risks to the human rights of women and girls worldwide. Yale Law School
• Young people across Europe now have a unique opportunity to contribute directly to important discussions shaping the future of gender equality, economic growth, and competitiveness within the European Union. Opportunities for Youth
• Most people in Gaza remain forcibly displaced, with many living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions where women and girls face heightened risks of SGBV. NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security
• Women searching for jobs in the United States can find thousands of opportunities through trusted online job platforms in 2026. Exeleon Women
• By 2030, at least 90% of FCDO bilateral ODA programmes will contribute to gender equality. GOV.UK
• Reducing young female NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rates to 2021 levels would represent a £3 billion opportunity for the UK economy, while reducing them to the Netherlands' levels, the lowest in Europe, could add £11 billion. Lewis Silkin
• At the current pace, closing the global gender gap will take 123 years. Lewis Silkin
• Closing gender employment gaps could boost global long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20%. Lewis Silkin
• About 90% of people in Gaza remain forcibly displaced, with many living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions where women and girls face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence. NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security
• Reducing anaemia in pregnancy, addressing the unmet need for contraception, avoiding medically unnecessary caesarean sections, and ensuring all women receive effective uterotonic medicines after birth could substantially lower the global burden of postpartum haemorrhage. Oxford University
• Forces that embedded diversion schemes could go further still and develop specialist pathways for women. The Guardian

Last updated: 30 July 2026