Gender inequality 'passed down through generations'

We may be closing the gap at work, but a new study reveals that gender inequality is still rife in our society at large

We may be closing the gap at work, but a new study reveals that gender inequality is still rife in our society at large. A report released by the children's charity Plan UK suggests traditional roles of men and women are still ingrained in British society with over a quarter of boys believing it is not their job to help with housework.

Researchers asked a thousand 12 to 16 year olds questions about the roles of men and women across the world as part of Plan UK's Because I Am A Girl report to investigate inequality.

Plan UK's chief executive Marie Staunton tells Marie Claire: 'There are variations from country to country but our overarching conclusion must be that our families and schools are handing gender inequality down through the generations.'

'For girls growing up particularly in the world's poorest countries, this leaves them little chance of breaking free from the cycle of poverty.'

The study found that despite the gender gap slowly becoming smaller in the workplace, a shocking 31 per cent of British boys believe female politicians are inferior to men.

Furthermore, less than half of young boys think it would be good to have the same number of women and men leading the country's top firms.

The report emphasises the importance of men in achieving gender equality as they occupy the top positions in companies and governments across the world, and education is key to help change attitudes and end traditional stereotyping.

'We must educate to promote equality from nursery school; campaign to engage men and boys in challenging discrimination; and legislate to pass and implement laws to promote equal opportunities,' says Staunton.

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