A resounding 85% of women identify as advocates for women’s rights, actively working to advance gender equality. Meanwhile, 60% believe women’s representation in leadership will improve over the next decade, and two-thirds insist that greater female representation is essential at both national and global levels to influence decision-making.
Despite persistent global challenges—ranging from armed conflict to economic insecurity—women express hope for the future. 57% expect their quality of life to improve over the next five years, and 61% already feel better off compared to five years ago. However, mental health and the burden of unpaid care work remain significant barriers to achieving full equality.
Key Global Concerns: Climate, Conflict, and Economic Insecurity
Women globally rank climate change, economic instability, and gender inequality as their top concerns. Alarmingly, 86% expect to be directly affected by climate change in the next decade, with consequences for health, displacement, and natural disasters. More than half of women, and 70% in Eastern Europe, anticipate being impacted by war and conflict.
The survey also reveals widespread dissatisfaction with international collaboration. Only:
- 19% believe countries are working well together to resolve conflicts,
- 21% see adequate cooperation to tackle economic insecurity,
- 30% think multilateral efforts to address gender inequality are sufficient.
Women call for more inclusive international decision-making and demand that their perspectives shape policies and responses to global crises.
While 45% of women view AI as an opportunity, concerns remain about its impact on jobs, privacy, and security. Notably, two-thirds believe AI can positively impact education, but skepticism is higher in the West regarding its effects on employment.
What This Means for Student Movements
The We the Women survey underscores the urgent need for student movements and organizations to amplify women’s voices in global governance. At the Global Student Forum, we remain committed to ensuring that student leaders, particularly women, are heard in shaping policies for a sustainable, just, and inclusive future.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, we call on students and allies worldwide to demand representation, challenge systemic barriers, and push for action on gender equality—not just today, but every day.
