It will take 134 years for the world to reach gender equality, JPMorgan says

a frustrated business woman with glass on at her computer
Gender equality is a ways away.
FreshSplash - Getty Images

Gender equality gains have stalled and at this rate, it will take 134 years to reach full parity, according to a report by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Despite increasing participation by women in the workforce globally — including a record level in the US — female representation in senior leadership roles remains at the low level of about 32% globally, JPMorgan said. 

White men dominate the highest-paying jobs in the US and women continue to be underrepresented in key executive decision-making power, the report said. The US gender pay gap increased to about 17% last year and remained unchanged at almost 13% in Europe, JPMorgan said.

“If current trends persist, it is projected that global gender equality will not be realized until the 22nd century,” the report said. “This means that a girl born today would have to wait until her 97th birthday, which is beyond the expected lifespan in every country, to experience a truly equal society.” 

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