In recent years, despite global efforts for gender equality, a concerning trend has emerged: it appears as if patriarchy is regaining ground. It is not just a subtle shift—it is happening on political, social, and economic fronts. Moreover, the repercussions are profound and demand immediate attention.
At Changeincontent.com, we are committed to building a community that actively challenges these retrogressive trends. We aim to promote meaningful dialogues and take concrete steps toward eradicating patriarchy.
Patriarchy is regaining ground: The resurgence is a global concern
As highlighted in a 2024 United Nations press brief, there are clear signs that patriarchal structures, which many believed to be weakening, are instead making a strong comeback. UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women with a stark warning: “Patriarchy is far from vanquished; it is regaining ground.” Women’s rights are facing unprecedented threats. Additionally, autocrats are increasingly using traditional values to undermine decades of progress.
From reproductive rights to workplace representation, women are once again grappling with policies that seek to control their autonomy. One of the most common examples is the suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Another example is the rollback of reproductive rights in several nations. These examples are setting a troubling precedent. Such situations force us to ask whether the ground gained in women’s rights over the last several decades is at risk of being lost.
Global gender poverty: The “Female Face” of poverty
According to the United Nations, global poverty increasingly has a “female face.” Women are overwhelmingly affected by economic disparities, especially in conflict zones. A staggering 400 million women are living in extreme poverty, subsisting on less than $2.15 per day. At current rates, 8% of the global female population will still be in this situation by 2030. The intersection of poverty and gender inequality forms a critical barrier perpetuated by financial systems overwhelmingly led by men.
This issue is not just economic but deeply tied to structural inequalities that continue to limit women’s access to land, resources, and leadership positions. As financial institutions remain male-dominated, policies and decisions often fail to consider the unique challenges women face. The result is a perpetuation of inequality that continues to hold women back, particularly in developing countries where economic opportunities are already scarce.
The digital world: A new battleground
Guterres also pointed out how patriarchy manifests in the digital realm. With technological systems and algorithms primarily designed by men, the result is a gender bias built into the fabric of the digital world. Women are often left out of decisions that shape the digital future, and biased algorithms ignore women’s needs and experiences, reinforcing inequalities.
Violence against women: A global crisis
Gender-based violence is another critical area where patriarchy’s resurgence is deeply concerning. Reports from conflict zones like Afghanistan, Sudan, Palestine, and Ukraine point to systematic sexual violence against women, a tool of war that is devastating families and communities. Sexual violence in conflict is not a new phenomenon, but its widespread use in 2024 highlights how far the global community has to go in protecting women.
Patriarchy is regaining ground: How can leadership and policy play a role
Ivan Šimonović, Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council, emphasised the need for structural changes to empower women. He noted that if the international community fails to act, over 342 million women and girls will remain in extreme poverty by 2030. Achieving gender equality, he stated, requires dismantling institutional barriers, improving economic opportunities, and involving women in leadership roles across all sectors.
What can we do?
As professionals, citizens, and global leaders, we must be proactive in reversing these regressive trends. The issue is not simply that patriarchy is regaining ground but that systemic failures continue to allow it to thrive. Here are some actions that can help:
1. Policy Reform: Strengthen laws and ensure better enforcement of existing gender equality measures. Governments must go beyond rhetoric and actively protect women’s rights.
2. Leadership Parity: Increase women’s representation in leadership roles across industries, particularly in financial, political, and technological sectors. Diversity in leadership is vital to breaking down patriarchal structures.
3. Invest in Women: Address economic disparities by providing more financial resources to women, particularly in developing nations. Empowering women economically is crucial to lifting families and communities out of poverty.
4. Raise Awareness: Public campaigns that highlight the realities of gender inequality are essential. We must make the invisible visible, shining a light on the daily challenges women face.
5. Inclusion in Technology: Push for gender-balanced teams in technology design and implementation. As the world becomes more digital, ensuring that women are part of the decision-making process is critical to building a more equitable future.
The final thoughts
It is clear that while progress has been made, the resurgence of patriarchy is a critical issue that we cannot ignore. This global crisis calls for collective action—from governments, corporations, and individuals. It is not just about protecting the rights women have fought so hard to secure; it is about advancing the agenda for gender equality. We have to make sure that future generations don’t have to fight the same battles again. Now, more than ever, we must remain vigilant and take decisive steps to ensure that patriarchy’s resurgence is met with an equally powerful force for equality.
At ChangeInContent, we advocate for leaders and readers to unite in reshaping workplace cultures and dismantling patriarchal norms. We believe in fostering safe and inclusive workplaces that empower women and challenge systemic inequality. Together, we can bring a positive change in content and forge a future of equality and respect.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
