In 2000, world leaders came together at the United Nations' headquarters in New York to address global issues that have caused extreme poverty worldwide. The result of the meeting was the development of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG); these are eight (8) goals that each participating country would work toward accomplishing by 2015. Those goals are listed below:

Click on the image below to access more information about how Goal #3 is focused on changing the roles of women.

MDG quick facts on gender equality:

• In 2008, there were 96 girls for every 100 boys enrolled in primary school, and 95 girls for every 100 boys in secondary school in developing regions. (Inequality in Education)
  Goal: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education
• The share of women employed outside of agriculture remains as low as 20% in Southern Asia, Western Asia and Northern Africa. (Inequality in Employment)
  Goal: Promote women's and girls' economic rights and opportunities
• The global share of women in parliament (legislative) continues to rise slowly and reached 19% in 2010 — far short of gender equality. (Inequality in Politics)
  Goal: Increase women's representation in government and politics

Activity

Goal #3 addresses the disparities regarding education, employment and women who serve in national political offices. In your notes, answer the following questions about MDG Goal #3:

1. Why is it important to address the gender equality in education?
2. What are the benefits to providing equal economic rights and opportunities to females?
3. The table below illustrates the percentage of women who hold seats in national parliamentary (government) seats. Which country seems to be working toward the MDG #3? Which country needs more improvement toward this goal?

Percentages of Women in National Parliamentary (Government) Seats