A total of 30 countries were included in the study, which represents various regions around the world. The countries sampled are India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United States of America, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Türkiye. The study was conducted between Friday, December 20, 2024, and Friday, January 3, 2025.

The study involved interviews with 23,765 adults. The age requirements for respondents varied by country: individuals aged 18 years and older were surveyed in India; those aged 18 to 74 in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United States of America; respondents aged 20 to 74 in Thailand; individuals aged 21 to 74 in Indonesia and Singapore; and participants aged 16 to 74 in all other countries.

Key Findings of the Study

1. Signs of progress on attitudes toward gender equality.

The study found that, although there hasn't been much change since last year, long-term trends indicate some positive shifts in attitudes across a 24-country average. The percentage of people who believe that efforts toward gender equality have progressed far enough has decreased from 53% in 2024 to 48% in 2025. Similarly, the belief that men are expected to do much to support equality has dropped from 51% in 2024 to 46% in 2025. In a broader 30-country average, 50% of respondents feel that their country has made sufficient progress in granting women equal rights with men.

1. The Gender Gap among Gen Z persists.

The study found that, despite progress, a significant gap in perceptions still exists between Gen Z men and women. Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012, and they are commonly known as Zoomers. The research revealed that young men are much more likely than young women to agree with the statement that a man who stays home to care for his children is less of a man. Additionally, many young men believe that efforts toward achieving women's equality have progressed so far that men are being discriminated against.

1. The majority say equality is important, but fewer than half think significant progress is likely.

The study further indicated that two in three individuals, representing 68%, stated that gender equality is personally important to them. However, far fewer, only 42%, believe it’s likely they will see significant progress toward gender equality within the next five years.

1. Perceptions of tensions between men and women are highest with younger age groups.

About 51% of people perceive a tension between men and women in their country today. This perception is particularly strong among younger age groups; for example, 59% of Gen Z respondents feel this way, compared to only 40% of Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers are defined as individuals born between 1946 and 1964.

1. More optimism about the future for young women than for young men.

Across the 30 countries surveyed, 55% of respondents believe that young women today will have a better life than the women of their parents' generation. In contrast, only 45% feel the same way about the future prospects of young men in their country.

1. Many think gender equality efforts by government and businesses have been positive for society.

Just over one-third (35%) of people believe that the efforts made by governments and businesses toward gender equality have had a positive impact. Meanwhile, just over 10% feel that these efforts have negatively affected society. This suggests that any backlash may stem more from emotions rather than actual opposition to the actions taken.

Despite the progress made, women still face significant challenges, including forced marriages, gender-based violence, underrepresentation in leadership, limited access to education, and economic inequality. This reality makes International Women’s Day even more essential, as there is still work to be done. The theme for the 2025 celebration of International Women's Day is "Accelerate Action." This theme highlights the importance of making faster progress toward gender equality. It calls for swift and decisive measures to tackle systemic barriers and biases, thereby promoting greater momentum and urgency in achieving gender equality.