Women make up for half of the world’s population. Women have gained significant rights almost everywhere. They are not a minority in any sense, but they remain underrepresented where and when decisions are taken, especially in the highest offices. 

After centuries of progress, gender inequality persists. Women still enjoy less opportunities, earn less and have less power than men. Despite the absolutely vital nature of women’s roles in the family and economic spheres, they are marked by a persistent and systemic lack of recognition. So far, no country in the world has reached gender equality.

The world we know is changing fast, and not necessarily for the better. Across the Atlantic, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies are being rolled back by leading companies and globally known brands, sending a strong message to the rest of the world. EDI has become a dirty word, which some now associate loudly with a path to societal mediocrity. 

Election results of recent years in western democracies show an appetite for drastic political changes. Even if some people seem to have been caught by surprise,  a careful and attentive analysis of socio-political consciousness reveals that clear signals of desire for change were impossible to miss. Since before the pandemic, the populist and far right movements are on the rise. Many progressive players scorned and intentionally ignored the facts and insisted on policies that alienated portions of the population who prefer moderate views, leaving them lost and confused at times. 

The new socio-political order presents many challenges. The risk for reduction of women’s rights and freedom in general is undeniable, but it appeals to an increasing number of the population, women included. Political conservatives work hard and effectively to seduce women with potential women’s rights, family and motherhood policies. The payback is simple: women's capabilities are reduced to the traditional value of their reproductive dimension, and made invisible or secondary with regard to other productive activities. 

Denying or ignoring reality is not helpful. Acknowledging it can at least ignite a discussion on what counter-movements might need to look like, as we endure the storm and work to bring about a brighter future. The present is unchangeable, but the future is unwritten.

How to cite: Jesus-Rydin, C.: The unwritten future of women in the 21st century, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12557, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12557, 2025.