How does gender inequality contribute to global poverty levels?

Gender inequality contributes to global poverty levels in several important ways. When women and girls do not have equal access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, they cannot fully participate in the economy. For example, if a girl is unable to go to school because her family prioritizes her brothers' education, she may miss out on better job prospects later in life, which keeps her and her family in poverty. Additionally, when women are paid less than men for the same work, it reduces overall income in households, making it harder to escape poverty. By addressing gender inequality, we can empower women, improve family incomes, and help communities thrive, which ultimately reduces global poverty.