The Report, first published in English and French in autumn 2014, vividly demonstrates the need for deeper debate, research and awareness-raising on the need for equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities for women and men, boys and girls in the fields of heritage and creativity. Founded on UNESCO’s commitment to advancing human rights, including women’s rights, in cultural life, the report acknowledges culture as the enabler for all people, regardless of their gender to develop to their full potential.

Initiated by the Culture Sector of UNESCO, the report draws together for the first time existing research, policies, case studies and statistics on gender equality and women's empowerment in culture provided by the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, government representatives, international research groups and think-tanks, academia, artists and heritage professionals. It includes recommendations for governments, decision-makers and the international community, within the fields of creativity and heritage.

To date, women have been particularly marginalized from cultural life, facing numerous barriers to equally access, contribute to and participate in film, theatre production, arts, music and heritage, hindering them from developing their full potential and impeding global sustainable and inclusive social development. 

The gender diagnosis in the Report  identifies symptoms that are familiar in other areas of socio-economic life: limited participation of women in decision-making positions (the 'glass ceiling'); segregation into certain activities ('glass walls'); restricted opportunities for ongoing training, capacity-building and networking; women's unequal share of unpaid care work; poor employment conditions (part-time, contractual work, informality. etc.) as well as gender stereotypes and fixed ideas about culturally appropriate roles for women and men, not necessarily based on the consent of those concerned. Lack of sex-disaggregated cultural data is a factor concealing the gender gaps and challenges from policy-makers and decision-makers.

The Report is accompanied by videos, photographs, and interviews with artists, creators and other cultural professionals across the globe.

The Report was made possible through the financial support of the Wanda Group, (People’s Republic of China). The Spanish edition was financially supported by the International Center for the Advancement of Human Rights (Argentina).

Download the Full Report: English/ French/ Spanish/Chinese