At the current pace, gender parity in national legislatures remains a distant dream, possibly only to be achieved by 2063, according to a UN report.

The report indicated that this is because progress on women’s representation in national legislatures is making only slow progress.

Still, every fourth seat is now held by a woman – a significant increase compared to a decade ago.

The report released on Monday highlighted other markers of achievement and disappointment.

The proportion of women and girls living in what is defined as extreme poverty has fallen to less than 10 per cent.

But at the current rate, it would take another 137 years “to lift all women and girls out of poverty.”

Additionally, about one in four girls continue to be married as children.

The report also stressed the costs of gender inequality.

For example, the annual global costs that arise when countries do not adequately and fairly educate their young population amount to more than 10 trillion dollars.

“Today’s report reveals the undeniable truth: progress is achievable, but is not fast enough,” said Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women. “Let us unite to continue dismantling the barriers women and girls face and forge a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.”

(dpa/NAN)