Economic inequality<\/a> is out of control. In 2019, the world\u2019s billionaires, only 2,153 people, had more wealth than 4.6 billion people. 1 The richest 22 men in the world own more wealth than all the women in Africa.2 These extremes of wealth exist alongside great poverty. New World Bank<\/a> estimates show that almost half of the world\u2019s population lives on less than $5.50 a day, and the rate of poverty reduction has halved since 2013. 3 This great divide is based on a flawed and sexist economic system.<\/p>\n This broken economic model has accumulated vast wealth and power into the hands of a rich few, in part by exploiting the labour of women and girls, and systematically violating their rights.<\/p>\n At the top of the global economy, a small elite is unimaginably rich. Their wealth grows exponentially over time, with little effort, regardless of whether they add value to society.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, at the bottom of the economy, women and girls, especially women and girls living in poverty and from marginalized groups, are putting in 12.5 billion hours every day of care work for free, 4 and countless more for poverty wages. Their work is essential to our communities. It underpins thriving families and a healthy and productive workforce.<\/p>\n