Challenges and Advances in Gender Equity: Analysis of Policies, Labor Practices, and Social Movements

Abstract

Gender equity is one of the most complex contemporary challenges, encompassing political, economic, labor, and cultural dimensions. This study aims to analyze the impact of public policies, labor practices, and social movements in promoting gender equity across various socio-political contexts. To answer the central question of how these elements influence a reduction in gender inequalities, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted, complemented by a Bibliometric Analysis, following PRISMA protocol guidelines. The bibliographic search, carried out in the Scopus database, covered the period from 2015 to 2025 and identified 26 relevant studies that met the predefined inclusion criteria. The results reveal that, despite progress in formulating policies aimed at combating gender-based violence and promoting equality, the implementation of these measures is hindered by a lack of inter-institutional coordination and the persistence of deeply rooted cultural norms. Likewise, structural inequalities in the labor sphere are evident, such as the gender wage gap and barriers to professional advancement. On the other hand, social movements have emerged as key actors—including governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and healthcare providers—in highlighting and transforming these disparities by driving changes in political agendas and increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions. In summary, this study underscores the need to adopt intersectional and comprehensive approaches to achieve effective and sustainable gender equity, while comparing the influence of policies across different global regions.

1. Introduction

In recent decades, gender equity has become a central topic on political, social, and academic agendas worldwide. The growing concern over structural inequality has led researchers and policymakers to examine both the causes and manifestations of discrimination from a multidimensional perspective. This study aims to analyze the impact of public policies, labor structures, and social movements in promoting gender equity across different socio-political and economic contexts, providing evidence that helps identify both progress and persistent challenges.

This Systematic Literature Review, conducted following PRISMA protocol guidelines, covered publications in the Scopus database from 2015 to 2025. A total of 26 studies addressing gender equity from various perspectives were selected. The initial findings reveal that, despite the existence of regulations and strategies aimed at combating gender-based violence and promoting equality, the effective implementation of these policies is hindered by a lack of inter-institutional coordination and the persistence of discriminatory sociocultural norms (Javakhishvili and Jibladze 2018; Ramírez et al. 2015). One regional example is Ecuador, where labor inequity remains evident, as discussed in detail later in this review. In contexts such as Georgia, policies against domestic violence are implemented mostly symbolically due to limitations in motivation and resources among key actors (Javakhishvili and Jibladze 2018). In Mexico, studies have highlighted the need to include men in gender equality agendas to comprehensively address gender-based violence (Frías 2017). Similarly, in rural areas of Colombia, the stigma surrounding menstruation and the lack of access to hygiene products negatively impact gender equity in education and healthcare (Ariza-Ruiz et al. 2017).

Labor inequality manifests itself in wage gaps and barriers to professional advancement. In the United States, laws to prevent wrongful dismissal have improved representation in some sectors, though progress remains uneven across the labor market (Hoyt and Kurtulus 2025). In India, research has documented that the hiring of women in low-paying public sector positions perpetuates inequality (Chakraborty 2020). In Brazil, the “glass ceiling” phenomenon significantly limits the promotion of women in large corporations (Proni and Proni 2018). These findings highlight the need for structural reforms and strategies that promote inclusion and shared responsibility in the workplace.

The intersectional dimension of discrimination adds complexity to the analysis. In Guatemala, the convergence of racism and gender discrimination generates adverse economic and social effects, demanding comprehensive approaches in the formulation of public policy (Arzú 2021). Although Thailand passed a Gender Equality Act in 2015, the law has significant loopholes that exclude transgender individuals from full legal protection. Consequently, trans women still face hiring discrimination, especially in corporate environments lacking diversity mandates (Naradech 2023). In Mexico, gender segregation in research teams limits women’s participation in innovation (Zetter et al. 2017).

The role of social movements and political participation is also crucial in promoting equity. Citizen mobilization has contributed to exposing existing inequalities and incorporating a gender perspective into political agendas in countries such as Ghana and Thailand (Ayentimi et al. 2020; Matthews 2022). These mobilizations have also influenced institutional discourse, prompting academic and policy institutions to reassess their priorities and integrate gender perspectives across disciplines. In academia, despite a predominance of women, challenges remain in terms of underemployment and remuneration (McGrath et al. 2022), suggesting the need to foster policies that enhance equal opportunities at all levels.

Finally, several studies have linked gender equity to economic and health indicators. It has been documented that a higher female participation in public administration is associated with reduced corruption levels and better economic performance (Forgues-Puccio and Lauw 2021). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities, particularly affecting working mothers and female entrepreneurs, highlighting the urgency of support and work–life balance policies (Lambert et al. 2021; Welsh et al. 2017). Cultural perceptions regarding the differential effort between men and women continue to limit female entrepreneurship (Méndez-Suárez et al. 2025).

In summary, this study seeks to comprehensively analyze the interaction between public policies, labor practices, and social movements to develop strategies that foster effective and sustainable gender equity. The evidence collected from the reviewed studies (Afolabi and Akinlolu 2021; Hoyt and Kurtulus 2025; Ferdous and Mallick 2019; Essig and Soparnot 2019) underscores the importance of adopting intersectional and coordinated approaches that integrate cultural, economic, and political dimensions to transform discriminatory structures and promote full inclusion in all areas of society.

2. Methodology

This research adopts a methodological approach based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) complemented by a Bibliometric Analysis, rigorously following the guidelines established in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol (Alharbi et al. 2024).

The central research question guiding this study is as follows:

RQ: How do public policies, labor structures, and social movements impact gender equity in different socio-political and economic contexts?

To formulate this question specifically, the PICo model was used (Mohammed et al. 2023; Hosseini et al. 2024), structured as follows:

• P (Population): Women and groups vulnerable to gender discrimination and inequality;
• I (Interest): Impact of public policies;
• Co (Context): Diverse socio-economic and political environments.

The selection of the object of study—public policies, labor structures, and social movements—was based on their recurring presence as central agents of change in the literature on gender equity. These dimensions were consistently highlighted in preliminary scoping reviews as the most influential and measurable areas where gender disparities are either reinforced or challenged. This triad also enables a balanced exploration of the structural, institutional, and grassroots dynamics affecting gender equity.

2.1. Search Strategy

The bibliographic search was conducted exclusively in the Scopus database, internationally recognized for its multidisciplinary coverage and scientific quality (Singh et al. 2025; Vasudevan et al. 2025). The search period ranged from January 2015 to February 2025, covering a crucial decade for progress and evaluation regarding gender equity.

The search equation used was as follows:

TITLE-ABS-KEY((“public policy” OR “government policy”) AND (“gender discrimination” OR “gender inequality” OR “gender equity”))

2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The selection criteria were clearly defined to ensure the relevance and quality of the analyzed studies:

• Inclusion criteria: Original scientific articles published in peer-reviewed indexed journals, studies published in English or Spanish, and research explicitly focused on evaluating how public policies, labor structures, and social movements impact gender equity;
• Exclusion criteria: Documents that did not directly address the impact of public policies on the specific topic, book chapters, conference proceedings, theses, or non-peer-reviewed gray literature.

2.3. Document Selection Process (PRISMA)

The selection process was structured in four stages:

• Identification: Initial retrieval of articles from Scopus using the search equation;
• Screening: Removal of duplicate documents;
• Eligibility: Review of titles and abstracts according to inclusion and exclusion criteria;
• Inclusion: Full-text reading of the remaining articles and critical evaluation by two expert researchers to ensure methodological quality and thematic relevance.

2.4. Bibliometric Analysis

The Bibliometric Analysis was conducted using R software version 4.4.2 (Van der Elst 2024), aiming to identify the following:

• Annual publication trends;
• Scientific journals with the highest output on the topic;
• The geographical distribution of publications (collaborations between countries).

With this combined method of Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis, an integrated and updated analysis is ensured regarding the impact of public policies in the fight against gender discrimination and inequality.

3. Results

Although the strict focus on the triad of public policies, labor structures, and social movements yielded a narrower pool of studies, this specificity allowed for greater thematic coherence and methodological alignment across the selected documents.

The search was conducted on 24 February 2025. Initially, the search yielded 717 records, and no duplicate documents were found. Of the 717 initially retrieved articles, 614 were excluded during the screening stage, primarily due to misalignment with the research question, lack of an empirical evaluation of gender equity policies, or inadequate methodological rigor. Finally, a full-text review was conducted for the remaining documents (n = 41), resulting in 27 selected documents for this review (Figure 1).

3.1. Bibliometric Analysis

Figure 2 shows the evolution of the number of annual publications on the topic, along with a cumulative trend line. Through the data, it is possible to identify patterns of growth, stability, and decline in academic production over time.

In the early years of the analyzed period, between 2015 and 2017, there was an initial growth in the number of publications. In 2015, only one publication was recorded, the same as in 2016. However, in 2017, there was a significant increase, reaching five publications, suggesting a growing interest in gender equity at that time.

Between 2018 and 2019, academic production on the topic experienced moderate fluctuations. In 2018, the number of publications dropped to two, but in 2019, it slightly increased to three. These changes may indicate a stabilization of interest, with a steady research flow, though not yet at high levels.

The period from 2020 to 2021 remained stable, with four publications per year. In 2022, three publications were recorded, followed by only one in 2023.

The 26 articles selected (Appendix A) for this review were published in 29 different journals. Three journals stand out, with two publications each:

• International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal—SJR: 1.763 (Q1)
• Revista de Salud Pública—SJR: 0.148 (Q4)
• Vibrant Virtual Brazilian Anthropology—SJR: 0.145 (Q4)

3.2. International Collaboration Network

Figure 3 represents a collaboration network among countries in academic publications on gender equity. The nodes represent countries, and the connections indicate co-authorship links or cooperation in joint research projects.

The data reveal that the United States is the central node with the most connections, indicating its key role in academic production on the topic. From this country, connections extend to different regions worldwide, suggesting a dominant role in generating and disseminating knowledge in collaboration with other nations. Additionally, there are visible links between the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, indicating collaborative efforts among these countries in specific studies. Furthermore, North America shows interconnections between Canada and Mexico, potentially reflecting a regional research collaboration network.

Figure 3 suggests that research on gender equity is a global effort but is highly centralized in certain countries, especially the United States. International collaboration appears to be regionally distributed, with some intercontinental links that may reflect strategic partnerships in research development.

3.3. Thematic Distribution of the Selected Articles

The following tables and figures summarize the key findings from the 26 selected studies. To facilitate understanding, the results have been grouped into five thematic axes (Figure 4): (1) public policies and gender-based violence; (2) wage inequality and workplace barriers; (3) intersectional discrimination; (4) social movements and political participation; (5) economic and structural perspectives.

3.4. Public Policies and Gender-Based Violence

Table 1. Key findings on public policies and gender-based violence.

Author (Year)	Country/Context	Main Findings	Recommendations/Implications
Javakhishvili and Jibladze (2018)	Georgia	Anti-domestic violence policies are implemented symbolically due to lack of cooperation between actors, low motivation, and deeply rooted gender inequality.	Strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, improve training and resources for key actors, and enhance awareness campaigns on gender equality.
Frías (2017)	Mexico	Intimate partner violence is mostly perpetrated by men, although there are also cases of mutual violence. Male control is a key factor.	Design comprehensive policies that address violence from a gender perspective, considering its complexity and avoiding a one-sided focus.
Russi-Ardila (2020)	Colombia (Facatativá)	The gender equity policy in a healthcare institution includes protocols for assisting victims of sexual violence, but staff training and protective measures remain inadequate.	Increase supervision of policy implementation, provide continuous training to healthcare personnel, and strengthen mechanisms for reporting and protection.
Ramírez et al. (2015)	Mexico	Although focusing on men and gender, the study highlights that violence and patriarchal culture require public policies that involve men in promoting gender equity.	Develop public policies that integrate men as agents of change in preventing gender-based violence.
Matthews (2022)	Thailand	Women have played a crucial role in resistance movements, including protests against gender-based violence.	Recognize and protect the role of female activists, establish legal frameworks that ensure gender demands are included in political agendas.

presents the main findings and recommendations from studies focusing on the relationship between public policies and gender-based violence. The reviewed studies indicate that, although legal advances have been made in countries like Georgia and Mexico, policy implementation remains limited due to a lack of institutional coordination and deeply ingrained sociocultural norms that normalize gender-based violence.

3.5. Wage Inequality and Workplace Barriers

Table 2. Summary of studies on wage inequality and workplace barriers.

Author (Year)	Country	Main Findings	Recommendations/Implications
Linthon-Delgado and Méndez-Heras (2022)	Ecuador	Direct discrimination is the primary cause of the gender wage gap.	Implement public policies for monitoring and sanctioning wage discrimination, promote incentives for equitable hiring, and train businesses on gender equality.
Proni and Proni (2018)	Brazil	Gender discrimination persists in large companies; women receive lower wages and face a glass ceiling in promotions.	Establish gender quotas in executive positions, enforce wage gap monitoring, and launch corporate awareness campaigns.
Chakraborty (2020)	India	The wage gap is more pronounced in the public sector, where women are often hired for low-paying jobs in health and education.	Restructure salary schemes in the public sector, enhance training programs, and promote female career advancement in government programs.

summarizes the findings of studies examining the gender wage gap and the barriers women face in integrating and advancing in the labor market. Notably, in Ecuador, direct discrimination is the primary cause of the gender wage gap, while in Brazil, the glass ceiling remains a significant obstacle in large companies.

4. Discussion

The systematic review conducted highlights that gender equity is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, addressed from various perspectives in recent literature. In this sense, the implementation of public policies to combat violence and promote equality has shown progress but also significant limitations. For example, Javakhishvili and Jibladze (2018) point out that in Georgia, anti-domestic violence policies are applied symbolically due to a lack of inter-institutional coordination and resources. Similarly, Ramírez et al. (2015) and Frías (2017) emphasize that in Mexico, gender agendas should include both men and women to develop comprehensive solutions. However, their exclusion often stems from gendered policy frameworks that reinforce women-only perspectives. Inclusion strategies could involve awareness campaigns and male-focused educational programs that promote co-responsibility and challenge patriarchal norms.

Additionally, Ariza-Ruiz et al. (2017) reveal that in rural communities in Colombia, limited access to basic resources and the stigmatization of reproductive health perpetuate inequalities, while Linthon-Delgado and Méndez-Heras (2022) confirm that in Ecuador, direct discrimination remains the primary cause of the wage gap. Likewise, Arzú (2021) highlights how racism and gender discrimination intersect in Guatemala, underscoring the need for intersectional public policies.

In the labor sphere, various studies show that structural barriers continue to restrict women’s access and career advancement. In Nigeria, Afolabi and Akinlolu (2021) found that women face banking restrictions, lack of access to credit, and weak inheritance rights, limiting entrepreneurial development. Meanwhile, Hoyt and Kurtulus (2025) state that in the United States, although laws against wrongful dismissal have helped incorporate women into certain sectors, their impact remains limited in other areas. Naradech (2023) reports that trans women in Thailand still face discrimination in the private sector, and Zetter et al. (2017) show that in Mexico, women in patent applications tend to work in smaller teams, reflecting inequalities in access to innovation networks. Proni and Proni (2018) and Bilan et al. (2020) describe the persistence of salary disparities and the “glass ceiling” in both Brazilian corporations and global enterprises, particularly in male-dominated sectors like finance, engineering, and manufacturing.

On the other hand, the role of social movements and political participation in promoting gender equity is widely recognized. Ayentimi et al. (2020) show that in Ghana, despite legislative progress, labor segregation and wage gaps persist, highlighting the need for greater investment in inclusion policies. Plomien (2019) and Medina-Hernández et al. (2021) emphasize that in Poland and Latin America, respectively, the implementation of public policy should be accompanied by cultural changes. Additionally, Forgues-Puccio and Lauw (2021) demonstrate that a greater presence of women in public administration correlates with lower levels of corruption and improved economic performance, reinforcing the importance of increasing female representation in decision-making spaces.

The dimensions of leadership and organizational culture also emerge as key factors in the discussion on gender equity. Chakraborty (2020) highlights that in India, wage gaps are more pronounced in the public sector, partly because women are hired for low-paying roles. Meanwhile, Levasseur and Paterson (2016) examine how apprenticeship programs in Canada, by focusing on traditionally male-dominated trades, may reinforce gender inequalities. Phipps and Prieto (2021) argue that the under-representation of women in leadership positions stems not only from external structural barriers but also from internal factors such as self-confidence gaps, suggesting the need for mentorship programs and supportive environments. Likewise, Russi-Ardila (2020) reports that even in health institutions, gender equity protocols struggle due to insufficient training and oversight, limiting the effectiveness of protective measures.

The discussion takes an intersectional approach when considering the multiple dimensions of discrimination. Ferdous and Mallick (2019) highlight how in Bangladesh, patriarchal norms and social restrictions exacerbate women’s vulnerability to climate change and economic marginalization. Similarly, Essig and Soparnot (2019) examine gender inequalities in the workplace from a male perspective, showing that men in female-dominated professions also face stigmas and social challenges. Meanwhile, Liu and Tang (2020) compare sexism levels in China and Taiwan, noting that despite some progress, structural sexism persists in both societies, limiting true gender equality.

Finally, the economic and structural factors influencing gender equity are explored in several studies. Kim and Kim (2017) find that in Europe, higher gender equity levels correlate with an increased life expectancy in older populations, reinforcing the idea that equality has long-term public health benefits. Meanwhile, Lambert et al. (2021) and Welsh et al. (2017) document how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing gender disparities, particularly affecting working mothers and female entrepreneurs. Additionally, Méndez-Suárez et al. (2025) show that social perceptions of effort disparities between men and women continue to hinder female entrepreneurship, while Matthews (2022) and McGrath et al. (2022) emphasize that women’s participation in activism and academia is crucial for exposing and transforming gender inequalities.

A comparative synthesis reveals that high-income countries emphasize institutional reforms and leadership diversity, while middle- and low-income nations face compounded barriers linked to informal economies, cultural norms, and resource constraints. Recognizing these contextual differences is essential to developing targeted, culturally grounded strategies for gender equity.

In summary, the convergence of these studies demonstrates that achieving gender equity requires not only legislative reforms but also deep cultural and structural transformations. The evidence suggests that intersectional and coordinated policies are essential to simultaneously address labor barriers, wage inequalities, cultural norms, and systemic discrimination, ultimately promoting a real and sustainable transformation in society.

5. Conclusions

The analysis of the selected studies demonstrates that gender equity remains a multifaceted challenge, intersecting political, structural, economic, and cultural dimensions. Although public policies have been implemented to combat violence and promote equality, their execution is often hindered by a lack of coordination between key stakeholders and deeply rooted sociocultural barriers.

Likewise, in the labor sphere, persistent inequalities manifest themselves in the form of wage gaps and barriers to professional advancement, indicating the need for structural reforms and strategies that foster inclusion and shared responsibility. Discrimination also has an intersectional dimension, intensifying when combined with factors such as ethnicity, gender identity, and socio-economic status, which calls for public policies that address these multiple layers of inequality.

On the other hand, the active participation of social movements and civil society emerges as a key factor in highlighting and transforming existing inequalities, pushing for changes in political agendas and the greater representation of women in decision-making positions. This suggests that strengthening female leadership in positions of power can contribute to greater transparency and economic development.

Ultimately, achieving effective and sustainable gender equity requires an integrated approach that combines legislative reforms, organizational changes, and cultural transformation. It is essential to redesign public policies from an intersectional perspective, aimed at eliminating institutional barriers and shifting cultural norms that perpetuate inequality, ensuring a real and lasting transformation in society.

Future research could benefit from expanding the scope of inquiry to include adjacent themes—such as education systems, media representation, or healthcare policy—to complement the current triad and provide a more holistic picture of gender equity’s dynamics.