Press Release
ECE/STAT/00/5
Geneva, 22 June 2000
All you wanted to know about women and
men
The UN/ECE releases a new publication
"Women and Men in Europe and North America"
Can both men and women expect to be cared for by a partner in old
age?
The numbers of old people in the ECE region are growing and women
constitute 60% of the population aged 65 and over. In many countries there are more than
150 women for every 100 men, in that age group. While ageing is a fate common to
both women and men, a major difference is that most older men have a living partner
to care for them in their final years, while women are often widowed. In most countries,
less than 15% of all men aged 80 and above are widowed, while more than 60% of women have
lost their husband.
In which countries is the female advantage in life expectancy the
greatest?
Women can expect to live longer than men in all countries of the
region. In a number of transition economies women currently live more than 10 years longer
than men. In some western countries, however, there are signs of a reduction of the gender
gap in life expectancy, probably due to declines in male smoking and dietary habits, which
have reduced cardiovascular diseases for men. Cigarette consumption for young women is
approaching the levels for young men. In Canada, France, Ireland, Norway and Sweden more
young women smoke than young men.
Which types of crime are women more likely to commit?
The most common crime that women commit is theft, which in many
countries accounts for more than one half of all crimes that women are convicted for.
Women are more likely to be victims of rape and men the victims of assault and homicide.
Few countries have undertaken surveys of violence against women. Surveys in Canada and
America found that more than one in five women had been subject to assault by an intimate
partner.
What are the trends in family formation?
Extra-marital births are increasing together with the number of
cohabiting couples, although the numbers vary greatly across the region. In Estonia,
Iceland and Sweden every second birth is out of wedlock, while in Cyprus, Greece and
Israel it is only a couple of per cent.
Do women benefit less from higher education than men?
Although higher education brings higher income for everyone, the
economic rewards are less marked for women. For example, in Canada, the Netherlands and
Sweden, men with secondary education earn more on average than women with tertiary
education.
The answers to many more questions related to gender statistics can be
found in the 250 page "Women and Men in the ECE region" just
issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE). The publication
shows that, whilst the traditional distinction between women’s role as homemakers and
men’s role as breadwinners is being eroded, many non-biological differences are still
to be found between the sexes. The publication covers the 55 member States of the Economic
Commission for Europe, which spans western, central and eastern Europe, the countries of
the Commonwealth of Independent States, the United States and Canada. The wide variety of
cultures, religions, beliefs and history give rise to fascinating differences in the
respective standings of the sexes.
Content
The two parts of the publication complement each other well. The first
part contains 55 country profiles, setting out some key gender indicators for each of
the member States. The second part contains the comparative analysis of statistical data
covering population ageing, households, families and fertility, education, labour force,
income, power and influence, health and mortality and crime and justice. The varied mix of
tables, charts, maps and graphs, together with a lively commentary, will appeal to a broad
audience. Gender specialists will appreciate the statistical annex to each of the eight
chapters, which constitute an invaluable reference source for further analysis. Special
"features" boxes highlight some of the more interesting points related to the
data, such as "Needs of older women", "Abortion rate trends",
"Women in tertiary education", "Labour market segregation", "Why
are women systematically paid less?" and "Russian mortality crisis".
Women and Men in Europe and North America
Published by UN/ECE Statistical Division
United Nations, Geneva
256 pages, Sales No. E.00.II.E.6, ISBN 92-1-116747-7, Price US$ 28
For more information please contact:
Ms. Lene Mikkelsen
Statistical Division
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE)
Palais des Nations
CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Phone: +41 22 917 4113
Fax: +41 22 917 0040
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.unece.org/stats
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