Global banknote study reveals gender disparity: Only 7.54% depict women

By Newsdesk

February 28 2024
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A recent study by TradersBest has uncovered a significant gender disparity on the world's banknotes, with findings indicating that out of 716 individuals featured across 115 countries, only 54 are women.

Global banknote study reveals gender disparity: Only 7.54% depict women

This equates to a mere 7.54% representation, showcasing an overwhelming dominance of male figures on currency, as 662 are men.

The United Kingdom, comprising England, Scotland, and Wales, leads the world with the highest number of women represented on its banknotes. England and Wales prominently feature Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. Scotland's currency adds to this royal representation and further celebrates influential women such as Nan Shepherd, Catherine Cranston, Jane Austen, Mary Somerville, Mary Slessor, Elsie Inglis, and Flora Stevenson for their significant contributions across various fields.

Australia ranks second for its depiction of women on banknotes, recognising remarkable individuals including Edith Cowan, Queen Elizabeth II, Mary Gilmore, Nellie Melba, and Mary Reibey. These women have made notable impacts in social reform, literature, music, and the early business landscape of Australia.

Mexico holds the third spot, honouring four influential women: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Hermila Galindo, Carmen Serdán, and Frida Kahlo, each celebrated for her contributions to literature, activism, revolution, and art respectively.

Sweden, Denmark, and Canada share the fourth position, each showcasing three notable women on their currencies. Sweden recognises Astrid Lindgren, Greta Garbo, and Birgit Nilsson; Denmark features Anna Ancher, Karen Blixen, and Johanne Luise Heiberg; while Canada commemorates Agnes Macphail, Viola Desmond, and Queen Elizabeth II for their historic roles in politics, civil rights, and the monarchy.

In contrast, the United States, along with other significant countries like North Korea, Russia, China, South Africa, and India, fails to feature any women on their current banknotes. It is noted, however, that Martha Washington is the first and only woman to have been the primary portrait on US paper currency, appearing on the $1 Silver Certificate.

Beyond queens and royals, women from various walks of life including authors, scientists, and activists, have found their place on currencies worldwide. Queen Elizabeth II emerges as the most depicted woman globally, with other royal figures such as Queen Tamar of Georgia and Queen Teuta of Albania also featured on their respective countries' banknotes.

This study's revelations come as International Women’s Day approaches, sparking discourse on the gender biases that shape perceptions and representations globally. The comprehensive analysis involved reviewing information from central banks, bureaus of printing and engraving, and leveraging data from Wikipedia, to ensure the accuracy and inclusiveness of the findings.

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