International Women's Day 2024 - NZ Edition

Key findings include:

• New Zealanders are more likely to believe that we have not yet achieved adequate gender equality, with 47% of respondents expressing this view compared to the 31-country average  of 39%. However, New Zealand men (52%) tend to believe we have done enough in the fight for equality, compared to women, of whom only 34% feel the same.
• Male allyship is important. 67% of New Zealanders agree that women won’t achieve equality unless men take actions to support women’s rights too. But, over half of New Zealand men (57%) believe they are expected to do too much to support gender equality, while only 27% of women agree with them.
• New Zealand has the highest proportion of people (80%) who have experienced both male and female political leadership. Just 15% of New Zealanders prefer a male leader and 20% prefer a female leader, leaving the majority with no gender preference for their political leaders.
• When it comes to qualities of effective leadership, the study reveals that more New Zealanders believe a female leader would outperform a male counterpart in benefiting the less advantaged, treating women, ethnic minorities, LGBT+ identities fairly, wise spending of taxpayer money, being honest and ethical, and respecting the climate.
• However, the study also shows that more New Zealanders think a male leader would be better in fighting crime, defending national security, benefiting the rich, and treating men fairly.
• Gen Z and Millennials are more likely than older generations to think that a man who stays at home to look after his children is “less of a man” and when it comes to giving women equal rights with men, things have gone far enough. 
   

These results provide a valuable insight into New Zealander's views on gender equality and leadership. This International Women’s Day, the study helps to highlight the ongoing importance of recognition and discussion of gender equality.