gender statistics provide researchers and analysts with the quantitative evidence necessary to assess gender gaps in all areas of life to understand the interlinkages between cultural social and economic factors that are at the basis of gender inequality and their dynamic over time and to evaluate the implications of unequal access of women and men to social and economic opportunities gender statistics are used in monitoring progress towards gender equality and the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental rights by women and girls gender equality means equal opportunities rights and responsibilities for women and men girls and boys united nations