We are still far from achieving gender equality at work, as our modern workplace is designed by men for men. Women’s economic participation and prosperity face systemic barriers and are further threatened by the digitization and automation that drive the future of work. These technological advances, along with demographic shifts, social movements, and political factors, lead to new disruptive employment systems. However, the impacts and discussion around the future of work are often gender-blind.

This research uses a systemic lens to explore the past, present, and future of women’s work. A systemic analysis of gender equality in the workplace reveals how our workplace, governance, social, and economic structures create systemic barriers to undervalue women’s work. Strategic foresight is used to explore the trends shaping the future of work using a gendered lens, and scenarios help us envision how our systems can evolve to value women’s work. Risks and opportunities from each scenario informed insights that can help us design our preferred future, where women can fully participate in the workplace and be valued for their contributions.