This publication presents statistics and analysis on the status of women and men in the world, highlighting the current situation and changes over time. It is the sixth in a series published since the World Conference on Women in 1995. It emphasizes that progress towards the goal of gender equality has been made in most areas of concern, although uneven and at low pace. Through a life cycle approach, it reveals the challenges and opportunities faced by women at different stages of life and based on where they reside. Trajectories of women and men are highlighted in the statistical findings of the analysis undertaken on population and families, health, education, work, power and decision-making, violence against women, environment and poverty.