Gender equality- the need for change

According to reports, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated gender inequality, women’s unemployment, the percentage of adolescent girls who did not return to school, and a rise in gender-based violence across countries. What can we do to help with gender equality?

Gender equality by 2030 necessitates immediate action to address the numerous root causes of discrimination that continue to limit women’s rights in both private and diverse societies. Discriminatory laws, for example, must be changed and legislation enacted to advance equality constructively. Despite this, 49 countries lack laws protecting women from domestic violence, and 39 prohibit equal inheritance rights for daughters and sons. Gender-based violence is a top priority because it is one of today’s most prevalent human rights issue.

What is gender equality?

Gender equality occurs when men and women have equal rights, duties, and opportunities. Everyone is affected by gender inequality, including men, women, children, transgender and various other diverse genders from around the world. It impacts people of all ages and backgrounds.

Gender equality safeguards women and girls against violence. It is required for economic growth. Societies that provide equal opportunities to men and women are safer and healthier.

Gender equality is a fundamental human right. It was incorporated into international human rights law by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United Nations General Assembly adopted on December 10, 1948.

Some facts and statistics about gender equality

• Gender inequality is a primary cause and effect of hunger and poverty.
• As mentioned by the World Food Programme’s Gender Policy and Strategy,  60% of chronically hungry people are women and girls’.
• Women account for over two-thirds of the world’s 796 million illiterate people.
• According to global data, only 39% of rural girls attend secondary school. This is significantly lower than the proportions of rural boys (45%), urban girls (59%), and urban boys (60%).
• Men earn more than women on average in both rural and urban areas. Due to additional domestic responsibilities, rural women work longer hours than men.
• In Benin and Tanzania, on average, women work 17.4 and 14 hours more per week than men.
• Women account for 39% of global employment but 54% of overall job losses as of May 2020. 
• According to the research, 87% of North American companies now say gender diversity is a top priority. This percentile has increased compared to 74% in 2015. Still, this stated priority must be translated into more concrete action. 
• Women in the C-suite now account for 21% of all positions in North America, up from 17% in 2015.

Who does gender inequality affect?

Everyone, including men, is affected by gender inequality. Prejudices or ‘rules’ about how men and women, girls and boys should behave start in childhood and continue into adulthood.

Children

• Gender stereotypes have a long history of influencing children’s self-esteem.
• Boys are given eight times the attention than girls in the school environment.
• Girls receive 11% less pocket money than boys.
• The bias is so pervasive that children grow up classifying jobs and activities as belonging to either boys or girls.

Youngsters

• Gender stereotypes influence behavior, study preferences, ambitions, and relationship perceptions.
• Girls are less likely to participate in sports activities than boys .
• Girls are less likely to pursue advanced math subjects in their senior years of high school than boys .

Adults

• Even though women outnumber men in university education, their graduate salaries are lower.
• One in every two mothers faces discrimination during her pregnancy, parental leave, or when she returns to work.
• Women perform nearly twice the amount of unpaid work as men.

Culturally diverse communities

• Women from culturally diverse communities face racism and discrimination in addition to gender inequality.
• Migrant and refugee women are frequently employed in insecure, low-paying jobs or in jobs for which they are overqualified.
• Women who do not speak English may face difficulties accessing services and understanding their rights.

Gender equality is not just a women’s problem

We live in a society that has already presumed men to be powerful beings. Their emotional quotient is never taken into consideration. A boy or a man can be vulnerable, sensitive, and have the right to show emotions. But the heavy duties that are put on their shoulders weigh them down. 

It is not a man’s responsibility to run the house or solely earn for his family’s living. Men face numerous challenges in everyday life due to these prejudices.

Here are some problems faced by men-

• Many men struggle to live up to stereotypical expectations. They are under pressure to be a ‘real man’, physically and emotionally intense, and the primary breadwinner.
• Many employers do not provide men with extended parental leave or flexible hours.
• Men are more likely to overindulge in alcohol, take dangerous risks, and engage in violence, to often prove their masculinity.
• They are less likely to ask for professional assistance or discuss their issues with friends or family due to the masculine aura created by people.
• Men are more likely to attempt suicide than women. Men don’t address these issues due to the lack of support from their loved ones. Since their families often consider them strong and reliable.

Why is gender equality important? 

It contributes to business

When women have equal access to education and job opportunities as men, they can contribute to the success of any organization they join. According to research, diversity of all kinds (gender, race, sexual identity, etc.) boosts an organization’s innovation and efficiency.

Helps with racial equality

Gender equality and racial equality are inextricably linked. ‘Race’ is a significant factor in issues such as the gender pay gap. Black women in the United States have a higher risk of death from pregnancy-related causes. When gender equality takes race into account, race equality improves as well.

Poverty can be controlled

It is stated that young girls are highly affected by poverty . The gender gap in poverty widens as boys and girls grow older. This is most likely because girls do not receive the same educational and employment opportunities as boys, and when girls marry, they often do not work. Gender inequality traps women and their families in poverty cycles.

Key takeaways

• COVID-19 escalated gender inequality. Women had to face major layoffs from employment, and there were no efforts to generate opportunities for women.
• Gender equality applies to men as well. Men face daily challenges and must overcome emotional and mental pressure independently.
• Gender equality can solve many problems like poverty, hunger, racial discrimination, and more.

We hope this blog was informative. If so, please share your views in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on gender equality. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Which is the most gender-equal country in the world?

Answer- The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022 named Iceland the most gender-equal country in the world.

Q2. What is a man’s role in gender equality?

Answer- Men play an important role in promoting women’s economic rights and independence, which include access to employment, suitable working conditions, regulation of financial resources, and full involvement in decision-making.

Q3. Who is the ambassador for the HeForShe movement?

Answer- Emma Watson is the ambassador for the HeForShe movement.