There is no question that there is discrimination against women in many aspects of their lives. This has been a topic of discussion for centuries, and there are still many areas where women need to fight for equality. However, some argue that women no longer face inequality in the modern world. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of this argument and conclude whether or not women still face inequality every step of the way.
Discrimination At Work
Women face inequality at work in many ways. Here are some of the most common:
1. Unequal Pay
Women are paid less than men for doing the same job. This is true throughout all jobs, including those considered “women’s professions.” For example, a woman who works in a clothing store as a salesperson will be paid less than a man who works in the same field. Unequal pay is not only true in the US but all over the world.
Also, women do not get paid what they deserve because of excuses such as “women who don’t take maternity leave are discriminating against women who do,” or “if I pay her less, then she won’t work for my company.” These excuses are unacceptable in the modern workplace and should be ruled out so that women can be fairly paid for their work.
2. Fewer Opportunities
Another reason women are paid less than men is because of their gender. Only women can get pregnant, which means that only women will have children. This means that it is natural for women to stay home after having children, so companies will not have as many female employees as they would if a male-dominated workforce. Men are more likely to be in the workforce after having a child, so most companies prefer hiring men.
It is also true that women are less likely to be given training or promotions than men and may be sent to less prestigious positions. In the hotel business, for instance, women are generally only hired as housekeepers, while most front desk employees and managers are male.
3. Sexual Harassment
It is important that all women can walk into a workplace and not be sexually harassed by any of their coworkers or bosses. Women in the modern workplace should not feel uncomfortable because of their gender. Some women are not sexually harassed by their bosses but should be protected from unwanted advances by coworkers.
Many cases of sexual harassment are made public after the victim is fired. The fact that someone was fired for doing their job, which has nothing to do with whether or not they were sexually harassed, can damage any woman’s reputation in the workplace. Women should be protected from peers and bosses who create a hostile work environment for them, and if these types of situations are always made public, this may discourage women from coming forward about their sexual harassment.
4. Limited Promotion Opportunities
In some jobs, such as the fields of medicine and law, there are more opportunities for women than men. In these fields, women can use their unique knowledge to become a leader in their fields. However, some other jobs have limited promotion opportunities for women. For instance, in the computer sciences, women are sometimes limited to the role of secretary. This is not only gender inequality but also racial inequality because most secretaries are white. To overcome these limitations, many women turn to entrepreneurship and start their businesses so that they can be their bosses.
5. Gender-Based Assumptions
Another area of inequality at work is that women are often held to different standards than men. If a man and a woman are doing the same job, and neither of them is misbehaving, then it probably shouldn’t matter what gender they are. However, women who behave similarly to their male coworkers might be labeled “bossy.”
These gender-based assumptions can hurt women in the workplace and should not be accepted. If a woman misbehaves by wasting company time, she should be reprimanded just like a man would be. But, if a woman is trying to balance work and personal life and is being proactive, she shouldn’t be punished because of her gender.
Discrimination in Education
Women face inequality in education in many ways, too. Here are some examples:
1. Limited Opportunities
A woman may be denied a career in a field that is typically considered for men. For instance, women will often be turned down for jobs in the military because of the perception that it is a “man’s job.” However, this belief is not valid. More women are serving in the military than ever, including the Women Marines and Women Rangers. However, there are still many barriers to women joining these military branches because there is still a gender-based assumption that women will not succeed in these areas. Also, women cannot have seats at the head of power tables in politics and business, even though they make up half of the workforce.
2. Limited Access to Education
In most developing societies, especially African countries, women’s education is limited and restricted because of cultural and sociological beliefs. For example, in Kenya, girls are no longer allowed to go to school past primary education because it is seen as a burden for the family. Limiting girls’ education to elementary schooling limits their opportunities in many ways.
On the contrary, boys are usually encouraged to pursue more advanced education, which might lead them to the wrong career, such as engineering or science. Girls could be placed in low-paying jobs that do not support a family. This is why many African countries are trying to change how society views women’s education and are encouraging girls to continue their education past elementary school.
Discrimination In The Society
Women have also faced discrimination in society because of their gender. Here are some examples:
1. Patriarchal Society
Throughout history, women have been treated differently than men in many different ways. For example, women have not always been able to vote or own property and sometimes have even been treated as sub-human. Societies with patriarchal systems have always treated women as lesser citizens than men. Many wars waged throughout history were fought to control resource land and resources, which the men in the family commonly owned.
2. Economic Discrimination
Women do not have economic control in their homes, which may lead to various issues. For instance, women may be forced to stay home and care for their mothers and children when they become sick or need care. This then puts an additional financial burden on their families. On the other hand, men are encouraged to go out and earn money for their families, which is discriminatory.
3. Gender-Based Stereotypes
A belief in gender-based stereotypes is part of the patriarchal system that controls society. Men are seen as strong, dominant, and in control. On the other hand, women are seen as weak, submissive, and in need of protection. These beliefs have made it difficult for women to achieve specific goals because they have been discouraged from trying something new.
Take Away Points
Workplace discrimination is a real problem that can hurt women in many ways, both emotionally and financially. Women who have experienced discrimination should seek help from their supervisors or human resource consultants to learn how to handle the situation better. Women should also encourage their daughters to pursue high-paying and higher-ranking jobs that are not traditionally seen as “women’s jobs.” By helping all women feel good about themselves, we can encourage girls to explore these opportunities.
