The Impact of Gender Inequality Today and Ways to Improve It

Gender equality has improved a lot in the past few decades. Women are now enjoying many similar privileges that only men used to enjoy earlier. We are happy that things are much better now. However, there is still some level of gender inequality today that we can’t ignore. Many examples of gender inequality in everyday life result from some deeply engraved stereotypes.

The current rate of improvement in gender equality will still take about 200 years to achieve 100% gender equality that too in a developed country like America.

Inequality at Home

A typical home displays many examples of discrimination against women today. Generally, women are suppressed compared to men when taking any critical decision. Gender inequality starts when children are born. The arrival of a baby boy is celebrated much more joyfully than the arrival of a baby girl. The children are always treated differently in a home as boys enjoy more privilege. Meanwhile, girls endure more restrictions. 

Parents are reluctant to spend as much on their daughter’s education compared to their sons. Girls are not easily allowed to travel to faraway cities or countries to further studies or pursue their dreams. Many families tend to marry off their daughters as soon as they enter the legal age for marriage.

Government cannot impose any laws on homes. The changes will come when we are willing to break stereotypes and empower the girls in our families to pursue their dreams and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Inequality in School

In schools & colleges, teachers and other staff pay special attention to female students. Girls are observed more and also judged frequently. Everyone notices their appearance, behavior, and friend circle; meanwhile, they hardly bother about the male students in their class. There are also some stereotype expectations for girls like they are not supposed to be loud and should be more interested in studies rather than sports. Also, girls’ sports events are rarely organized. Even if it is organized, the interest and support for their games are too low. 

Often, girls are reluctant to contribute to group discussions and ask fewer questions to avoid unnecessary attention—all of these impact their zest for participating in events and learning.

Promoting Gender Equality in Schools

Many countries are diligently working to improve the situation for girls in their own ways. Some of the most notable works are:

1. The Consent classes in Kenya by the organization called “No Means No Worldwide” train girls in self-defense and educate them to say “No” when needed. They also guide boys on a proper gender perspective and positive masculinity. They have been successful in reducing sexual harassment cases by 50%.
2. In India, The Art of Living Foundation started Project Pavitra in March 2018. It is an initiative to educate girls entering puberty about menstrual health and hygiene. Their training module includes a 90 minutes session on three consecutive days. They have helped more than 50,000 adolescent girls from rural areas and urban slums with the natural phenomenon of menstruation and effective ways of dealing with it. This movement has brought a boost in the confidence and participation of girls in schools.
3. Thailand has established policies that forbid gender discrimination in its school textbooks. Thus, they are focusing on eliminating gender stereotypes and installing the value of gender equality. 

Inequality in Workplaces

In America alone, 42% of working women admit that they have experienced gender discrimination in their job. Generally, women earn less than men doing the same job and accomplishing the same tasks. Women are treated as incompetent and are ignored while superiors assign essential tasks. Women feel that they receive less support from their seniors, and they have also been denied a promotion and have been turned down for a job. 35% of women have personally experienced sexual harassment from their colleagues or seniors in their office.

A survey from CareerBuilder states that 72% of sexual discrimination victims consider keeping their voice down as they fear reprisal from their employers.

How to Improve the Situation at Workplaces

1. Women should be aware of their rights and raise their voices when faced with discrimination or harassment.
2. Establish a workplace culture that promotes equality and has strict rules against discrimination and harassment.
3. Government should mandate companies to grant maternity leaves and benefits to women during pregnancy.
4. Companies should offer sessions educating women about their rights and clearly state such information in the company’s handbook.
5. Establish an open and friendly environment in offices, where both men and women can enjoy working and reach out to help anytime they need.

Suppose we can break some old stereotypes and take inspiration from many famous and successful women across the globe. In that case, we’ll be able to bring positive changes in gender inequality today. We are looking forward to a better and more accepting environment for all genders in homes, schools, and offices.