Yes, it is 2021 and we are still debating over gender inequality. This situation happens in several dimensions, including access to education, wages, forced marriage, managerial positions and other kinds of participation, victims of violence, reproductive rights, among others (UNSD, 2020). Yes, all these dimensions are taken into account when talking about gender equality, and sadly happens everywhere, not only in Colombia or in less developed countries. For example, women in Europe are earning almost 15% less, on average, than a man, which is generally attributed to the fact that women usually assume the responsibility of childcare, which leads to reducing their working hours, in fact, 30% of women in Europe work part-time, compared to 8% of men, resulting in setting aside their personal goals (Euronews, 2021).
On the other hand, statistics before the COVID-19 pandemic showed that fewer women were being forced into marriage, especially at a young age and more women were being aside managerial and leadership positions, providing them with a voice when making relevant decisions, but it is still low in general percentages (UNSD, 2020). For example, in 2020 only 25% of national parliaments and 35% of local governments positions were occupied by women (UNSD, 2020). In addition, the pandemic has not been of any help to the current situation of gender inequality, women have been working harder while virtual working since they have more household workload, and also the lockdown has led towards the increase of almost 30% in some countries of women and girls violence since many of them are locked down with their aggressors (UNSD, 2020).
Personally, I have never had to suffer gender-based discrimination, but my whole life I have grown up listening to the comments from society on our gender. We are always listening to how women are supposed to give up their dreams and personal goals in order to stay at home and take care of the children, while men go out to work and build their desired future. For example, my grandmother has always lived under the idea that her husband, my grandfather, is the one to get "more difficult" things at home, like being in charge of the bills or even sitting to read a book, while she is the one to "take care of him" in things like cooking for him or having the house clean and organized, obviously due to an ancient mode of thinking. It is relevant to say that this has been changing over the years, we now live in a modern world, where many women are the ones to go out. In fact, in my home it works that way, my mom has always been the one to go to work while my dad has always had his office at home and works from there.
Moreover, I’ve had the opportunity of meeting empowered women, which set a high standard for every girl and woman in the world. The women of today are now rooting to change the world and make their voices be heard, regardless of the stereotypes society is so keen on maintaining. One example of a woman I have not met, but admire deeply is Michelle Obama, who, regardless of her race and the criticism she has received, has been one of the most influential women, promoting gender equality, racial equality and has fought her whole life to make her community and the world better in terms like poverty, hunger, etc. Despite her husband being the one with the recognition- since he was the president of the United States- she has made her own actions while breaking down barriers into what she believes is right, leading her to publish an autobiographical book, inspirational for both men and women, setting an example for especially women.
Sadly, I do not have enough words or space to address all the women that clearly deserve my complete admiration, but still, I would like to mention some others. One of them is Malala Yousafzai, the girl who, at a very young age, stood up for women's education in a conflicted area, which in fact almost cost her her life after being shot by the Taliban, and still kept fighting. There is also Greta Thunberg, who also at a very young age has fought against climate change, as a leader for everyone around the world to take action now. Finally, I would like to mention Emma Watson, who has used her power and influence to take a stand on gender equality, instead of doing what many people do, nothing. What I admire most about these women is that besides being silenced, they have raised their voices louder to change the world.
On the other hand, I have also met women that
spend their whole professional life trying to prove to others, especially their
colleagues or people with which they are involved in businesses, that they are “enough” to fulfill the position they are assigned, or that they are capable of doing the same tasks as a
man. While this is sometimes required to make females' voices heard and taken seriously, I personally think this is where many women fail, since we as women, should not have
to prove anything about our abilities in comparison to men, we should fight for the protection our rights, empowered other women and girls, regardless of their ages and make our voices be heard. However, when we try to equal
ourselves, we just end up spreading the idea that there may be in fact a difference that leads society to treat us differently and we make it look that we have to make a “big” effort to look the
same and create an idea of women being less.
References:
UNSD. (2020). Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Retrieved from: https://sdgs.un.org/es/goals/goal5
Lloyd, N; & Gauret, F. (2021). Will publishing salaries help gender equality in Europe's workplaces?. Retrieved from: https://www.euronews.com/2021/02/24/will-publishing-salaries-help-gender-equality-in-europes-workplaces
Thorson, K; & Gohl, E. (2019). The Educational Implications of Michelle Obama’s Becoming. Retrieved from: https://www.gettingsmart.com/2019/04/the-educational-implications-of-michelle-obamas-becoming/
The White House President Barack Obama. (n.d.). Working together to open the doors of education for girls around the world. Retrieved from: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/letgirlslearn
UN. (2020). Gender Equality. Retrieved from: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/gender-equality
Isa, just like you, it seems incredible to me how we are starting a new decade, 2021, and women around the world are still experiencing and living gender inequality and discrimination, for which we are treated unfairly on many occasions just because of our gender. I think that it is time to value women as we all deserve it, to give women the same place in society that men occupy. We must end now all forms of violence and discrimination against all women and girls around the globe. I think it is time to start ensuring women equal and effective participation in development, with quality conditions, at all levels of society. On the other hand, regarding what you mention about the aggravated gender inequality due to Covid-19, I would like to complement you by saying that the majority of unemployed by Covid-19 in Colombia were women, what is actually very sad and disappointing.
ReplyDeleteHello Isa, I am impressed with how thoughtful reading your blog has made me. It is indeed incredible how is it possible that we are still debating over gender inequality and how real is this discrimination. As you expressed, I think that we both, as privileged women who haven’t been direct victims of this inequality we can speak and put our face for those who have been and who have not had a voice. As you said there are many role model women around the world that have fight for our rights and our value, and I am sure that if every women fight we can achieve total equality and respect. Thank you for talking about such an important topic and for being honest and transparent regarding the reality of our gender. Change begins with those of us who speak out.
ReplyDeleteHello Isa,
ReplyDeleteI think this topic is very important and has not been addressed in a great manner. Women are powerful and have the same rights, and we know that throughout history things have improved, but I think that nowadays many people still do not realize all the capabilities that a woman has, and in my opinion, they are even better than men when making decisions and managing people (from my own experience). Also, something that caught my attention was when emphasizing this great example, Michelle Obama, I think she is awesome. Her attitude and how she expresses only brings me deep admiration. I would like to mention that women are excellent team leaders and I noticed it at work, I always try to learn from a lady that has a lot of strengths and she has many values to highlight.