How Gender Inequality Affects Women and Girls
Gender inequality is the persistent and widespread presence of gendered power relations, and it affects women and girls in a variety of ways. In particular, it has implications for education, violence, economics, health and human rights, and climate change.
Despite significant progress in most high-income countries over the last few decades, gender inequalities still exist worldwide and are likely to persist. They may even increase in some countries as the global population continues to rise.
One reason for this is that women are often disproportionately represented in lower-income households. This makes it more difficult for them to participate in decisions about their own incomes.
While this pattern is not uniform around the world, it is particularly common among low-income countries. In fact, it is the most common reason why women and girls in those countries do not earn enough to live on their own.
Another way that gender inequality affects women and girls is through discrimination in healthcare. Research shows that women often receive less quality medical care than men. The result is that they are more likely to experience a range of ailments, from autoimmune disorders to chronic pain conditions.
In addition, women tend to have lower access to contraception than men. This means they are more likely to become pregnant and have babies out of wedlock, which is harmful for both mothers and newborns.
It also means that they are more likely to suffer from diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis than men. This is because many women have a hard time getting the treatment they need and do not have access to good-quality healthcare.
Regardless of the cause of gender inequality, there are some simple things that people can do to address it and make a difference in their lives.
1. Join a ERG Group
Employee resource groups (ERGs) can provide a great place for employees to share their experiences while mentoring others. They can also help develop internal leaders and educate employees about workplace diversity initiatives.
2. Be open and honest with your employer about what’s working and what’s not.
These simple steps can help women and other underrepresented groups feel supported and able to be authentic in their work, which can make a huge impact on retention rates.
3. Consider your values and what they mean to you.
When you have a strong sense of your own values and what is important to you, it’s easier to work towards gender equality. Moreover, it’s easier for you to understand and support the values of other employees.
4. Pay attention to microaggressions in the workplace
Gender inequality can show up in a number of different ways. It can take the form of unequal pay, disparities in promotions, or incidents of sexual harassment. It can also be a sign of racism.
5. Inclusion can make all the difference in a workforce
Women and other underrepresented groups need to be included in all aspects of the workplace. It is important to include them in the recruitment and selection process, as well as to ensure that their needs are met on a daily basis. These measures are not only helpful for advancing gender equality in the workplace, but they can also improve organizational morale and create better work environments overall.