As women understand that we make up a vital part of the economic and social fabric that hold communities together, yet the work we do is rarely valued at the same level as in men’s work. Women are disproportionately likely to be poor, under- educated, employed in low-wage or unpaid work and subject to dismissal for getting married or having children. You’ll come to realize that in many industries, female workers are systematically denied their rights to regular pay and regular working hours.
Furthermore, some governments do little to combat gender discrimination at work and keep discriminatory labor laws on the books despite adopting guarantees of formal legal equality that might seem to conflict with those laws. In addition, women’s work promotes the well-being of families and children, even in two parent households. When governments make such distinctions among workers, they reinforce discriminatory social norms that undermine women’s position in the labor market and their access to economic security.
We’ve seen the difference that equal job opportunities, equal healthcare and education, equal decision-making power and freedom from violence can make. We’ve seen the difference when women are able to make their own choices and exercise their collective voice, and when institutions address their needs and interest. Why can’t women have a sense of belonging and feel empowered without being scrutinized for it? Were men and women really created equally? It seems one sided in my eyes. Achieving gender justice is not only a matter of basic rights. It’s also a key means of achieving fairer societies.
Yes – even if we have rights, that doesn’t mean we can freely exercise those rights. There are barriers, as you point out.
Hi I’tanisha, you bring up the right points about “work we do is rarely valued at the same level as men’s work,” which I agree with you. There are moments in the work setting when I feel like I went above and beyond, and I didn’t get the same appreciation as my male co-worker. Things just need to change. Some women prefer male work to women, which to me is mind-blowing. Women need to side with women to prove that they can be better.
Hey I’tanisha, your discussion post was very well articulated and you made several awesome point throughout. I do recognize that women work is undervalued way too often.
Hey I’tanisha, I like the question that you as in the end and I wish there was a justifiable answer that would make it all make sense we are running off of a society narrative created years ago and in such a “progressive” world you would think the dynamic would be fairer by now!!
as much as we fight to become equal i dont think we would ever become completely equal for a few reasons. I don’t think it would be beneficial to the powers that be if we were . as long as this is in the way there is no unity what so ever within civilization