Gender bias is crippling our social fabric and devaluing every one of us. It’s not only an issue of human rights, but it is a huge waste of the world’s human potential. If we are denying equal rights for women, we deny half our population a chance to live life to its fullest.
It’s overt that Globalization has always been a controversial issue, not due to it is seen differently by developing and developed countries, but majorly in terms of gender dichotomies. People have always believed that gender equality has come due to globalization and developed countries have a better status of women than developing countries. To some extent, it may be true. However, in general, there is no gender equality in the world.
‘Gender‘ is considered an essential tool in analyzing globalization. The economy is developing due to globalization, which is true, but the real question “Is it leading towards a gender-equal globalized world’‘? The answer is ‘NO.’ Let us dive to know the ground reality.
No Gender Equality Globally
According to data provided by World Economic Forum, the following facts have been revealed:
- They have analyzed that out of 149 countries, only 17 countries have women as head of the state.
- If we head towards political participation or equality, only 18% of ministers and 24% of parliamentarians are women. The sex ratio should be 50% of males and females. But, here we can see the women’s representation clearly.
- In the case of the economy, only 34% of women hold managerial positions globally, which is less.
Here, the developed countries are quite ahead, but in general, the worst-performing countries are Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Yemen with less than 7% of women holding the positions of power.
So, there is no gender equality politically and economically because there is seen a huge difference between men and women in terms of payment and workforce participation.
Clarity on Misconceptions
There has been a misconception that women’s participation is more in developed countries. But that’s not the real picture.
According to World Economic Forum,
- The labor-force participation rate across G20 countries (considered developed countries) is around 30%.
- In India, 3 out of 4 women are unemployed depicting only 25% percent participation of women. There is less formal employment in India, and that is why the issue has been building.
- It is not that the situation is exceptional in the developed countries. Problems are there too as the pay gap between men and women is around 34%. It signifies men are receiving 34% higher pay than women.
Why is gender inequality seen everywhere?
- Educational Attainment
It is different in men and women especially when we talk of higher education. Smriti Irani, the Union Cabinet Minister once said, “Girls perform better than boys in academia.” Till 10th, 12th, and graduation level, there is a significant growth seen in the educational performance of girls. But, somewhere they miss out in higher education. It is due to the social norms like parental pressure of setting them up for marriage. - Occupational Segregation
It is considered that there is a certain sort of work that only men can perform. Due to this, the payment gap arises, and men are paid more in comparison to women. - More participation in part-time work
As per World Economic Forum, women are seen to be more involved in part-time work, which is why there is less participation of women in formal employment. - Unpaid Household Work
It’s not a matter of developed or developing countries, unpaid household work is existing everywhere. - Motherhood Penalty
It’s a major feature showing the lack of progress of women at a higher level. Despite social expectations of good-quality care, mothers have to pay a disproportional heavy price, the motherhood penalty, shown in less income caused by occupational segregation, reduced employment, loss of tenure, and certain other components of human capital during childcare breaks. - Discrimination and Stereotyping
To understand this, let’s take an example. Suppose you are a manager and you have a choice between a man and a woman to promote. Both are equally qualified and have performed well. When a situation arises to promote an employee or increasing the pay, somewhere this Stereotype discrimination occurs that she might go for maternity leave in the future and what will happen to our company. This whole thought process has been seen at the managerial level, and discrimination and stereotyping go everywhere.
Due to these above-stated issues, there is no gender equality at a global level. If we talk of economical, political, or societal levels (higher existence of patriarchy), there is a difference between men and women.
Why Gender equality is good for everyone?
- Comes up with equal opportunities – When gender equality starts with education, everyone has the opportunity to improve their lives.
- Suitable for children – With equal pay as men, women will be able to provide better education, healthcare, food, and opportunities for their children.
- Benefits men as well – A man who is noted as a “feminine” is not a real man when gender inequality is existing. This turns into toxic masculinity, which is harmful to everyone. Men will have more freedom with gender equality about how they express themselves. This continues into the career field as no job then will be considered as “for women only“. Men will also receive family time and parental leave. With gender equality, men also won’t face much pressure to fit a stereotype.
- Genuine for economy and business – When women get equal education and job opportunities as men, the whole society benefits from it. It is said, a diverse workplace is a greater productive workplace. Ending the gender pay gap saves the country money. Poverty rates get low with equal education and job opportunities. It will lift the whole nation and improve the GDP as well.
- Encourages Peace – With improvement in gender equality, the peace of a country improves. It’s vital for gender equality as this inequality war inordinately affects women.
- Good for Everyone – Women, men, and children benefit from this and the goal is to promote gender equality while replacing the traditional systems and mindsets
What is required at a global level?
Globalization should lead to a more gender-equal society. According to Adam Smith, who is a Scottish economist and the father of capitalism, said, “the rise in women’s economic rights will enhance the international trade and globalization as well.” Gender rights are more effective in promoting economic development allowing both women and men to freely develop their greatest potential as productive workers.
- Investing in women’s rights and equal opportunities is greatly necessary at every level, comprising property rights and access to finance and contraceptives.
- While some women have advantageous positions in the global North, however many still struggling to survive.
- Women of all regions, decrees, ethnicities, and religions face inequalities in this modern world and must stand together in this fight for equality.
- Globalization and gender equality must go hand-in-hand. We talk of several benefits arising with Globalization, but there comes hefty loss if a gender-equal society is not created.
Wrapping Up
Gender inequality exists everywhere across the world. There is a surprising 2/3rd count of missing females due to gender-biased sex selection. Women representation is lower in workplaces, the judiciary, and the political system as well. Besides, the patriarchal norms are holding back several women from striving for their dreams by getting a high-quality education, awareness, and medical facilities for their overall well-being.
Be it health, education, participation, or protection, all women equally deserve opportunities and an empowering environment to flourish. Issues related to social discrimination are deeply rooted in our society and have been practiced for generations. That is why we need long-term intervention and bring real global change.
Economic, political, and social equality for women will profit all the citizens of the world. The work towards reaching gender equality cannot be done alone. Together, we all can remove prejudice and work for equal respect and rights for all. So, we must invest to ensure that the future world is gender-equal.
