Since creation, the world has portrayed men as superior than women. The world is ruled by a patriarchal system where women are discriminated against and justices and fairness on gender aspects is not practiced. Women are portrayed as a weaker gender than men and therefore all the policies formulated look at women as a minority group (Healey, 23). This has been the reality in the history of mankind since the time of creation. Despite their being many interventions by governments and non-government organizations, there is a big gap between men and women that need to be addressed. I lament when the equality between men and women is not realized despite all the effort made. As many people would favor one gender over the other, women have been undermined for long and it is this discrimination against them that makes me believe that the world would be a better place if equality is enhanced. I believe in equality for men and women; I believe in gender equality.
Gender equality and the elimination of all forms of gender discrimination is an important strategy in achieving development (Healey, 75). Fostering equality between men and women helps to improve the lives of many citizens. These equalities can be achieved through equal treatment of men and women, gender mainstreaming and specific measures which are aimed for the advancement of women. There is an encouraging integration of women in the labor market and in acquiring education and training which gives them a better chance of competing in the labor market. However, still there are existing gender gaps in the labor market as women are over presented in the lower paid sector and under presented in the management jobs that are involved in the decision making positions. This makes women be marginalized in the policies formulated by the management.
Equal economic independence for men and women should be ensured. Despite there being a noticeable upward trend towards more equality in society and on the labor market, there is a slow response in eliminating gender inequality. The rate of women employment remains low compared to men who make women lack economic independence thus making it difficult to control their lives and therefore they become dependent on their husband. Women are tired with domestic duties which make them unable to work (Healey, 143). This gives men a better opportunity to employment than them. Women end up in doing part time job or work from home which mostly fetches little. Women are also un-favored by their undervalued skills that make the gap greater.
There is a notable difference in payment for men and women in the same position and employment. Women skills are not valued with equal magnitude as men and this makes their career progression slower. There is also gender discrimination in school where boys and girls who are born with equal rights, their education path is determined based on their gender. For example, science subjects are associated with boys and art subjects on girls. In comparison, the subject choice determine one’s career path and from the above information, boys will end up in better paying jobs such as engineering while girls end up in poor subordinate jobs (Healey, 109). Women are faced by career breaks due to their family responsibilities and often not all go back to full employment.
Decision making in any government or organization is very important and should incorporate the needs and interests of all genders. However, due to minimal representation of women in the top position which make up the decision-making team, women needs are rarely or marginally included. There preventatives of women should be promoted by ensuring women are given a chance to ensure they can get managerial positions so that women can be heard sand their needs and interest represented in the organizational policies formulated. Since women are underrepresented in all position that have responsibility mandate in all fields, their influence in decision making are hindered (Healey, 214). I believe there should be measures that promote inclusion of women in such positions so that they can be heard.
Domestic violence or gender-based violence, mostly on women, is a form of discrimination sand violation of women’s rights and freedom. This violence takes form such as violence in close relations, human trafficking, and slavery, all forms of harmful practices such as FGM and forced marriages and all forms of sexual violence. This is mostly caused by the inequality between men and women that is propagated by the patriarchal system in the world. This gives men a higher rank thus being in a position to oppress women (Healey, 238). This can be stopped by enacting strict and specific laws that deal with the offenders.
In conclusion therefore, I believe in equality between men and women. There should be equality in school, work place and the society. There should be elimination of all forms of elimination and discrimination so that women can acquire equal employment opportunities, economic independence, equal payment for equal work and elimination of all forms of gender based violence so that the world can be in harmony and equality.
Works Cited
Healey, Justin. Gender Equality. Thirroul, N.S.W: Spinney Press, 2009. Print.
