Equality is the state of having equal status, rights, and opportunities. Everyone in society wants to have equal opportunities and equal rights. But there exists lots of discrimination among human beings. It exists mainly because of cultural differences, religious differences, and gender. Gender-based discrimination is a critical issue spreading all over the world. Even in the 21st century, across the globe, men and women do not have equal rights and opportunities. Gender equality is not only about equal pay and opportunities. It is the right to choose one’s path and lead a family life without facing gender bias.
Factors Influencing On Gender Equality
Gender-based violence
Mainly women are facing gender-based violence. Gender is a tie to the concept of family honor in many societies. Several factors lead to gender-based violence. Those are cultural, financial, and political factors.
Women have rare chances to participate in politics. In society, most think women lack knowledge and don’t have managerial qualities. Most women at every stage of their life experience violence against men or from society. Like at the pre-birth stage of gender-selective abortion. In girlhood, child marriages, physical and psychological abuse. Domestic violence and forced pregnancy during adulthood.
Gender bias in education
The leading cause of gender bias is illiteracy. Mainly women are affected by this. Those who have not been educated continue to follow old practices such as traditions and culture. They have so many restrictions on going outside the home and becoming independent.
In India, only some girls go to school. Among them, there are fewer who complete their secondary education. Only some of them get an opportunity for graduation. Due to a lack of educational qualifications, they can’t get suitable jobs. It leads to being financially dependent on male persons in the family.
Gender pay gap
In India, mainly the gender pay gap involves direct pay differences. Women have paid less than male colleagues who work equally for no reason. In India and other countries, women in nearly every profession, including nurses, teachers, and software engineers, earn less than men. Most women often lose their jobs in some fields because of maternity leaves.
Ways To Promote Gender Equality
At workplace
Remove the gender pay gap and use skills-based assessments. And also avoid anti-feminist attitudes. It results in men and women having the same priority and being treated equally at their workplace. Support women’s leadership in all fields. Provide finance to equal access to land, agricultural inputs, and financial services for women to create a better worth for themselves and their families.
In daily life
Everyone in the family shares household tasks and childcare. Support mothers and treat parents equally. Give decision-making rights to the women in the family. There is a need to educate girls and help them complete their graduation. Due to this, they acquire knowledge and get suitable jobs for themselves. It results in being financially independent of the male partner and attaining decision-making capability in their home.
Supporting Women-Owned Businesses
Helping women-owned businesses is an essential step toward reaching gender equality. Investing in women-owned businesses can help create more diverse and overall workplaces, leading to better decision-making and increased innovation. And it can inspire upcoming generations of women to become entrepreneurs, breaking down barriers and boosting representation in leadership positions. Supporting women-owned businesses is a powerful way to promote gender equality and create a more equitable society. Government must support women-owned businesses. And must provide basic skill development programs.
Gender equality is that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender. In the 21st century, so many regions are facing gender-based violence. Gender bias harms families, communities, and society. We must restart to raise awareness about these issues and take action to address them. It includes participation in leadership roles and developing policies and systems that support equal chances for all. Finally, achieving gender equality is not just a moral imperative but crucial for our world’s well-being and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why we need Gender Equality?
Gender Equality prevents violence against women and girls. It is essential for economic prosperity.
- What are the main issues of Gender Equality?
Gender pay gap, child marriages, Gender bias in education, and Gender-based violence are the main issues of gender equality.
- How to improve gender Equality?
Gender equality improved by supporting women’s leadership, empowering women smallholders, and funding women’s organizations.