Women’s Rights and Global Well-Being

Introduction

Women's rights are fundamental to understanding global well-being. Despite the endorsement of a significant treaty by most of the world's nations a few decades ago, numerous challenges persist in various aspects of life. This occurs despite the many successes achieved in liberating women. It is a concerning reality that women are often paid less than men, despite working more. Throughout their lifetimes, gender discrimination adversely impacts girls and women, with many women finding themselves in states of poverty. A common misconception is that women's rights issues exist only in countries where religion governs the law.

However, this belief is misguided.

Ongoing Gender Bias

Some individuals might erroneously assume that the struggle for women's rights is a thing of the past. Unfortunately, this is far from reality. Today, gender bias continues to create significant obstacles for many, particularly poor women, women of color, and immigrant women. Achieving gender equality is an essential component for the survival and development of all societies. The importance of women's rights and gender equality cannot be overstated. History demonstrates that women in contemporary society fare better than those in the past. While progress towards women's rights has been remarkable over the years, women worldwide are still far from achieving equality with men. In certain parts of the world, access to education is denied to women, and they lack a voice in political participation.

The poem "Girl" by Kincaid illustrates a young girl being trained by her mother to conform to the stereotypical expectations of a conservative and traditional woman, devoid of freedom or power (Kincaid 107-108). Similarly, Virginia Woolf's essay "What if Shakespeare Had a Sister" highlights how women are deprived of the power to choose their own paths, using a fictional character to emphasize this point (Woolf 548-555). Women and girls are often restricted from making choices concerning child-rearing, marriage, and other personal decisions in their private lives.

Feminism's Broader Relevance

Understanding the feminist perspective and raising awareness of women's rights and gender equality is crucial for society. However, feminism is not just relevant to women; it also concerns boys and men. How so? Feminism involves challenging and changing gender roles, sexual norms, and sexist practices that limit or punish individuals for deviating from them. Examining the micro-level of sociology, such as the family, through a feminist lens helps us understand sex/gender dynamics, gender roles, and sexual norms, and explore ways to improve the lives and rights of women, girls, men, and boys.

The traditional family institution often conflates sex and gender as interchangeable terms. However, society labels individuals based on these distinctions. If you are male, you are expected to follow the roles of a man, and similarly for females. What happens to a man who enjoys cooking or dancing? As human beings, equality is vital for both men and women, who have the right to happiness and personal fulfillment. With gender equality, society can advance on numerous levels. Women should not be treated as mere robots designed to fulfill men's needs. Instead, women should be empowered to undertake anything men can, should they choose to. Rather than taking the issue lightly, we should focus on raising awareness and advocating for women's rights.

Historical Context and Progress

Women have long strived for equality and rights equivalent to their male counterparts. Some of these rights, such as suffrage, were achieved during the late 1800s by the first wave of feminists. Nonetheless, the fight for equality continues. Before the feminist movements of the 1960s, society often relegated women to a single life path: marriage, family support, and household chores. Unmarried young women were often ridiculed, while married women without children faced intrusive questions about their family planning. Working women were frequently advised to stay home while their husbands worked. Issues like work discrimination, sexual harassment, and reproductive rights also plagued women, sparking a series of campaigns known as the Second Wave Feminism, aimed at reintroducing women to society.

This movement became a gateway for women to receive more equitable treatment. While women today enjoy more freedom than before, understanding the origins and successes of second-wave feminism remains crucial. Women's struggle for rights extends beyond voting to encompass the right to work in nearly all fields. Today, many women and girls pursue professional education and careers, thanks to the freedoms won through long struggles. Women now serve as leaders, teachers, and workers across various sectors, enjoying the freedom of choice once denied to them.

Persistent Challenges and Future Directions

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Gender inequality and prejudice persist worldwide, preventing women from fully realizing their basic human rights to health and equality. Discrimination against women often begins with societal concepts, particularly in regions like India and South Asia, where girls are sometimes seen as economic burdens due to dowry demands and limited income contributions.

In the modern era, most countries recognize the need for gender equality, regardless of color or nationality. Many have implemented programs to combat discrimination in health services, education, and economic rights, including women's land ownership. Yet, women still benefit less from economic development than their male counterparts. In the United States, gender inequality persists in various forms, including women's representation, political participation, employment discrimination, wage disparities, and unequal housing distribution.

Over the past two decades, discussions about gender equality have expanded to address issues facing boys and men, contributing to education and prosperity. Since 1920, gender inequality has been the focus of crucial legislation aimed at promoting democracy and lasting economic growth. The European Union, for example, considers gender equality a founding principle and a future building block (Millns 220). Public perception has shifted, recognizing both men and women as equal partners in society.

However, challenges remain. A significant minority still believes society favors men over women. Aarushi Bhandari's essay "Hungry for Equality" highlights the ongoing gender gap in workplaces, emphasizing that both parties do not operate on equal grounds (Bhandari 432). Many Americans believe the government pays men more for the same work and that gender disparities exist in hiring and promotions for top jobs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving equality between men and women is essential for realizing human rights, particularly those of women. The promotion of gender equality leads to various forms of societal and national development, including economic growth and improvements in citizens' lives. Despite the progress made, gender inequality remains a significant issue, requiring continued advocacy, awareness, and action to ensure true equality for all.

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