Gender Inequalities and Women Empowerment: May 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013

Gender Equality, Inequalities and Women Empowerment

College of Western Idaho

Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

Around The World

Madison Weston

English 102 - 011W

Leslie Jewkes

Introduction

Thesis

Disempowerment of women in Idaho, across the United States, and all around the world, is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because with out examining biases the issue will never change.

Shashwat 2012
http://shashwatinstinct.com/women-expect-mens-totally-capable-task/

Locally

College of Western Idaho

Addressing Gender Inequality

In the Work Force

Madison Weston

English 102 - 011W

Leslie Jewkes

March 12, 2013

Abstract

Addressing gender inequalities in Idaho and in the United States is a current goal, locally and globally. Promoting gender equality and women empowerment is necessary for better working relationships and environments. Disempowerment of women in both Idaho and across the United States is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because without examining biases the issue will never change. These are the main point that will be discussed and reviewed. Promoting gender equality and women empowerment should be necessary for better working environments.

Addressing Gender Inequality

Every person is familiar with biases; we see, hear and have biased interactions every day. Globally we are working together, acknowledging the problem of gender inequality and reaching for the solutions. According to the United Nations website, our goal is to promote gender equality, and empower women to fight against discrimination (Department of Public Information). This goal is one of the eight Millennium Developmental Goals, which all 191 United Nations members have agreed to try and achieve by 2015(Department of public information). Promoting gender equality and women empowerment should be necessary for better working environments. Gender inequalities is not only a global issue, there are problems with inequality and discrimination here in the U.S. and in Idaho.

Disempowerment of women in both Idaho and across the United States is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because with out examining biases the issue will never change.

Inequality Across History

Looking throughout our past history, we find examples of gender inequalities suggesting this is not just a current issue. The first acts for Equality Rights began around 1850; hopes for social, economic, and political gender equality was know as Feminism (Brunell 2007). The idea of gender equality due to issues and problems has been dated back to before the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. According to author Laura Brunell, there have been three waves in the acts of feminism (Brunell 2007). The first wave between 1848 and 1920 “focused primarily on obtaining the full legal personhood and the political enfranchisement of women (Brunell 2007).” The second was between 1963 and 1990, this wave also pushed for these goals and unfortunately lost, yet began the Equal Rights Movement (Brunell 2007). Resulting from these waves came ideas for women empowerment, the National Organization of Women, and the civil rights act of 1964 (Brunell 2007). From past to present gender inequality issues are still a concern and a known factor for work environments.

Many important woman figures had a role in the act, and have played into the movement for equal rights. Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony were two women who led the first wave of action towards rights of equality with the passing of the 19^th amendment (Brunell 2007). Margaret Floy Washburn, and Mary Calkins also had an impact; they impacted the workforce from their problems with inequalities in the education system. After Harvard refused Mary Calkins the degree she earned, Washburn became the first women to receive a psychology PhD (Meyers 2012). According to David Meyers, in the late 1800’s psychology, like most fields, was a man’s world (Meyers 2012).

William James helped break that mold when he accepted Mary Calkins as his student. Although Calkins went on to outscore all the male students on the Ph.D. exams, Harvard University denied her a degree. In its place she was told, she could have a degree from Radcliffe College, Harvard’s sister school for women. Calkins turned down the offer, but continued her work (Meyers 2012). This is a strong example of how gender biases began with our ancestors’ seed. Through these and similar events inequalities have been passed down through generations.

Bringing focus to origin and looking forward to recent events, we think of when gender biases started and what resulted. According to Laura Brunell 2007, “Feminism originated in critiques of the ways in which power and autonomy have historically been denied to women and other people, purely on the basis of who they are” (Brunell 2007). The third wave is our current wave and the problems were facing today such as sexism, this third wave began in the 1990’s. Focusing on positions and unfinished work of the previous wave, third wave activist goals were setting success examples, battling sexism, and setting awareness of barriers (Brunell 2007).

These woman and others like them grew up with the expectation of achievement and examples of female success as well as an awareness of barriers. They chose to battle sexism by standing sexist symbols on their heads, to fight patriarchy with irony, to answer violence with stories of survival, and to combat continued exclusion with grass-roots activism and radical democracy. Rather then becoming part of the machine, third wavers began both sabotaging and rebuilding the machine itself. (Brunell 2007)

The problem of gender inequality has remained an issue through these efforts and others throughout history. This issue needs to be addressed, the impacts have been damaging, in means of health, communication, and way of living.

Examining Biases

Why Examine Biases? How has gender inequalities been so damaging? Because of gender inequalities, resulted health inequalities between men and women, our communication towards one another has biases, and our way of living has been rebuilt around inequalities. Firstly and according to The International Journal for Equity in Health, “Gendered practices of working life create gender inequalities through horizontal and vertical gender segregation in work, which may lead to inequalities in health between men and women (Elwer 2013).” This is an example that shows our inequalities when it comes to our work force.

Secondly, communication is important for any environment. Our working environments rely on good and quality communication. Being able to communicate effectively and understand one another helps the environment to run smoothly and error free. According to Dan O’Hair, and Mary Wiemann, “the labels we choose for our beliefs affect how we communicate them to others and how others respond… When we place gender ethnic, class, occupation, and role labels on others, we sometimes ignore individual differences (O’Hair, Wiemann 2012).” This means that because of stereotypes and inequalities, we have biases on our communication, which results in poor communication between another. With bad communication comes inappropriate behavior; crude, offensive vulgar and profane language can create uncomfortable and unproductive relationships and work environments according to an introduction with mass communication (O’Hair, Wiemann 2012).

Lastly, when it comes to biases and inequalities affecting our everyday lives, we refer to work and social environments. Our society has been built based on gender roles and biases. According to author Eleanor Leacock, “research on the economic and social activities of women has been shaking up some established assumptions about society and history (Leacock 1983).” According to Leacock we need to examine our societies, and understand what is going on, in order to effect change. In this quote Leacock describes her theory on how to effect a change.

An effective theory of exchange is necessary for analyzing … and for interpreting the effects on these societies. Only when genders in primitive societies are understood… can the full force of capitalist relations in subverting the labor of women, and therefore transforming the entire structure of relationships in such societies, be appreciated. Until such time, the present will continue to support the assumption… that the widespread normality ideal of men as household heads who provision dependent women and children reflects some human need or drive. (Leacock 1983)

She ends with a statement declaring if these things do not change and until they do change, the present world and future world “will continue to be distorted (Leacock 1983).”

Currently Exists

This letter from the United Nations secretary general discusses how important it is to fight inequalities and discriminations against women. Throughout his message the general talks and asks for other members to recognize and understand and work together to achieve their common goal. He addresses his message on Valentines Day saying, “this must be a day of advocacy. It must be a day that triggers action (Ki Moon 2013).” He addressed in his message they will be holding the largest assembly to end violence against women and girls. In this message he gives details of the new ideas to stop gender based violence. (Ki Moon 2013).

Routines and concerns for gender inequalities have been in our attention, especially when we refer to the work environments. Idaho has made news regarding gender inequalities in our work force. There have been articles regarding our Governor Butch Otter’s Cabinet, how women make less money then the men (Popkey 2012). Not only is this going on, when it comes to our working environments, Idaho has a gender gap in physician ranks (Dutton). Along these issues locally, when it comes to the United States there have been cases of female sales representatives dealing with gender discrimination (Johnson 2013).

In the United States we have had several instances concerning gender inequalities when it comes to our work force and inequalities in pay between male and female employees. According to EduTube’s chart of female to male ratio of income, and their chart of seats in parliament, it indicates four gender inequalities globally. In Figure 1, and Figure 2 these charts show us that not a single country comes close to gender equality in income (EduTube 2009). Secondly they indicate women outnumber men in parliament in only one country in the world (EduTube 2009). They also show us that wealthier countries do not necessarily have higher gender equality (EduTube 2009). Lastly these two graphs tell us that a country may do well on one gender indicator and not as well on another (EduTube 2009).

Through out my research I have spoke with different people, male and female, in different careers and have had a chance to ask questions. I spoke with gentlemen named Jesse, who is a chef at a restaurant in Caldwell. Culinary fields have been known to be male dominated, so I asked him some questions; I asked how he felt working with female over males? He replied it depends on how they are as a worker. I asked him if he had any experiences himself with gender biases? His response was that not that he can recall. I think this is a good sign for change to start. From my research with interviews from everyday workers, I have a gathered a sense that when asked no one portrays to have gender biases. When trying to reach someone in higher authority it was much harder to get a response.

Women’s roles in our current economy have advanced compared to several years ago. Roles have changed, yet discrimination is still an issue. Disempowerment of women in both Idaho and across the United States is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because with out examining biases the issue will never change.

Figures 1 & 2

Works Cited

Brunell, Laura. "Feminism Reimagined: The Third Wave." Annals of American History. 2008. <http://www.america.eb.com.cwi.idm.oclc.org/america/article?articleId=442878&query=gender equality>.

Department of Public Infromation, United Nations. Department of Public Information. UN Web Services 2010. Web. <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/>.

Dutton, Audrey. "Idaho Deals With Gender gap in physician ranks." Idaho Statesman 27 Jan 2013, n. pag. Web. 22 Feb. 2013. <http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/01/27/2428077/idaho-still-dealing-with-gender.html

Elwer, Sophia, Lena Alex, and Anne Hammarstrom. "Gender (in)equality among employees in elder care: implications for health” International Journal for Equity in Health. 11.1 (2012): 1-10. Web. 9 Feb. 2013.

Johnson, Linda A. "Female sales reps: Daiichi Sankyo discriminates." Idaho Statesman [Trenton] 11 Feb 2013, National Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Ki Moon, Ban. United Nations. Department of Public Information. SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN MESSAGE FOR ‘ONE BILLION RISING’ CAMPAIGN, SEEKS ‘VALENTINE MESSAGE’ FROM GOVERNMENTS COMMITTING TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, GIRLS. New York: News and Media Division, 2013. Web. <http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sgsm14818.doc.htm>.

Leacock, Eleanor. "Interpreting the origins of gender inequality: Conceptual and historical problems." Dialectical Anthropology. 7.4 (1983): 263-284. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00249543?LI=true>.

Meyers, David G. Psychology in everyday life. New York, NY: 2012.

O'hair, Dan, and Mary Wiemann. "An introduction with Mass Communication." Real Communication. Boston: 2012.

Popkey, Dan. "In Gov. Butch Otter's cabinet, women make less money then men." Idaho Statesman[Boise] 18 Mar 2012, n. pag. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. <http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/03/18/2040540/in-otters-cabinet-women-make-less.html

StatPlanet, EduTube. Ratio of Estimated Female to Male earned income. 2009. Edutube, Australlia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

StatPlanet, EduTube. Percentage of seats in paliament held by women. 2009. Edutube, Australia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

Annotated Bibliography

Brunell, Laura. "Feminism Reimagined: The Third Wave." Annals of American History. 2008. <http://www.america.eb.com.cwi.idm.oclc.org/america/article?articleId=442878&query=gender equality>.

This is an article based off the background of feminists movements based to empower women. This article goes into detail of the first wave, and second wave and third wave of movements. After discussing the background information, the author discusses the current movement, called the third wave. The author talks of the current issues and importance to society.

This article is a recent article written in 2007. The author has credibility considering the article being in an educational database. The author cites her sources and does not show bias in her work. Laura Brunell, the author presents the facts and gives background knowledge for better understanding.

I am going to be using this particular article to reference the history of gender equality issues and to bring forth our current issues. I will be referencing her facts of the time line of the different movements. Also the relations between the issues and current issues will be good sources for examples.

Department of Public Infromation, United Nations. Department of Public Information. UN Web Services 2010. Web. <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/>.

Dutton , Audrey. "Idaho Deals With Gender gap in physician ranks." Idaho Statesman 27 Jan 2013, n. pag. Web. 22 Feb. 2013. <http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/01/27/2428077/idaho-still-dealing-with-gender.html

This is a newspaper article I will reference for examples of a women in a locally male dominated career.

Elwer, Sophia, Lena Alex, and Anne Hammarstrom. "Gender (in)equality among employees in elder care: implications for health.." International Journal for Equity in Health. 11.1 (2012): 1-10. Web. 9 Feb. 2013.

I will reference gender inequalities in the work environment.

Johnson, Linda A. "Female sales reps: Daiichi Sankyo discriminates." Idaho Statesman [Trenton] 11 Feb 2013, National Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

This letter from the secretary general of public information, I will be using this letter as a reference to how important the MDG is.

Referenced for past facts and cause and effects.

Meyers, David G. Psychology in everyday life. New York, NY: 2012.

In this Psychology book, it gives background information on psychologists throughout our history. The first women psychologist had to deal with gender inequality issues in her professional career. This book is used to learn the use of the techniques to examine human behavior and reasons for psychology.

This is an error free credible source used for students in psychology courses. I will be referencing the first women psychologist as an example of gender inequalities in the work place.

Nugent, Bridget R. "Beyond Biases and Barriers: Incorporating Women into International Clinical Research." Women, Social Policy, and the Law. 6.1 (2012): 1-36. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://digitalcommons.salve.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1050&context=jift>.

This article references women roles in a business aspect and discusses the biases that come with. I will be using this article to reference examples of women in professional careers and the current problems and concerns.

O'hair, Dan, and Mary Wiemann. "An introduction with Mass Communication." Real Communication . Boston : 2012.

This book discusses how we communicate. It presents the reason why we communicate the way we do. It also details the process and ways of communication. The authors explain the issues with our current communication efforts; Such as our biases towards race, gender and religions.

I will be referencing the examples of issues with our communication by means of gender biases. I will also be discussing and referencing how communication is necessary for our survival and evolution. It is a current, credible, and error free source.

This source I will be using for a reference to gender inequalities in Idaho’s State government.

StatPlanet, EduTube. Ratio of Estimated Female to Male earned income. 2009. Edutube, Australlia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

Using chart to reference ration in gender inequalities

StatPlanet, EduTube. Percentage of seats in paliament held by women. 2009. Edutube, Australia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

Using chart to reference ration in gender inequalities

"Un International Women's Day: Empowering Women--The Key To Achieving The Millenium Development Goals." Women's International Network News 29.2 (2003): 4. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.

This article I will be using to reference examples of women empowerment. This article describes women’s roles in our economy. It talks about how and why it is important to empower women and promote gender equality. And goes into detail of the global goal.

Personal Pieces

Time to Fly

By: Madison Weston

To our Women,

There is no more need to hide

It’s your time, we’re on your side

No more need to live in fear

The time for change and equality is near

We need to empower every women

Our mothers, lovers, and children

No longer should they have to shy

This is your time, spread your wings and fly

Graphics

acelebrationofwomen.org

www.uniosil.org

http://blogs.worldbank.org/growth/files/growth/gender_0.jpg

Interviews

Madison Weston

Interview with: Jesse Hill Chef

Place: Bittercreek Ale house and Red feather Lounge

Day and time: 10:25pm March 7, 2013

Contact: 208-***-****

a. Q: What is your input on gender equality? And women empowerment?

i. A: If it is what we need as a country I have no problems with it

b. Q: Why are there mostly men in construction?

i. A: Because they have more strength, and it is easier for them to get the job I would think

c. Q: Why are paper jobs held by mostly women?

i. A: Again probably because it is easier for the to get hired, they can dress the part.

d. Q: Have you noticed that mostly men hold chairs in office over women in government?

i. A: Yeah, I think it is because women may not realize they can go for those jobs.

e. Q: Why do certain cultures stick to tradition rather then evolve?

i. A: it could be because it is all they know

f. Q: How can we get third wheel countries to evolve into gender equality and women empowerment?

i. A: I think the best way would probably be through education, educating them of the time

g. Q: How is this goal important to our survival and evolution?

i. I am not sure, probably it helps us to work together

h. Q: have you had much experience with gender equalities being in you career?

i. Not that I can recal

i. Q: what is you experience like working with women?

i. A: as long as they are a hard worker and keep the kitchen running smoothly I don’t care, I haven’t had any bad experiences

Letters

(208) 334-3454 Fax

Office of the First Lady
Idaho State Capitol
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720

To: Lori Easley Otter

Mrs. Otter

Hello Mrs. Lori Otter,

I wanted to write this letter of inquiry to ask for a chance to inter view regarding gender equality and women empowerment. I am a current student at the College of Western Idaho and this semester for my English class I am researching this topic. I would like to be able to interview you and reference you through out my projects. Some questions I would be asking is what is your outlooks and experiences with equality and empowerment? I feel you would be a perfect person to interview and represent. It would be so appreciated to hear back from you, I left my email and look forward to meeting you.

Lastly, I just wanted to thank you for taking your time to read this letter, your thoughts and consideration.

Sincerely,

Madison Weston

From: Madison Weston - Student of CWI

Madisonweston09@yahoo.com

Film

Madison Weston

Maddieweston@mycwi.cc

English 102-011W

Film Analysis

April 15, 2013

Mona Lisa Smile

Mona Lisa Smile is a film based off of traditional cultural beliefs and filled with challenges towards change for new modern traditions. Released in 2003, the film’s message is towards women empowerment and to reveal the flaws in the era’s traditions. Gender inequalities and lack of empowerment for women, is a well known problem, this is what led it to be a current millennium developmental goal. This goal to promote gender equality and women empowerment is important for social economy and is to be achieved by 2015 by all United Nations members. This film is written by Mark Rosenthal and Lawrence Konner and directed by Mike Newell (Sony), and rates 6.2 stars on the IMDb website (IMDb).

The film reveals the flaws with the culture, which consisted of outlooks on women’s roles, education, and manners. Out looks included making women suitable for marriage including how to be the perfect wife, right education, proper manners, and the right looks (Newell). They even went to classes to learn the proper manors, and home etiquettes. Mona Lisa Smile’s message is clear, it reveals the flaws in the current traditions in that era, and encourages women to be more then just suitable for marriage, against the stereotypes, be whatever they want to be. Throughout the movie conservative traditions are challenged and out comes time of change and modern theories.

The story is based in the 1950’s; the set is based at Wellesley College. A conservative college filled with our cast; including a student group of friends Betty, Joan, Giselle and Connie and school staff members. The director created the characters to be just what you would imagine college women and professors to be in the 1950’s; Beautiful and handsome, strong features, clean conservative clothes, and all appear and present themselves to be flawless. The main character is a modern professor named Katherine Watson, who came to teach her dream job as an art professor. Next we are introduced to other faculty members who consist of a liberal nurse named Amanda Armstrong, who also has modern outlooks. Next is a conservative home economics teacher named Nancy Abbey. Nancy is a strong believer on the current traditions and also will not stand for those who go against the beliefs of their culture.

These three faculty members each have a unique story that plays into the theme and the film’s message of empowering women. Because Katherine and Amanda are more modern, both are judged and ridiculed by the school board; for not following Wellesley standards and by appearing to challenge traditional beliefs, their jobs are on the line (Newell). Next are introduced to the students, a group of friends who are caught between following tradition and what is being taught to them, and or challenging their culture and thinking for themselves. Every character has strong beliefs, are very opinionated, and brutally honest.

The way the director focuses on the ideas from the characters, which gave an understanding of what the beliefs and concepts were during this era. The director sticks to his theme through out the film. All the characters are dressed to the part and role they are playing. The wardrobe and make-up, language and sets fit the theme of 1950’s conservative college culture. The setting is most important to the theme of the movie. The set made up the Wellesley College grounds is where history has been made and traditions were reinforced. This is the place where everything happens and those traditions custom to Wellesley College are being challenged throughout the movie.

When it comes to the technical details, the director Mike Newell uses lighting, different angles, and smooth transitions to make the film’s message clear and light. After watching the film, you understand the issues and concerns, the director leaves you feeling educated, and not aggravated. The lighting the director chose to use gave each character and object a glow, appearing to be flawless and perfect. The different transitions the director chose to use made every scene flow together, which gave the movie a sense of flawlessness. Throughout the movie, the director brings into focus the beauty of every aspect.

Identifying the flaws in the stereotypes and traditions, such as women being taught and made to be the most suitable for marriage instead of being empowered to advance in their education, was a necessary aspect for the overall message of the film. Even while identifying the flaws and conflicts, the film continued to carry a formal tone. The tone throughout the film was light and formal, based from the events and situations in the movie. The film carried a sense of elegance through the end.

Anyone with a willingness to learn, interests in history, and or ready for a decent movie, would be a good audience for this film. Mona Lisa Smile’s message is for women empowerment and to reveal the flaws in the current and old traditions. Years later these modern theories have actually become part of Wellesley College’s mission and values (Wellesley). The goal for gender equality and women empowerment is something everyone should be aware of and needs to be equally working on.

References

IMDb,. "Mona Lisa Smile." IMDb. Amazon, n.d. Web. 10 Apr 2013. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0304415/>.

Newell, Mike, dir. Mona Lisa Smile. Writ. Konner Lawrence, and Rosenthal Mark . Sony Pictures, 2003. DVD. 11 Apr 2013.

Sony Pictures, . "Mona Lisa Smile." Sony Pictures. Sony Pictures Digital Productions, n.d. Web. 8 Apr 2013. <http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/monalisasmile/>.

. "Mission and Values." Wellesley College. Trustees of Wellesley College, n.d. Web. 10 Apr 2013. <http://www.wellesley.edu/about/missionandvalues>.

Globally

Madison Weston

Maddieweston@mycwi.cc

English 102-011W

Global Rough Draft

April 22, 2013

Promoting Gender Equality & Women empowerment

“Depressingly many traditions have portrayed women as less important then men, less deserving of basic life support, or of fundamental rights that are strongly correlated with the quality of life. (Nussbaum and Glover).” On the global level, women are not treated as equal to men; and in order to ensure our economy’s health and growth we need be able to achieve gender equality and empower women. Women make up a majority of the world’s population, and according to Nussbaum and Glover there is no country in the world where a women’s quality of life is equal to that of a mans.

This is globally recognized issue, which effects economic growth and health, and therefore is the reason it became a Millennium Developmental Goal (MDG). There are eight MDG’s currently in focus to create a better world and end poverty by 2015. According to the United Nations web page, all countries and developing institutions have agreed to work on these goals. One of these goals is to promote gender equality and empower women, everyone is aware of the inequalities towards women, and needs to begin empowering them.

Today, women are accustomed to living the life based from traditions and stereotypes. As a women member of a caste in India, women are not allowed to work out side of their homes (Nussbaum and Glover). Women in this caste, even if they are in need of food or means of survival must remain home. Commonly resulting in death or to face brutal assaults from family members for leaving their homes (Nussbaum and Glover). This tradition or similar customs is not uncommon, not only in India but in other countries across the globe.

Other inequalities that are active across the globe include female to male workers employed in our work force. According to Women Culture and Development, the employment participation rates of women are only fifty percent of men’s (Nussbaum and Glover). In South Asia the participation rates are only twenty-nine percent of men’s, and in Arab states it is only sixteen percent (Nussbaum and Glover). Not only are there inequalities in employment participation, for women who are employed, they deal with other inequalities compared to men. They are forced to dealing with sexual discrimination, and sexual harassment. Women are also offered significant wage differences, low wages with little or no respect and go with several hours of unpaid housework. According to the authors Nussbaum and Glover of Women Culture and Development, “If women’s unpaid housework were counted as productive output in national income accounts, global output would increase by twenty to thirty percent (Nussbaum and Glover).”

Gender inequalities are not only present in traditions, and in our work force but also in education. On a global level, women are less likely to become literate (Nussbaum and Glover). In south Asia literacy rates of women are fifty percent of males, in Nepal thirty five percent, and in Afghanistan it is thirty two percent compare to males (Nussbaum and Glover). According to the statistics two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population is made up of women.

There are several examples around the world of gender inequalities; we must recognize them so we can make a change. According to Molly Edmonds from Discovery an example is that globally there is education attainment, which leads to all the illiterate women (Edmonds 2013). Also through out the world, we don’t have very many women holding government chairs in office (Edmonds 2013). Lastly a few other examples of inequalities, we need to work on women being free to marry and divorce as they choose, access to health care, and feminization of poverty (Edmonds 2013). These are just a few examples of gender inequalities that we must worked on globally, and beyond these examples there are so many more.

The millennium developmental goals are our way to try and regain attention and focus to what we as a world struggle with. The goals are organized, and are to be achieved around the world. By uniting together we can make a change and a difference. We need to continue educating countries the importance of promoting equality and empowerment for women. The importance of survival, if we cannot work together and be treated equal in every aspect of life we will not survive. Our stereotypes and fears of another will take over while hopes for peace is gone. This may eventually lead to an economy down fall.

According the MDG website a graph of trends and overviews of progress shows we are making some progress (Uniosil 2013). This graph shows us which countries are making progress and which countries have not yet started. According to this graph we see that all of Asia has made the most progress. We can also identify that Europe and northern Africa and Latin America have made progress towards reaching goals including promoting gender equality and women empowerment (Uniosil 2013). On this graph it also shows which countries have not yet started or is not expected to meet targets. We see countries such as Sub-Saharan Africa, which does not have as much progress and also Oceania has less progress. The untied states is not included on this graph, hopefully we can follow example and continue working towards a better world.

Globally we need to take a moral stand, standing against gender discrimination, and inequalities. We need to recognize and empower our women, and every woman; we must be a role model for future generations and fight against gender stereotypes. In order to achieve and ensure economic growth and health, we have to achieve gender equality, we must take action and protect women’s’ quality of life as well as men. Women make up the majority of the worlds population and with out women our population would no longer be. After all, women are our mothers, and mothers of our future children.

References

Dollar, David, and Roberta Gatti. "POLICY RESEARCH REPORT ON GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT." Gender Inequality, Income, and Growth: Are Good Times Good for Women?. Working Paper Series.No. 1 (1999): 1-40. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://darp.lse.ac.uk/frankweb/courses/EC501/DG.pdf>.

Edmonds, M. (2013). 10 examples of gender inequalities around the world. Retrieved from http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/examples-gender-inequality-around-world.htm

Nussbaum, Martha, and Jonathan Glover. Women, Culture, and Development: A study of human capabilities. Oxford New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. eBook.

Uniosil. (2013). Millennium development goals overview trends towards meeting targets. Retrieved from http://uniosil.org/wp-