GENDER DISCRIMINATION

🖎: Sean Paris Tizon and Adrienne Christine Castillo

       

    Gender discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly and unequally because of their gender identity, but not necessarily in a sexual nature. Gender discrimination is a major contributing factor to gender inequality and gender-based violence in many cases, it is often rooted in preconceived, false societal and personal notions about what gender is, and how gender “should” look. Or how gender is performed. Global gender inequality has several underlying reasons, one of which is gender discrimination in education. Sexual harassment, unequal compensation, and limited or denied access to rights such as healthcare and education are all consequences of gender discrimination.

     The reason gender equality is important is that it prevents mortality. Women and girls suffer potentially fatal hazards due to a lack of resources and empowerment in many areas. There are several reasons why gender equality is crucial. It is crucial for economic growth and aids in the prevention of violence against women and girls. People's options for employment are severely limited if they don't have a strong education. From there, the effects spread far, increasing a person's susceptibility to human trafficking, poverty, violence, ill health, and other issues. The importance of this is that it teaches us how to be civilized, and open-heartedly accept that it is normal for people to express themselves in their own way.  

      Who do you think is more affected by gender inequality? The people who are part of the LGBT are mostly discriminated against by stereotypes and hypocrites who think that only men and women should exist in this world. Especially by the people with specific religions. People of various sex identities are impacted by the complicated problem of gender discrimination. However, nearly 90% of men and women, according to UN research, have experienced some form of bias against women. Girls are frequently the targets of discrimination internationally. Since then, women have been discriminated and it might have lessened in today’s generation, but it doesn’t change the fact that women are still being discriminated. Women are worse off by almost every measure. Whether it’s the pay gap, time spent doing unpaid care, high rates of gendered violence, or not enough women in leadership and public spaces, it comes back to one thing. For men and boys, pressure to conform to some stereotypes of masculinity can impact physical and emotional health. Such stereotypes include having to be tough, stoic, dominant, and aggressive. The effects that are caused by these issues are usually mental health problems like social anxiety, and depression that usually cause self-harm, or worse, suicide.

       Gender discrimination against women refers to the unfair treatment or prejudice based on an individual's gender, typically resulting in unequal opportunities, social status, or treatment due to societal perceptions or biases against women. It can manifest in various ways across different aspects of life. Women who are subjected to discrimination may suffer from low self-esteem, elevated tension, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it may cause emotions of pessimism, undervaluation, and marginalization. Women's physical health can be negatively impacted by gender discrimination because of higher stress levels, restricted access to healthcare, and fewer options for preventive treatment. Due to their restricted access to resources and healthcare services, women who experience prejudice may also be more susceptible to certain health issues. 

      Discrimination can begin early. Girls may encounter obstacles to education at an early age, such as restricted school access, gender stereotypes in curriculum, or cultural views that value males' education more highly than girls. Glass ceilings that prohibit women from reaching top positions, biased hiring and promotion decisions, unequal pay for equal work, and limited career advancement chances are just a few examples of the discrimination that women frequently experience in the workplace. These things usually happen during work hours, or at school. There are also instances that people at home discriminate against people who come out about their gender.

     The complex topic of gender discrimination against women has its roots in social, cultural, historical, and economic aspects. Discrimination based on gender is pervasive for several reasons. Men and women are sometimes assigned distinct duties and obligations based on societal norms and traditional gender roles. According to these standards, women are supposed to take on caregiving responsibilities while males are expected to be the primary providers of income and occupy positions of power. When someone doesn't conform to these standards, discrimination may happen. Especially those overly religious parents.  

     A broad strategy is needed to address gender discrimination, including legal reforms, societal attitudes, and perception changes, education, empowerment programs, and activities supporting gender equality. Although laws prohibiting gender discrimination are in place in many nations, there are still issues with their application and enforcement.

     How can we prevent this from happening? It is important that we ensure equal access to education. We should teach people how to empower not just women, but every gender. We should strengthen legal protections, to protect rights, solutions like universal health coverage are important. Protecting reproductive rights also means gathering data on those historically ignored. To address gender discrimination against women and create a fairer society for all, it is imperative to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and encourage gender equality in all sectors of life. As a youth, you can actively promote gender equality by fighting stereotypes, supporting diversity, and working to build a more just society. The following are a few ways that young people might advance gender equality. Become knowledgeable about women's rights, gender issues, and the significance of gender equality. Read books, and articles, watch movies, and participate in debates to gain a deeper understanding of the issues that women confront and the need for equality.