Gender inequality has been prevalent in our world for decades, even centuries. Sadly, we still witness and experience gender inequality in our society today. From education to employment, girls and women experience severe gender inequality. Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals to promote gender equality and empower women. Their target is to "eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015." Unfortunately, we are far from our goal. Although we have dramatically improved the statistics, there is still a long way to go in order to fully achieve Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals.
The biggest impact of gender inequality in underdeveloped countries is seen through education and employment. Statistics show that Sub-Saharan Africa have the lowest education enrolment rate for girls as well as employment rate. And sadly, as you move from Primary Education to Secondary Education and Tertiary Education, the education enrollment rates reduce significantly. There are many reasons and factors as to why the numbers go down such as: the expense of high school and university - families do not have the money to pay for secondary education. Also, young girls can be married off at a young age therefore not allowing them to attend school. The factors that lower education enrollment rates are saddening and it will truly affect the girl's life ahead. With an education, they are given the opportunity to employ in the work force, earn an income and feed their family, and help break the cycle of poverty. In addition to education, employment numbers are extremely low as well, and this is a result due to the low education rates. In 2009 in Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 33% of the work force which is a huge improvement compared to 1990's statistic of women only being 24% of the world force. Although huge improvements have been made, we are still far off of our target of having a 50/50 split between men and women in the work force.
Solutions have been proposed and put into action, and yes they have benefited the world. However, more solutions have to be put in place in order to alleviate and/or eradicate gender inequality. Education is the first and primary solution to improve gender inequality. If education is provided to every girl, they will given the chance to employ in the work force and fend for their family. Once education is given to girls, a positive cycle will start to occur and improve education enrollment rates and employment rates. It is sad but true that there will always be factors that influence education enrollment rates such as money, family chores, and marriage. However, actions can be taken in order to improve the statistics.
Will gender equality ever be achieved? I hope so, but it will take many hurdles of challenges and struggles in order for it to be achieved.
I agree with you that gender equality is going to be very hard to achieve, however once people become more aware of the important role that women play in society I believe that the change can be made.
ReplyDelete