Gender Inequality: Historical Roots & Modern Challenges

The Roots of Discrimination: Prejudices Against Women

Throughout history, women have been fundamentally disenfranchised. It can be said that the recognition of equal rights for all human beings, the liberation of women who suffered discrimination, and their access to education, employment, and political participation represent the most significant social change of the past century. However, in many countries, the situation of women continues to be unjust.

Primary Reasons for Women's Discrimination

There are two primary reasons why women have been historically discriminated against:

• Intellectual and Emotional Inferiority: The prejudice that women were intellectually inferior to men, unable to control their emotions, and therefore needed to be tutored by a male figure.
• Dangerous Seduction: The prejudice that attributed to women a dangerous power of seduction that could awaken in men carnal desire. This belief often led to practices like hiding women under veils, at home, or in monasteries.

The Rise of Feminist Movements

A driving force that changed the social and legal status of women was the emergence of feminist movements. These movements originated in the late 18th century, with a significant milestone in 1848. The public declaration of Seneca Falls was a pivotal point in the struggle of the feminist movement, laying the groundwork for future advocacy.

Key Demands for Women's Rights

The recognition of women's rights meant claiming:

• Political Participation: The right to vote, hold office, and engage in political processes.
• Education: Equal access to educational opportunities at all levels.
• Gender Equality within the Family: Fair treatment and equal rights within the domestic sphere.
• Recognition of Female Sexuality: Acknowledging and respecting female sexuality on par with male counterparts.

Ethical Problems Raised by Women's Discrimination

Discrimination against women raises several profound ethical concerns:

• The Right to Life: In many cultures, a girl's life is considered less valuable than a boy's, leading to practices like female infanticide or neglect.
• Relationship Between Individual and Society: Society has often forced women into harmful situations, such as forced marriages, being sold, or being compelled to perform harmful tasks.
• Resolution of Conflicts: Women's interests are frequently harmed; they are often denied independence, education, and the ability to resolve conflicts fairly.
• Relation to Religions: Many religions have historically discriminated against women, often blaming them for perceived male weaknesses or societal ills.
• Care of Power and Exercise: Women's participation in public affairs and positions of power remains globally a minority.
• Dealing with Foreigners: Migrant women are among the most vulnerable groups to human rights violations, facing compounded discrimination due to being women, poor, and foreign.
• Goods and Distribution: Wealth is not evenly distributed; women possess less than 1% of the world's wealth despite comprising half of the reproductive and sexual population.
• Family and Sexuality: Effective equality can only be achieved when chauvinistic attitudes regarding female sexuality, procreation, and the family undergo significant change.