What is Gender Justice?
Gender Justice
Gender justice, just like racial justice, is a critical issue in today's society, with gender disparity and inequality still pervasive across the globe. It takes many forms, including social and institutional discrimination, economic disadvantage, systemic prejudice, and lack of access to education and healthcare resources.
Despite worldwide efforts to address the problem, gender injustice continues to be an obstacle for women seeking equal opportunities in all aspects of life. As SAHR, we believe that awareness, education, and advocacy are key steps in the journey toward gender justice.
This article will explore the causes and solutions of gender inequality, as well as the impact of gender justice on society.
What is Gender Justice?
Gender justice is a concept that promotes the full realization of rights and opportunities for all genders. It seeks to realize equality between men and women, as well as between diverse gender identities, in terms of rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It is a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of gender discrimination and ensures that women and other gender minorities are not excluded from the full enjoyment of their human rights.
Overview of the State of Gender Inequality Worldwide
Gender inequality is a global issue and the most pervasive form of inequality that affects both men and women. While some countries have made considerable progress in addressing gender discrimination, the overall situation remains dire.
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Report, the global gender gap remains at 32%, meaning that it would take more than 100 years to achieve parity. This gap is even more pronounced in countries where women and gender-diverse people are disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion, such as India, Pakistan, and Yemen.
Gender non-conforming people and trans people are also disproportionately impacted by gender inequality, particularly in terms of access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
Causes of Gender Inequality
The root causes of gender inequality vary from place to place and have been shaped by social, cultural, religious, institutional, and economic factors.
Social Structural Factors
Gender inequality is often the result of social structures that favor men over women. For example, in some countries, a woman’s right to property and inheritance is limited, making her more economically vulnerable. In addition, in countries where women are considered second-class citizens, they may be denied basic rights such as the right to education and healthcare.
Cultural/Religious Factors
In some countries, women may be excluded from certain activities or denied access to key resources due to cultural and religious norms. For example, in some countries, women may not be allowed to hold leadership positions or engage in certain economic activities, such as owning land, because of their sexual orientation.
Institutional Factors
Gender inequality is also often the result of institutional discrimination, such as laws or policies that limit women’s rights. This includes unequal access to legal protection and justice, unequal pay for equal work, and limited access to credit facilities.
Economic Factors
Economic factors such as unemployment or lack of access to economic resources can also contribute to gender inequality. In many countries, women are often excluded from certain sectors of the economy or are paid lower wages than their male counterparts.
Solutions to Gender Inequality
The most effective way to address gender inequality is by promoting gender equality and equity in all aspects of society.
Reforming Laws and Policies
One of the most important steps towards achieving gender equality is to reform existing laws and policies. This includes reforming discriminatory laws, eliminating gender-based violence, and ensuring equal access to education and healthcare.
Creating Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about gender inequality is essential in challenging social norms and empowering women. This includes promoting an understanding of gender equality in schools and workplaces, as well as through media campaigns.
Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace
Gender equality in the workplace can be achieved by providing equal pay for equal work, access to training and promotion opportunities, and access to resources. Additionally, promoting flexitime policies and offering additional parental leave can help create an environment that respects and supports the needs of all employees.
Community Outreach & Support Groups
Community outreach programs and support groups can provide opportunities for women to access resources, build skills, and advocate for their rights. This includes providing training on financial literacy, legal rights and advocacy, and emotional support. These initiatives can also create safe spaces where women can share their experiences and build solidarity.
Positive Portrayal of Women in Media
Gender identity and roles are often shaped by the media, so it is important to promote positive portrayals of women. This includes creating content that challenges gender stereotypes and stereotypes of other marginalized groups. It is also important to promote the representation of women in leadership positions, both in fiction and non-fiction.
Ensuring Gender Equality in Government
Governments can take steps to ensure that women and other gender minorities are represented in decision-making roles and are given equal opportunities to participate in the political process. This includes increasing women’s representation in parliament, introducing quotas for women on corporate boards, and implementing affirmative action policies.
Increased Access to Healthcare & Education Resources
Making sure that women have equal access to healthcare and education resources is essential for achieving gender equality. This includes providing scholarships and financial aid, as well as improving access to healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health information. Governments should also ensure that girls have access to the same quality education as boys, especially in rural and remote areas.
Summary of Key Points Discussed
Gender inequality is a global problem caused by social, cultural, religious, institutional, and economic factors. The most effective way to address gender inequality is by promoting gender equality and equity in all aspects of society. This includes reforming discriminatory laws, creating awareness and education, promoting gender equality in the workplace, and ensuring gender equality in government.
SAHR’s Approach
If we want a more equal and accessible justice system that works for SGBV survivors, we need to invest in inclusive leadership and decision making in the law and policy space. Our hope lies in emerging leaders who are committed to deep systems change.
When they are given practical mentorship to lead and partake in law and policy-making, they will develop invaluable technical skills, exposure to collaborative and consensus-building approaches, and ultimately, strengthen their connections and cooperation with their governments.
This is how we will build and nurture this and the next generation of under-represented leaders in law and policy, to enact the change that is needed.
If you are an emerging or existing leader in policy, join our Membership!
We created this Membership Community so that we can get to know you, provide customised mentorship, and link you to opportunities to upgrade your skills and network! ✨
