Equality in society

Some of the world’s greatest issues are caused by the lack of equality in society. Female rights have largely improved but still men are seen as superior.

There are several disadvantages that women experience, one example being pay rates. Women get considerably lower pay than men. According to the Guardian newspaper, the average pay gap sits at 15.1%. This rose in 2021 by 0.9%, signalling that despite efforts, women continue to be paid less than men.

In recent decades, women have increased their education, often reaching a more highly qualified status than men. Females extend their time studying for male dominated careers and yet the pay gap proceeds. It is estimated that it will take around 257 years to close the gap completely.

Civilization persists to view women as “weaker” than men purely as a result of the deeply rooted inequalities in society.

Despite careers with banded pay scales such as those within the NHS, men are still likely to finish on higher wages due to increased promotion opportunities, unhindered by the need to take career gaps for pregnancy and raising a family. Furthermore, there is prejudice when applying for positions because women of childbearing age are more likely to require maternity cover or a reduction in working hours for childcare purposes. Although illegal, these prejudices still take place with a 2021 poll finding 1 in 10 employers admitting reluctance to hire a woman they believe might soon start a family. Also, 1 in 5 HR managers admitting pregnancy and childhood negatively affects a woman’s chance of promotion.

Additionally, research by legal and general found that on average women’s pensions are half the size of men’s, continuing to see women suffer from this inequality well into retirement.

The average cost of living is starkly higher for women than men. Not only are women forced to purchase items such as sanitary products and cosmetics, but it has also been proven that they are frequently over charged for household services.

To fix this problem, we need to abolish the stereotypes of women being less able to succeed in male dominated professions. We can achieve this by creating sanctions for employers who discriminate against their female workers. Large companies should be encouraged to ensure that 50% of senior positions are held by women.

To conclude, I believe that gender discrimination is too great of an undiscussed subject, and we need to act now.