Which problem caused by gender inequality is the most urgent to fix in my country?
This post was written by a student. It has not been fact checked or edited.
"Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose , just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can't be what you can't see." - Sally Ride , the first American women in space.
Imagine a world where half of it's population is held back , not because of talent, but because of gender. Unfortunately this is the reality in many countries, including mine. If we don't fix this, we are not just failing woman, we are failing the society.
I believe the most urgent gender inequality issue to fix is the lack of equal opportunites in education and careers. Why? Because education is power and careers shape the future. If the women are denied to have access to the best education and leadership roles, then we would be losing brilliant scientists, CEO's , astronauts and innovators who could change the world.
One inspiring real life example is Kalpana Chawla,India's first women in space. She faced numerous barriers, but she refused to let gender stereotypes hold her back. She worked hard, earned degrees in aeronautical engineering, and became an astronaut despite all the odds. Her journey proves that when opportunities are given, women can reach the stars, literally.
However many women are still denied to these opportunities. A shocking fact is that women make up less than 30% of STEM workers worldwide. Not because they are less capable, but because they are often discouraged from pursuing these fields. Gender biases, lack of mentorship and outdated stereotypes that tell young girls that science and leadership are not meant for them. If this does not change, then we are robbing the world of progress and innovation.
Another urgent issue is the gender pay gap and the lack of women in leadership. Even when the women work just as hard as men , they earn around 20% less on average. The worst thing is that only a small percentage of women hold executive positions in major companies. Research shows that companies with more women in leadership perform better financially, yet most of them are often dominated by men.
Some people argue that women already have equal opportunities than before. However this argument ignores the hidden barriers that women still face. Studies shows that women are less likely to be promoted, even when they perform at the same level as men. This proves that the problem is not women's ability but the system itself. True equality means not just opening the door, but ensuring that women are given the same chance to walk through them.
Fixing gender inequality in education and careers is not just a women issue , it's a global issue. A country that limits half of its population is a country limits its own future. As Sally Ride said "You can't be what you can't see." If we want a better world, we must ensure that every girl can see her future without limits. It's time to break barriers, not dreams.
Comments (3)
Your words have really resonated deeply with me. Sally Ride and Kalpana Chawla's legacies remind us that visibility is transformative, when girls see women shattering ceilings, they begin changing their own trajectories, their destinies. You are absolutely, denying women equal access to education and leadership isn't just injustice; it's self-sabotage for societies.
The STEM disparity is particularly alring to me. When cultural narratives frame science or leadership as "masculine," we silence half the world's potential. Malala Yousafzai's fight for girls' education shows this truth blatantly: knowledge IS liberation. But even when women break into these fields, biases continue persisting. Things like the motherhood penalty or the extreme confidence gap where women are socialized to downplay their achievements.
The pay gap and leadership issues aren't just stats: they are the symptoms of a bygone system that undervalues women's labor. Consider Rosalind Franklin, whose DNA research was overshadowed for decades proves that bias erases contributions of any kind
To those who believe inequality doesn't exist: data doesn't lie. Women's unpaid work totals $10.8 trillion annually (Oxfam) and COVID-19 pushed women out of careers far more than men. True equality requires active allyship. Men must bridge the gap and women must cross that gap. Media must normalize women in power.
As you said, this isn't a "women's issue", it's an issue for all of humanity. Every girl denied education is a dream lost. Let's ensure the next generation grows in a place where all are treated equal.
Your words are really fascinating. Gender inequality is a global issue that needs to be urgently fixed. This issue has impacted negatively on the lives of people in different countries. I totally think women should be allowed to do anything they want to do just like men. Girls need to learn to stand strong as they grow up to be women and they shouldn't let anyone look down on them.
THANK YOU.🙏
Ah, I see! In Egypt, the gender inequality issue is still a major challenge, especially in terms of education and career opportunities for women. Many girls grow up with limited options because society often tells them that certain jobs or paths are just "for men." This is so unfair because, just like in any other part of the world, Egyptian girls have the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to, whether it's becoming a scientist, an artist, a CEO, or even a president.
The situation is especially critical when you think about how many women are excluded from leadership roles and higher-paying jobs. Women often face barriers, like traditional views and stereotypes, that make it harder for them to succeed, even if they are just as qualified as men. In Egypt, like in many other countries, there’s also a huge gap in pay between men and women, even though women work just as hard, if not harder. This is a problem because it not only affects the women but also the entire economy and society as a whole.
I believe that if we want Egypt to grow and thrive, we need to ensure that women have the same opportunities as men to learn, work, and lead. The more women we have in positions of power and innovation, the better it will be for the whole country. We can't afford to hold back half of the population, especially when their contributions can help shape a brighter future.
What if empowering women is the secret to Egypt’s future success?