2. Definition "A social order in which women and men share the same opportunities and the same constraints on full participation in both the economic and the domestic realm."
3. Here’s Some Background History On Gender Equality! The gender equality movement began with the first wave of feminism which occurred in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. This movement aimed towards over turning officially mandated gender inequalities. Can anyone guess the major one? The second wave of feminism lasted from the 1960’s-1980’s(late). This wave however focused on the social issues such as reproductive rights (abortion) and workplace rights The third wave is still occurring. It has been a response in the backlash arising from the second wave. This wave is purely just promoting the ideas of diversity & change
4. Gender Equality in Canada! More women have been elected into high ranking political positions. -Who knows who the first Canadian female PM? However, although there has been significant changes in some areas, there are still improvements to be made A 2010 report displayed a decline in women’s status in Canada since 2004. -Does this statistic seem real? -Do you find it in any way surprising? -Why do you think this is happening?
5. The Reasons! This trend is happening because of the: -eliminating of funding for advocacy groups, -denial of a national child care program, and -growing wage gaps between males & females *this gap was larger in 2001 (18.4%) compared to 1981 (15.6%)
6. Gender Equality Worldwide In Saudi Arabia, women face legal barriers. -men have the right to twice the inheritance than women -forced into travelling with male companions -prohibited from driving Regions such as Southern Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Western Asia still have large educational gaps between genders (primary and secondary) Over 60% of people worldwide who work without pay are women What is another major example worldwide?
7. The “YES” Argument! Fifteen years after the 54th session of the commission on the status of women, the United Nations discovered that great progress for gender inequality has failed around the world Women worldwide still do not have equal opportunities in recognizing their legal rights In many countries, women are not entitled to own property or inherit land, social exclusion, “honour” killings, female genital mutilation, trafficking, restricted mobility, early marriage, denial of rights to health which increases illness and death
8. The “NO” Argument! Huge progress, however, have been made in women’s voting rights. Bhutan, Lebanon Brunei, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Vatican City are the only places in which women are still not able to vote
9. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) CEDAW was almost universally ratified Since the signing, many countries have passed laws bringing women closer to equality (such as Morocco, India, Cameroon and Mexico) Women have also gained more parliamentary positions in Africa, notably Rwanda where half of the parliamentarians are women
11. Different Views! Anthropological - cultural views about gender have influenced many countries and this has led to their amount of, or lack of gender equality. Psychological – humans are taught certain gender ideals throughout their lives and this has led to the current status of gender around the world. Sociological – society has, throughout history, been extremely patriarchal which has influenced the power structure of many countries throughout the world.
12. Questions! Do you believe that complete gender equality can exist in Canada? In the rest of the world? What do you think could be done to close the gender gap? Do you think modern feminism is necessary in today’s society?
