Chronology Of Discrimination Against Women – OpEd
The discrimination against women has deep historical roots and is shaped by various social, cultural, religious, and economic factors:
a. Historical Roots:
Patriarchal Societies: In many ancient societies, social and family structures were patriarchal, where men held primary power and authority. This system placed women in subordinate roles, often limiting them to domestic duties such as child-rearing, housekeeping, and caregiving. The status of women was often tied to their reproductive roles, reducing their value outside of the home.
Ancient Greece and Rome: Women had limited rights in ancient Greek and Roman societies. They were often excluded from political life and had limited legal rights. Marriage was primarily seen as a transaction to transfer property and continue family lineages.
Feudal Systems: During the medieval period in Europe and Asia, women’s roles were confined largely to the household and were seen as extensions of male authority—whether that be a father, brother, or husband. They were excluded from leadership, land ownership, and education.
b. Religious and Cultural Factors:
Religious Doctrines: Many major world religions have historically interpreted sacred texts in ways that justified the subordination of women. Hinduism and Buddhism: In South Asia, traditional interpretations of Hinduism have often placed women in roles centered around marriage and family, while religious laws sometimes restricted their autonomy (such as in the laws of Manu). Similarly, in some interpretations of Buddhism, despite the Buddha’s teachings on equality, social norms kept women in more restricted roles over time.
Confucianism: In Confucian societies, family structures and societal roles were heavily gendered, with women expected to submit to their fathers, husbands, and sons.
c. Economic Structures:
Industrialization: With the advent of industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries, women were often confined to low-wage, labour-intensive jobs in factories or domestic service. Although some women entered the workforce, they were paid significantly less than men, and their opportunities for advancement were limited. This was justified by the belief that women were naturally suited to certain kinds of work (e.g., caregiving and textile work). Over time, these systems reinforced each other, institutionalizing gender inequality. However, through movements for women’s rights and gender equality, many of these discriminatory practices are being challenged and transformed in various parts of the world.
Forms of discrimination
Discriminatory social institutions are structures, practices, and norms that limit or control women’s rights, opportunities, and access to resources, perpetuating inequality and injustice based on gender. These institutions can manifest in various forms, including legal frameworks, cultural practices, and informal social norms. The key areas where discriminatory social institutions affect women include:
a. Legal and Policy Frameworks:
Inheritance Laws: In some countries, women have limited or no rights to inherit property, which restricts their financial independence and security.
Divorce and Custody Laws: Discriminatory divorce laws can favour men over women, particularly in matters of child custody or financial settlements.
Citizenship Rights: Some nations deny women the right to pass on citizenship to their children or spouses, a privilege often reserved for men.
b. Economic Discrimination
Wage Gap: Women, on average, earn less than men for the same work, perpetuating economic inequality. Access to Credit and Property: Cultural and legal restrictions may limit women’s ability to own land or access loans, hindering entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Employment Opportunities: Gender biases in hiring, promotion, and job assignments are common, often relegating women to lower-paying and less prestigious roles.
c. Social Norms and Practices:
Patriarchy: Many societies operate under patriarchal norms that prioritize male authority and decision-making in family, community, and politics.
Son Preference: In some cultures, there is a strong preference for male children, leading to practices like sex-selective abortion or neglect of girls.
Violence Against Women: Social acceptance of domestic violence, dowry practices, and honour killings are examples of deeply entrenched discriminatory norms.
d. Education and Health:
Education Access: In some regions, girls face barriers to education, such as early marriage, lack of resources, or social expectations that prioritize boys’ education.
Reproductive Rights: Women’s control over their reproductive health is often restricted through laws or social norms that limit access to contraception, safe abortions, or comprehensive healthcare.
e. Cultural and Religious Practices:
Dress Codes: Religious or cultural norms may impose strict dress codes on women, restricting their freedom of expression and movement.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): In some communities, harmful cultural practices like FGM continue to affect women and girls, with long-term physical and psychological consequences.
Early and Forced Marriage: Child marriage is still practiced in many regions, often curtailing girls’ education and economic potential.
Addressing these institutionalized forms of discrimination requires coordinated efforts from governments, civil society, and international organizations.
Safety measures
Safety measures to protect women from discrimination focus on legal, institutional, social, and cultural changes. These measures aim to prevent gender-based discrimination in various areas such as the workplace, education, healthcare, and society at large.
a. Legal Protections:
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Governments should enact and enforce laws that explicitly prohibit gender-based discrimination in employment, education, politics, and other public spheres. These laws must be comprehensive and cover both direct and indirect discrimination.
Equal Pay Laws: Enforce laws ensuring women receive equal pay for equal work to close the gender wage gap. Sexual Harassment Laws: Establish and enforce laws that criminalize sexual harassment and provide safe avenues for women to report harassment without fear of retaliation.
Anti-Domestic Violence Laws: Implement strict laws against domestic violence, including provisions for restraining orders, shelters, and support for victims.
b. Educational Measures:
Promote Gender Equality in Schools: Education systems should be designed to promote gender equality by including gender-sensitive curricula that challenge stereotypes and promote respect for both boys and girls. Teachers should receive training to create gender-inclusive classrooms and promote equal participation.
Awareness and Training Programs: Gender Sensitization Programs: Conduct training and awareness programs for public officials, law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and employers to promote gender sensitivity and challenge discriminatory attitudes.
Life Skills Education: Implement educational programs that teach young girls life skills, self-confidence, and the knowledge to recognize and challenge discrimination and harassment.
c. Economic Empowerment:
Access to Finance and Resources: Provide women with equal access to financial services, credit, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Women’s economic empowerment can be achieved through microfinance programs, skills training, and incentives for women-owned businesses.
Job Creation and Skills Development: Governments and NGOs should prioritize job creation and skills development programs that target women, especially in industries where they are underrepresented.
d. Healthcare and Reproductive Rights:
Access to Reproductive Healthcare: Ensure that women have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including contraception, safe abortions, and maternity care. This allows women to make informed choices about their bodies and reproductive health.
To effectively combat discrimination against women, a multi-pronged approach that involves legal, institutional, and cultural measures is necessary.
