The Persistent Struggle for Gender Equality: International Commitments and Challenges

November 01, 2023

Here is the concise form of today’s Dawn e-paper article which is about gender inequality. This article is fruitful for the essay topic as well as those aspirants who opt Gender Studies as an optional subject. Here is the link to the parent article:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1785467

Introduction:

The issue of gender inequality, a global concern, transcends national borders and impacts various facets of life. Recognizing this pervasive discrimination, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) took a significant step by framing the Equal Remuneration Convention (C 100) in 1951. Subsequent conventions, including the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (C 111) in 1958, the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention (C 156) in 1981, and the Maternity Protection Convention (C 183) in 2000, further underscored the international community’s commitment to gender equality.

The UN’s Call for Action: A Necessary Foundation for Progress
Recently, the United Nations issued a poignant gender equality and women’s empowerment report, emphasizing the fundamental importance of gender equality as a human right and as the cornerstone for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Despite progress made in recent decades, the report lamented that the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. Women, constituting half of the global population, face persistent gender inequality, hindering social progress on a global scale.

International Commitments and the Reality on the Ground
C 100, a pivotal ILO convention, mandates member states to ensure equal remuneration for men and women workers performing work of equal value. However, a stark reality persists: women globally continue to earn 23 per cent less than men. Additionally, women disproportionately shoulder the burden of unpaid domestic and care work, spending three times as many hours as men on these responsibilities. This disparity underscores the challenges women face, balancing paid employment with domestic duties, reflecting a persistent gender gap in the workforce.

Pakistan’s Commitment and the Long Road Ahead
Pakistan, like many other nations, has ratified conventions such as C 111, committing to ensuring equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. Despite these commitments, achieving gender parity remains an ongoing struggle. Women, who work eight hours a day, are further burdened by household responsibilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive societal changes to address deeply entrenched gender norms.

Challenges of Gender Equality in the Workplace: Struggles and International Standards
The anecdote from the late 1970s highlights a pervasive issue faced by women in the workplace – the barriers imposed by gender stereotypes. Despite her qualifications and ambition, the woman applying for the operations manager position was denied the opportunity solely based on her gender. Such instances underscore the deeply ingrained biases that continue to hinder women’s progress in various industries.

Gender-Specific Jobs and Gender-Neutral Solutions
Certain job roles, such as industrial relations manager, are often perceived as gender-specific due to the nature of interactions, particularly during negotiations with labor unions. However, experiences suggest that the presence of women in negotiation teams can have a positive impact, promoting a more respectful atmosphere. Contrary to concerns, women’s participation tends to foster professionalism and discourage the use of inappropriate language.

International Standards and Protections
International labor conventions, including C 156 and C 183, play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of men and women workers with family responsibilities. C 156 emphasizes the importance of accommodating workers’ family obligations without compromising their pay or job security. This recognition is a significant step towards acknowledging the dual roles many individuals, especially women, undertake as caregivers and professionals. Furthermore, C 183 ensures the protection of pregnant or breastfeeding women, safeguarding their health and the well-being of their children by preventing them from engaging in work deemed detrimental.

The Urgency of Addressing Gender Inequality: A Call to Action
The pervasive issue of gender inequality continues to cast a shadow over our society, shaping the daily experiences of millions of women. Recent observations highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by women in Pakistan, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reform and societal change.

Barriers to Political Participation: Unregistered Women Voters
A glaring manifestation of gender discrimination lies in the fact that approximately 3.5 million eligible women voters are not registered on the electoral rolls. This exclusion denies them a fundamental democratic right, hindering their active participation in shaping the nation’s future.

Public Spaces: Fear, Harassment, and Safety Concerns
Women’s reluctance to venture outside their safety zones due to stares and harassment reflects the harsh realities they confront daily. Public spaces, which should be safe for all, become arenas of anxiety and discomfort for women, restricting their freedom and mobility.

International Obligations and National Challenges
Despite international conventions advocating for women’s rights, Pakistan’s struggle in enforcing these conventions remains evident. The nation grapples not only with the violation of women’s rights but also with the broader challenge of fostering an environment where women are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

Workplace Harassment: A Barrier to Employment and Advancement
Harassment at the workplace emerges as a significant barrier to women’s employment, retention, and advancement. It hampers their productivity, perpetuates a hostile work environment, and undermines their professional growth. Addressing this issue is pivotal in ensuring that women can pursue their careers without fear or impediment.

The UN’s Vision: Ambitious Goals and Collective Responsibility
The United Nations’ vision of achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2030 is indeed ambitious. However, this goal represents a vital aspiration for a more equitable world. While the task ahead may seem daunting, progress in dismantling key gender inequalities, especially in developing countries, would mark a significant achievement.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for Change
In conclusion, the urgency of addressing gender inequality demands a collective effort. It necessitates legislative reforms, educational initiatives, cultural shifts, and stringent enforcement of existing laws to create a society where women are treated as equals. By challenging discriminatory norms, fostering safe spaces, and empowering women economically and socially, Pakistan can pave the way for a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can live a life of dignity and opportunity. In light of these international standards, it is imperative for workplaces to challenge gender-specific norms and promote inclusivity. Encouraging women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated roles and ensuring family-friendly policies not only align with international conventions but also contribute to a more equitable and productive work environment. By breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and embracing diverse talents, workplaces can foster an atmosphere where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Difficult Words:
Pervasive: Prevalent or widespread, especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect.

Manifestation: An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea.

Hostile: Unfriendly; antagonistic.

Impediment: A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

Dismantling: The action or process of disassembling or taking apart a structure or system.

Credited :Farhan Khan