Examples of inequality related to gender

Defining Gender Inequality

  • Gender inequality refers to the unequal opportunities, rights and benefits available to individuals based on their gender.

Inequalities in Education

  • Despite overall improvements, gender disparities in education still persist, with girls often outperforming boys in certain subjects, and boys overrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields.

  • Stereotyping within educational content can limit the scope of learning for both genders.

Inequalities in the Workplace

  • Gender pay gap refers to the consistent trend of men earning more than women, even when working the same jobs.

  • Women are more likely to be engaged in part-time work or be forced to take career breaks for child rearing, limiting their career progression and financial independence.

  • Women also face barriers to top leadership positions, a concept known as the glass ceiling.

Inequalities in Family Roles

  • Societal norms often allocate the majority of domestic tasks and child rearing to women, regardless of their employment status.

  • Men face stereotypes and stigmas related to paternity leave, which may discourage them from taking time off to care for their children.

Inequalities in Health

  • Gender roles and expectations can impact health behaviours, with men often discouraged from seeking help for mental health issues.

  • In some societies, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriages disproportionately harm women and girls’ health.

Inequalities in Violence and Harassment

  • Women face a significantly higher risk of experiencing sexual harassment and domestic violence.

  • Men often deal with violence-related risks and incidents, largely due to assertive masculine norms.

Cultural and Lifestyle Disparities

  • The objectification and sexualisation of women in media contributes to gender inequality by reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

  • Men facing pressure to adhere to masculine norms may feel unable to express their emotions openly, leading to mental health issues.

Gender and Power

  • Men continue to dominate many sectors, including political leadership and corporate boards, reducing women’s ability to influence decision making at all levels.

  • Predominant gender norms and values, privileging masculinity, contribute to lead and maintain gender inequality.