Gender is a situation in which people have a specific gender are looked down upon or not treated equally and/or are treated disadvantageously. Gender discrimination comes in many different ways and varying degrees.

It may include sexual harassment, gender-based violence, restricted access to education, lower decision-making opportunities even those affecting their lives.

When we talk about gender discrimination, everyone thinks it's towards women. That's true but men are also victims of gender discrimination. This is a long-standing issue that is rooted in the cultural norms of many societies.

"Gender inequality is discrimination based on sex or gender causing one gender to be routinely privileged or prioritized over another."( Save the child organization). It begins from childhood, boys and girls face unequal gender and social norms regarding expectation and access to sources and opportunities which have lifelong consequences in schools and at home.

Gender discrimination is caused by various situations

1Gender norms

This is like social gender roles and expectations. It's how people of a particular gender are expected in a given context to perform certain roles. For example, girls are expected to perform hold household chores even at the expense of their education and boys should provide for their families even at a very young age.

Norms are more like mindsets, how society determines the difference and values between men and women. This delays the significant strides made toward gender equality.

2Lack of legislation protecting them

According to research from World Bank, more than 1.4 billion women lack legal protection against their basic human rights like domestic economic violence and domestic physical violence.

Economic abuse entails controlling a woman's ability to access economic resources like money and education. A lot of countries lack proper laws protecting the plight of women and if any, it's not implemented. Insecurities are faced by women on daily basis, for example, either enduring sexual harassment at work or quitting altogether forcing them to make hard decisions that affect their lives.

3Religion

Religion is a tricky facet of human existence. Religion has this undeniable grip on human beings. Many societies have different religious affiliations but what is perplexing is their unanimous agreement on the place of women in society.

How they should relate to men. Most of these religions limit women under men and completely inconvenience them and convince them that they should do otherwise. It's like a moral code, an ethical responsibility. The denial of religious freedom contributes to gender inequality throughout the world.

4Social hostilities

You will not believe how harsh society can be when the expected norm is violated. Some countries even have this illegal activity in their constitutions.

The case of Amira Osman Hamed from Sudan is a prime example of societal hostilities supported by a government that spending growth. She was facing a court trial for not wearing a hijab in public. She was charged with violating a Sudanese law that says

"Whoever does in a public place an indecent act or an act contrary to public morals or wears an obscene outfit or contrary to public morals annoying public feelings, shall be punished with flogging which may not exceed 40 lashes or with fine or with both."

These harsh reality forces many to conform even if it's definitely against their wishes. Many other laws across many societies restrict the economic, political, and even medical care rights and freedoms of women.

Examples of gender inequalities inequalities

1Education

It's known knowledge across many societies that boys have a better chance of an education n than girls. Boys since childhood are prepared for school and working life while girls are burdened with household responsibilities and conditions to prepare to look after their families. Other societal issues like conflict, poverty, and pandemics magnify the inequalities.

"Girls living in conflict-affected areas are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys" according to to save the children organization. Around the world, women still have less access to education. Women make up around 2/3 of the world's illiterate.

2Health Access

Women have little rights and autonomy over their bodies. Women do not have access to contraceptives which in turn translates to no control over their birth rates. Additionally, a lot of religious beliefs or cultural constraints strongly disagree with child control methods. Women all over the world receive poor medical care than men and most are excused as hormonal imbalances or other lame excuses.

The fact that most doctors are men does not help the situation at all. Other cumulative factors like poverty, lack of education, ignorance, and lack of well-being jobs contribute to poor access to quality healthcare among women.

3Employment discrimination

Most economists give women 3/4 of the rights of men. To this day, most societies believe that men are simply better equipped to handle certain jobs. It's inherent in people, rooted in traditional gender roles. It's way harder for women to get employment and when they do, it's low-paying jobs with no prospect of improvement.

The ILO- Gallup survey from 2016, revealed that there are still many people who believe it is unacceptable for a woman to have a paid job outside the home. 20% of men and 14% of women globally to be exact. Many women reported that their immediate family disapproves of their decision to work outside the homes.

Title VII of the rights act of 1964, makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against you based on your sex race color religion, or national origin.

Barriers to gender equality

1Lack of female leaders

From presidents to the least leadership roles across all societies, women are underrepresented and the few t the top face the hardest time representing the rest of the women. An example is a democratic parliamentary where the majority wins, women stand no chance.

2Lack of flexible work practices

Most employers value quantity over quality. They demand a lot of working hours from women and this deters their progress since they are also expected to look after their children and homes.

3Gender stereotypes

Many individuals still believe that some jobs are not meant for certain genders, that a certain gender is just well-suited more than the other.

4Lack of support

Women mostly face a lot of mental health challenges because of the many battles they fight daily. They have to juggle work and home responsibilities. This puts a toll on their self-esteem and confidence.