This is due to many factors, including stereotypes that have reinforced images of women as weaker and less competent than men for centuries, as well as laws and regulations that often exclude women from public and political life.
In some societies, gender inequality can manifest itself in the opposite direction, where men may face discrimination based on their gender. For example, this may be due to discrimination against men in traditionally female occupations, such as childcare or teaching professions, or the lack of paternal rights in some societies.
However, despite the fact that gender inequality can manifest itself in many ways, in general, women in the world still face a wider range of discrimination and restrictions related to their gender.
Why does it happen that gender discrimination affects women and not men on a massive scale?
Gender discrimination against women is the result of many historical, social, cultural and economic factors. For centuries, women in various societies have been deprived of the rights, freedoms and opportunities that were taken for granted by men. This has resulted in women facing a wide range of gender-based discrimination and restrictions.
Some of the factors that may explain why women experience gender discrimination more than men include:
- Stereotypes about women: In many societies, women face prejudices and stereotypes that they are less competent, more emotional, and weaker than men. These stereotypes can lead to women being denied access to the resources, opportunities and privileges that are available to men.
- Role Distribution in the Family: In many societies, families expect women to take care of children and household chores, which can limit their access to education, work, and career opportunities.
- Discrimination in the workplace: Women often face discrimination in the workplace, including low pay, limited access to leadership and promotions, and sexual harassment.
- Discriminatory laws and policies: In some societies, laws and policies may discriminate against women, for example by prohibiting women from working in certain industries or restricting their rights to inheritance or divorce.
Although the situation in society is changing, and women are getting more opportunities and freedoms, many of these problems still exist, and this makes gender discrimination an acute problem in modern society.
A woman who does not know her rights – who benefits from it and why?
A woman who does not know her rights becomes vulnerable different forms of discrimination and violations of rights. She may be exploited at work, raped or beaten in the family, restricted from access to education and health care, etc.
This position is beneficial to those who want to maintain their power and control over other people, using various forms of manipulation and violence. Women who do not know their rights can more easily submit to this control and become an object of exploitation.
Also, not knowing her rights, a woman may not know how to access justice and protect her rights. This may result in her not being able to obtain justice and protection from violence or discrimination.
Therefore, it is important that women have access to information about their rights and ways to protect so that they can protect their interests and fight for justice.
Examples of matriarchy
Matriarchy is a socio-economic system in which women play a major role in the social, economic and political life of society. There are very few historical examples of pure matriarchy, since most societies were organized along the lines of patriarchy. However, there are communities and cultures where women have had significant influence and authority.
Some researchers find signs of matriarchy in the societies of the Indians of the Amazon, where women ruled the community and played a major role in decision-making. Also, some scholars consider the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia, as an example of a community where women have significant influence. In this society, inheritance, political and economic power are transferred through the female line.
Some cultures in Africa and India also had and still have matriarchal elements. For example, in the Mosu culture in China, women have a dominant position, and in the Ashanka culture in Ghana, women play a key role in the economy and politics.
Despite the fact that real examples of pure matriarchy are hard to find, research into various cultural and social forms shows that matriarchy can take many forms and gradations.
