Gender equality is that condition that is achieved when individuals belonging to all genders receive equal opportunities, access to resources, and fair treatment in society. Even today, the world is still marching towards achieving gender equality. The United Nations has listed achieving gender equality as one of its sustainable development goals and recognizes gender equality as ‘not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.’ In most parts of the world, regressive patriarchal institutions posit challenges to the achievement of gender equality. Understanding the far-reaching benefits of gender equality will assist one in gauging the need to continue to struggle for gender equality in our world.
Read on to discover what the benefits of gender equality are:
1. Ensures Dignified Existence to every Individual:
Gender equality is pivotal in ensuring dignified existence for all. Financial independence, a key factor determining dignified survival in a society, can be procured only through equal opportunities for education and job. According to UNICEF, around 1 in 4 girls between 15-19 years of age are not getting any education or training. Such discrimination in the early stages of life will later push them into the webs of human trafficking or into marriages as dependent on their spouse. Such a marriage robs them of individual existence and equal say in the relationship and leaves them with no option to quit the relationship if it turns abusive or meaningless. Gender equality, which ensures equal opportunities for all genders, will foster healthier relations founded on mutual respect and independence.
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2. Provides a Boost in the Economy:
Equal opportunities for men and women in the job sector can do wonders for a country’s economy. It will reduce the poverty rate and also bring in a significant increase in the country’s GDP. Converting the bulk of unpaid work women in a country do on a daily basis into paid labor will provide an unmatched economic boost. Studies have shown that businesses with at least 30% women in leadership positions are 15% more profitable. Ensuring that women are considered for leadership roles will hence benefit the firms as well.
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3. Offers better Productivity:
A gender-diverse workplace is certainly a more productive one. With an increased workforce that constitutes both men and women, firms will have a plethora of human resources and varied ideas at their disposal. This will result in better productivity and hence better business outcome.
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4. Curbs violence against Women and Children:
Lack of provision to fend for oneself is the key reason why women and children suffer violence against them. Most of this violence occurs within the confines of the households where women are trapped independently of the perpetrator of violence. They often do not have the resources to seek help for themselves and their children. Gender equality promises these provisions to all individuals and offers opportunities to attain independence. Ensuring gender equality is thus crucial in fighting the rising violence against women and children.
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5. Fosters Happier Relationships:
Relationships turn sour when disparity finds its way into one’s personal life as well. Unequal sharing of household chores often steals away time from a woman’s paid working hours and hence increases the already prevalent huge pay gap between men and women. Gender equality would dismantle such sexist division of labor and would encourage men and women to share household chores and find a work-life balance that works for them. This would foster happier relationships and thereby happier homes.
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6. Ensures better Childhoods:
Growing up in a home that is ground for gender violence will have a grave impact on children. Most often, the violence is extended towards them as well. Mothers who are not empowered will not be able to protect their children from such violent onslaughts. Gender equality would grant women reproductive rights and this will ensure them the choice to bring children into this world only if they are sure that they will be able to provide for and protect them. Mothers who are independent will be able to ensure better childhoods for the children of a nation.
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7. Breaks stereotypes:
It is a common misconception that gender equality snatches away power from men and hands it over to women. Gender equality places both men and women on an equal plane and views them as individuals with equal potential. Men too have benefits to be gained by ensuring gender equality. Men will no longer have to reel under the pressure of living up to the image of the protector and provider. The stereotypes of toxic masculinity will be broken and unrestrained expression of emotions and vulnerability will be made possible. This will ensure healthier existence for men, just as it would for women.
Obtaining gender equality is thus an urgent need for modern society. The days of gendered violence and discrimination should be well behind us. Personality grooming classes offered by top soft skills coach will invariably address the need to understand the relevance and benefits of gender equality in our society.