16 Surprising Inequality Challenges Women Still Encounter Even in Developed Countries
Even in the most developed countries, women still encounter very difficult problems. We all like to think that society has progressed and become more sensitive to women’s issues. However, looking at these common hurdles that women still face will shed some light on the reality of the world. These ongoing issues can be surprising and remind us that there’s always more to do, even in the most advanced, modern parts of the world. Check out these unexpected problems and challenges, and then consider ways we can assist.
Femicides
Unfortunately, femicides are still a massive problem in most developed countries. According to Guardian, homicide is the fourth case of death for girls aged 1 to 10 and the fifth cause of death for women aged 20 to 44. This problem also tends to be more accentuated in certain demographics. For instance, the same article by the Guardian specifies how Indigenous women in the US are six times more likely to die of homicide.
Abortion Rights
Abortion remains largely illegal in plenty of US states. From Alabama to Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana, plenty of American women don’t have access to this simple procedure in their own state of residence. The restrictive laws surrounding abortion access in these states not only limit reproductive rights but also disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and people of color, who face additional barriers to accessing healthcare services.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is another massive concern for plenty of women. While this is mandatory by law in most developed countries, the USA still lacks proper legislation forcing companies to give paid leave to their employees after birth. In contrast, in Denmark, maternity leave is a well-established system that typically allows mothers to take up to 52 weeks of paid leave, with the option for fathers to take a portion of this leave as well, ensuring both parents have the opportunity to bond with their newborn and support their family during this crucial time.
Sexual Harassment
Women are also more likely to be the victims of sexual harassment. According to data published by the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American citizen is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds and not surprisingly most of them are women.
Lack Of Role Models
Even though things are slowly changing in certain fields, such as in STEM, some fields remain largely male-dominated. Nowadays, it’s still challenging to find women in high positions in corporate America, meaning that young girls will have a tough time finding role models to follow and inspire them on their career paths.
No Representation
In several developed countries, the political scene remains vastly male-centric. This is a massive problem as it leads to female underrepresentation. This imbalance not only hampers progress toward gender equality but also perpetuates systemic biases that hinder the advancement of policies and initiatives addressing the diverse needs and perspectives of all citizens, regardless of gender.
Partner Violence
According to data published by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in seven women has been injured by her romantic partner. Unfortunately, domestic violence is also correlated with higher rates of depression and suicide.
Stalking
According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three women has been stalked at least once in her lifetime. Stalking tactics include following and watching someone against their will, using GPS technology to track a victim, and as well as sending unwanted texts, emails, and calls.
Maternity Mortality
Maternal mortality remains a concerning issue affecting thousands of women every year. According to National Public Radio, the US is now registering roughly 32.9 deaths per 100,000 births, even though a recent study suggests that the actual number may be closer to 10.4 deaths per 100,000 births.
Misogyny
In recent years, plenty of politicians have made the news for making controversial remarks. Who can forget the shocking statement by European Parliament member Janusz Korwin-Mikke, who in 2017 openly stated: “Women must earn less than men because they are weaker, they are smaller, they are less intelligent.”
Rape
Together with sexual harassment, rape continues to be one of the main challenges faced by women in 2024. According to data from the RAINN, one in six women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape.
Struggles at work
Women are also treated differently in the workplace. For instance, they may have fewer chances of getting hired if they say they hope to start a family one day, or they may be asked to wear more conservative clothes in the office.
Disregarded Opinions
Women’s opinions can sometimes be ignored simply because of their gender. This is particularly true in traditionally man-dominated fields, such as football and other sports, video games, or cars. This can be incredibly infuriating for women who always have to prove their knowledge in a certain field.
Cat Calling
Most women will also experience some form of catcalling throughout their lives. Unfortunately, young teenagers are also catcalled by men who are much older than them. The best weapon to fight this form of verbal abuse is simply to ignore the person.
Lower Salaries
Even in 2024, women still don’t earn as much as men. Forbes reports that women make about 16% less than men on average for the same work. The pay gap is even larger for women minorities within the United States. It is absurd that the work of a woman is still considered less valuable than the work of a man.
Access to Education
According to Unesco, women still account for 2/3 of the adult population that cannot read. Many countries prioritize education for men, keeping women in the home and stressing the importance of bearing children rather than formal education. Even in more modern countries, women may struggle to get an equal education. While the situation has improved over the years, with campaigns to enroll more girls in schools, it is still an area that needs to be improved.
