Gender equality is one of the most highlighted topics more than the past. It is listed as one of the sustainable development goals in SDGs. In early March 2023, I had a chance to discuss the history of women for the last 50 years. Looking back at history, lots of women dedicated their lives to change society positively. Thanks to their contribution, the female position in society has been improved. However, in reality, it’s still a long way off in some countries and cultures. What have women been suffering? Let’s have a look with some examples and think together about what is the problem.
What have women overcome for past decades?
For the last decades, women’s position has been being evaluated gradually. Discrimination removed energy and hope from women, however, they overcame difficulty and became strong. To support those women, some great men encouraged and supported those brave women as well. However, others don’t. What have those men been exactly treated with women? Here are some examples of experiences from women who were born in 1970-1982. (Current age: 40-52)
In early 1990’s
In school entrance examination, a higher score was required to go to the same public school with men. For example, the total score of the exam is 500 points . For women, 400 points was needed whereas 370 points was enough for men. (Now, this matter has been solved.)
In late 1990’s
In an interview for a post graduate in a university, professors asked me, “You’ll give up marriage and dedicate to our university, right?”
early 50’s woman
Point: Most people believed that marriage was everything for women. (Stereotype against women)
In early 2000’s
In the job interview, the interviewer asked me, “Do you have plans to marry? Will you continue working after marriage, delivering a baby? Your boyfriend agree with your thoughts? Where is your home town? Will you go back there? ”
early 50’s women
- Point: It sounds like an examination in a police station. Interviewers don’t respect her privacy and human right.
- Point: People believed that women quit their jobs after marriage, pregnancy, and delivering a baby. (Stereotype against women)
In early 2000’s
When I started my career in the first company, the senior managers shouted, ignored, and bullied me.
late-40’s women
- Point: Senior members thought women could not do anything without instruction. (Stereotype against women)
- Point: Senior members thought that women with a high educational background lacked on-site skill. (Stereotype against women)
- Point: They thought that high status women look down on men. (Stereotype against women)
Comment: Whatever they bullied her, She tried to talk to them with a fair attitude. She provided all managers with a chance to speak up to C- level people as a moderator. Both the executive people and on-site manager learnt what was happening in the company. This communication helped to adjust the strategic direction for sales and to maintain a healthy workplace.
In 2010
One day, a customer called my boss and said, “Female sales representative came to our office. Do you look down on us?”
mid-40’s women
- Point: This customer didn’t complain about her work, but complained about her gender. (Discrimination)
- Point : Sales job was, so-call, male’s job in many industries at that time. (Stereotype against women)
Comment: Her boss explained carefully what this meant. Although she was shocked, her boss evaluated her work and supported her because her role was requested by the executive management team directly.
In 2010
When I went to study abroad in my 30’s, boss/co-workers around me said ironically, “You will throw away your career/marriage/life all, right? ”
mid-40’s women
- Point: It’s said that mid-30’s was the end as a woman. (Stereotype against women)
- Point: Most people disapproved of women who chose a different way from general railway. (Lack of diversification)
- Point: Traditional people tended to control younger women not to go away. (Human right matter. lack of diversification )
Comment: Nowadays, the 30’s are regarded as the younger generation. However, it was different at that time.
In 2013
When I looked for a job in 2013, a job interviewer asked me, “What were you doing outside of Japan?” I answered that it was to learn English language, culture and diversification, also to make connections globally. Then, their comment was “English is not important in Japan. How old are you? ”
late 40’s women
- Point: Asking age was still common at that time. (Privacy matter)
- Point: People judge women based on age.
- Point: Women who had a wide range of experiences was declined because they couldn’t control them. (Lack of diversification)
Comment: Individual and diversification should be accepted.
In 2017
When I worked at an international company, my success/skill/experiences/reputation was an obstacle for status/fame-oriented people. To protect their position, they didn’t evaluate me, they hid potential opportunities. In the end, low skill people got higher positions than me. I had to be level-down to talk with them. It was an unhealthy condition.
mid-40’s women
- Point: Gender equality issue is an international challenge.
- Point: Some people seriously don’t understand why women should be equal to men.
Comment: Some cultural and religious matters in some countries might have an impact on understanding. Gender equity should be introduced in an international workplace.
Why is gender equality required?
There are lots of stories about what happened for working women and how they overcame the difficulty. Men and Women are originally different creatures. Therefore, it might be difficult that everything is equal completely. However, at least, everyone should have the right. Those discrimination remove lots of energy and hope from talented women. Their striving, patience, tolerance led to cornerstone in current society. Their courage to share those experiences will be taken over to talented younger women.
One of the reasons why men don’t want to listen to women’s talking is the speaking skill issue. As you are aware, most women tend to speak longer and talk emotionally, sometimes. Speaking training might be helpful to improve this matter. Since women have menstruation every month, it’s sometimes out of control due to hormone balance.
Summary
In my case, demanding, complaining, bossy men led me to success if I think about the past positively. If they’d treated me properly, I would have followed them obediently. In other words, unfairness/discrimination turned me on and made me strong. How do you treat women around you? For younger people, do you think that those issues are old-fashioned and none of your business? It’s you who creates a new society for a better world. Think about what gender equality will bring you.
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