Gender equality
This topic reveals what gender equality means and how gender roles are projected to our social reality
Gender equality
Gender equality therefore does not only refer to women and men but also institutions, language, culture and other parts of the society. Gender equality reflects the situation in which an individual is.
Story - Example
George is a teacher in his forties, presently on parental leave, whose wife works at a bank.
If political support is targeted only at "women" and "men", it may happen that the measures for reconciling work and family will only be set for mothers, as well as other benefits. In such a case George would not receive the support he needs.
Although in terms of Gender George is a man, his living situation in terms of work and family is Gender bound by care which is largely carried out by women.
Therefore, Gender equality and equality of women, are not the same phenomenon. Entire segments of the economy may even be Gender disadvantaged, perceived as female - education, healthcare, social services, etc.
Questions to reflect on
- Which occupations are perceived as masculine and feminine?
- Which occupations are considered prestigious - female or male?
- In which occupations do people earn more - Those generally associated with men or those generally associated with women?
Gender equality is often wrongly interchanged with equality of women and men or equal opportunities.
More on the meaning of these terms: Annex 2
Gender equality means a situation in which someone´s Sex, or if someone performs "male" (a policeman) or "female" (nurse) work, has absolutely no impact on his / her life situation – similarly to how the colour of our eyes has no impact on our income, status, education and prestige.