The Fight for Women's Rights

The Fight for Women's Rights

In the Western world, the fight for women's equality and freedoms has wielded significant progress in female economic, social, sexual and political rights. In the developing world, however, women are still fundamentally disadvantaged and suffer from an unequal position in society - they have less power, money, protection from violence and access to healthcare and education.

Fast facts on the plight of women in developing countries:

- Women in poor countries grow over 60% of the food, but own less than 1% of the land.
- Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours but earn only a tenth of its income.
- Every minute, a woman dies of pregnancy complications and 99% of maternal deaths occur in developing countries.
- 45 million girls are currently denied an education.

In the developing world, women are more likely to live in poverty simply because they are women. This is not naturally predetermined. Women in the Western world have achieved change and equality, and women in the developing world also have the power to effect change and secure their rights. The Western world also has a responsibility to help ensure that women all around the world share basic human rights and equal access to health, education, food and housing as well as social, political and sexual rights.

Making this change a reality, however, requires an understanding of the challenges women face.

The disadvantages facing women today

Social: Socially, women in developing countries hold the lowest socioeconomic status which impinges on their access to a number of health, food and community services.

Sexual: In some countries, up to 30% of women report that their first sexual experience was coerced or forced. This violence and sexual assault robs women of their choices and the control over their own lives. Furthermore HIV, AIDS and violence against women are inextricably linked, and in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, rape is routinely used as a weapon of war. In other areas such as Ethiopia, there is also a low awareness of the dangers of female genital mutilation.

Political: Women in developing countries enjoy little to no political representation. As such, it is uncommon for policy to be aimed at correcting injustices or enacting laws essential to securing women's rights.

Economically: Due to the low social status of women, and their lack of access to education, food and other services, it is difficult for women in the developing world to gain economic independence. 70% of the world's poorest people are women.

What can be done to help?

There are a number of charities and aid organisations that are dedicated to fighting for women's rights and improving their situation in the developing world. ActionAid Australia, for example, works with women and girls to challenge blatant discrimination in law, policy and decision making, as well as hidden forms of discrimination embedded in culture and tradition. There are a number of initiatives to get involved with, whether you give your time or money. Alternatively, you can give young girls a helping hand by getting involved in child sponsorship programs.The Fight for Women's Rights - Tobecool General Business - Directory Seo - Business Directory