So what can we anticipate from a society without discrimination? Simply put: equality. But equality does not equate to equality between men and women. It doesn’t imply that women should work harder to behave, think, or appear more like males. The first female director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Bernadine Healy, explains that if women accept it, “then everything else becomes men are the normal standard of behaviour in the world outside of the home.” Men are the norm outside of maternal conduct. And I believe that has consequences that have flowed through schooling and the marginalisation of women. Due to the fact that neither men nor women can ever be expected to play that game. Therefore, acknowledging that women are different was part of even the women’s health movement, in my opinion. Different. Equal though This does not imply that all men or all women should behave in the same manner. Instead, it implies that regardless of whether they fit into preconceived notions, women’s thoughts, opinions, and experiences should be valued equally with those of males. Additionally, doing the “wise” thing is equally as important as doing the “right” thing. Women are increasingly the force behind global economic growth. Since 1980, there are now two positions held by women for every one held by a man. And more than either new technology or the emerging superpowers, India and China, their entry into the workforce has boosted the world economy. In addition, when you factor in the value of household duties, child care, and other domestic responsibilities, women likely produce more than half of the world’s output. But women do more than just work. They play a bigger role as directors, managers, consumers, investors, and businesspeople. The Fortune 500 businesses with the largest representation of women on their boards outperformed the rest financially, according to a new research by Catalyst, an organisation that analyses women in business. Companies with the most female board members saw a return on equity that was 53% higher, a return on sales that was 42% higher, and a return on invested capital that was 66% higher when compared to those with the fewest female board members. Additionally, the results held true across the majority of businesses, from consumer goods to computer technology. Why? Companies who are open to looking beyond the conventional (read: white and male) labour pool are discovering a sizable and expanding pool of talent, among other things. Currently, women hold nearly half of all doctoral, law, and medical degrees, as well as 60 percent of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Women are especially qualified to contribute in a market that prioritises innovative ideas above brute strength as the world evolves. The majority of consumers are already women, and their spending power is increasing. Nearly half of the workforce is made up of women, and between 1990 and 2003, their median income increased by 25.6%, compared to men’s growth of 8.1%. By 2010, women will own $12 trillion, or more than half of America’s wealth, predict BusinessWeek and Gallup. It was obvious that women lacked the mental acuity and emotional stamina necessary for leadership decisions. It wasn’t because of racism; rather, it was a result of the biological makeup of women. It was then, though. Ideas and attitudes have rapidly evolved in recent decades. However, this does not imply that every region of the globe has embraced women transitioning from a traditional and private life to a modern one. But they have moved. What has thus changed? A lot. Empowering women improves situations, as demonstrated by a sizable and expanding body of study and experience. Not flawless. Better though. The economy is more lucrative. More people are represented by governments. Communities are healthier, and families are stronger. Less violence means more stability, peace, and sustainability. Why? Well, it all starts with the reality that women frequently have different life experiences. And that experience has an impact on how we see challenges and formulate solutions. Christine Lagarde, executive director of the International Monetary Fund, asserts that diversity is unquestionably a strength. “Diversity allows for a variety of perspectives on the world, analyses of problems, and suggestions for remedies. The very fact that there is variation broadens the mind’s perspective and enhances critical thinking.” Men and women alike frequently comment on how women interact differently, how they listen, promote discussion, and create consensus. Additionally, research demonstrates that women lead differently than men. In today’s less hierarchical, quick-paced, innovation-driven society, they are more likely to be collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented, all qualities that tend to be productive. As the US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano puts it, “I believe it’s fair to say that women are a bit more collaborative in their approach generally, and a little less motivated to conflict as opposed to driven to working out problems.” Women also offer an intergenerational perspective to their profession, according to Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland. “We need to make choices today that will create a safer environment for our grandchildren and their grandchildren, and I believe that women are more likely to accomplish so when they assume leadership roles.” It is crucial to acknowledge the unique talents and skills that men and women offer to public life. Too long have women been expected to act and think like men in order to achieve. However, rather than being viewed as a flaw to be overcome, their distinctions are now more often considered as a source of strength. The first female speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, advises women to be authentic. “The only person who can offer your particular contribution is you. Be yourself; your strength is in your genuineness.” This is not to imply there aren’t challenges; there certainly are. Women have long been subject to discrimination. Numerous studies have revealed that their achievements are marginally undervalued and that they have a smaller margin of error. Sometimes it’s women who hold themselves back; they don’t recognise their own worth, don’t put themselves forward for leadership positions, and don’t demand higher pay. The advantages of empowering women are evident despite these persisting difficulties. Global economic growth is being driven by women.
