She Strengthens

Breaking Down Barriers: The Unfinished Journey to Equal Opportunities

The concept of opportunity is often defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to achieve something. For women, the question remains: are they truly getting equal opportunities in today’s world? While significant progress has been made, the answer is still a resounding no.

A New Era for Women

Historically, women have been marginalized and excluded from society. However, times are changing. The rise of women’s empowerment groups and shifting mindsets have led to more inclusive policies in the workplace. Firms are now actively addressing issues of gender inequality, equal pay, and harassment. These efforts have paved the way for more women to enter the workforce and compete on an equal footing with men.

The Problem of Normalization

Despite these advances, women are still not considered equal to men. The normalization of inequality is a significant barrier to overcome. Women may be more prominent in the workplace, and some may even earn higher salaries than their male counterparts. However, this does not mean that every woman has equal opportunities. The day when women are no longer seen as “something else” compared to men is the day when true equality will be achieved.

Significant Progress, but Discrimination Remains

Recent high-profile cases have exposed the persistence of discrimination in the workplace. People still believe that women are not equal to men in various ways. When women are given equal pay, it is often seen as a concession rather than a fundamental right. A scenario where women have equal opportunities should be the norm, not a utopian aspiration.

Empowering Women to Succeed

Notable women like Sheryl Sandberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Janet Yellen have risen to powerful positions, demonstrating that women can serve in equal capacities as men. To get more women on board, we need to instill in them the qualities and character traits necessary for success. These include making smart financial decisions, pursuing entrepreneurial actions, and being able to manage personal and professional lives.

Are We on the Right Track?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. The United States has slipped down in the gender equality rankings, from 23rd in 2006 to 45th in 2016. While we have made progress in education, we have plummeted in economic participation and opportunity. This trend shows that while we have made universities more welcoming, we are on the wrong side of the road when it comes to considering women as equals in the workplace.

A Call to Action

The time might be right, but circumstances certainly aren’t. We need to empower women and encourage them to dream big. It’s only women themselves who can prove that they are worthy of equality. The time is perfect to achieve that and make the circumstances right for future generations to come and live in a world free of discrimination.