Gender Inequality

In our generation we take a lot for granted because we didn't see the hard-efforts of our predecessors. For example, equal pay. Women fought for the right to vote with everything they had, and eventually they gained the right to vote from 1918 onwards. Yet, it took another 52 years for women to be recognised in the workforce: until 1970, women across the country (and the world) were being paid less for the same work as men! And yes, this was 43 years ago. But has this mentality of sexism really changed?

A film which brought this to light was Made in Dagenham. Based on true events, it tells the story of the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strikes. Led by Rita O'Grady, alongside the support of her colleagues, this one group of people was able to lead the way to challenge Ford's payment policy and influence government policy.

Despite the introduction of Equal Pay Act 1970, women in some aspects still continue to earn less. 

"Average full-time gross weekly earnings for males increased from £365.70 in 1997 to £539.30 in 2010, while average full-time gross weekly earnings for females increased from £270.90 to £471.80 over this period"

Gender Equality Strategy Statistics: 2011 Update 

However, the film also demonstrates another underlying aspect of sexism. Rita's husband becomes frustrated with the situation (he had lost his job and becomes a stay-at-home-dad). At one point, he exclaimed to Rita how much of a good husband he was because he worked and did not get drunk every night nor hit her. Here, Rita beautifully replied how nothing less ought to be expected from a husband.

Yet, in the 21st century women across the world are still judged on their gender (click here for 10 extreme examples!)

But because the gender inequality gap has reduced, we are no longer as concerned by it. Although it has nearly been 100 years since women were given the right vote, we still live in a society that is gender driven. This is a disadvantage to both men and women in their personal and work lives.