Women have more economical influence as well as political and social power now than they have at any point in history, however that is still not enough. According to a 2007 UNICEF study women around the world "perform 66% of the world’s work, produce 50% of the food, but earn 10% of the income and own 1% of the property."
The Battle is Not Yet Over for Women's Rights
There are many rights already won for Western women: the right to own property (as opposed to being her husband's or father's property); the right to vote; the right to make choices about reproduction.
However, even in the US and Europe, that does not guarantee equal pay for equal work; adequate childcare for dual income families or single moms; or that women feel confident in making financial decisions and wielding their own economic influence.
Worldwide, women still make up the majority of the poor, and many of them are single mothers. In her book, Influence, Maddy Dychtwald writes about a coalition begun by six of the seven female winners of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Their manifesto states: "No country or society can claim to be democratic when the women who form half its citizens are denied their right to life, to their human rights and entitlements and to safety and security. Despite this, we women have made extraordinary efforts to democratize the institutions of society that frame our lives and the well-being of all humanity – the family, the community, clan tribe, ethnic or religious group, political, legal, economic, social, and culture structures, and the media and communications systems. We are in search of democracy that transforms not just our lives, but all society – and we will not be silenced until it is achieved in every part of the world.”
5 Ways Women Can Change the World
In addition to joining global causes like the one quoted above, Dychtwald notes in her book that there are many things that women can do to help support and grow the well-being of other women around the world.
- Foster financial knowledge, education and expertise for women and girls. In the course of her work, Dychtwald discovered that many women don't feel comfortable planning for their financial future, and don't feel confident making financial decisions. To that end, it's important not only that women take on their own education to improve their understanding and confidence in this area, but also that they try to teach others to do the same.
- Support paid family leave, paid sick leave and other family-friendly work policies and be sure to insist that affordable child care is a family issue, not a women’s issue. This action can be taken by calling or writing a state or federal legislator, or by working within the companies women work for to request policy updates.
- Run for office or support women who do. Economic influence will only be sustained if political influence is also engaged. Family-friendly policies, and other legal concerns that are special for women will only be addressed when there are women within the political system driving for change.
- Buy Fair Trade products, and support companies that help women to help themselves. Many companies are working to help those "performing 66% of the world's work" to earn fair wages and to become self-sufficient no matter where they are in the world. Women can exercise economic influence by purchasing products from these companies, and by investing in companies doing this important work.
- Mentor girls. Many women can help mentor girls via organizations like the Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, or 4-H. Girl Scouts gives girls important skills and confidence as well as leadership training. BBBS offers the chance to connect in a one-on-one relationship with a girl. In addition to rural and urban leadership skills, 4-H also sponsors projects globally to help women and children create sustainable sources of food and income for their communities and families.
The list above includes just a few examples of how women can change the world. There are countless other activities, charities, causes and avenues for women to take action.
Alicia King - Alicia King has been writing for Suite 101 since June of 2007. For over a year, she was the Featured Writer for the Suite section about ...
